Spring Update 2021 — A Busy Season from a Gracious God
“For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you.” (Romans 15:24)
What have we been up to?
Travel, travel, travel. In our search for partnerships, God has been giving us more and more opportunities to present our ministry to local churches. During these visits we’ve been blessed to meet and get to know many believers we would have otherwise never met. As the summer approaches, we are prayerful that we can continue to schedule more meetings. We also look forward to spending a bit more time with family and the people of our church. Since February we’ve been in the Carolinas, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and just inside western Pennsylvania.
But what about during the week?
While we are on the road, we often get the opportunity to meet with pastors for coffee or lunch (or Zoom meetings). During these sit downs we get to learn about other likeminded ministries in our nation as well as tell them about our ministry plans for Japan. In addition to these meet-ups, Sierah and I are continuing to work on our education online.
Update on our educational endeavors
We’ve started doubling up classes! Starting this past Spring semester and going on into the summer, Sierah and I have doubled down on our SBTS and CCEF studies in order to ensure we get both finished before we leave for Japan next year. After my two classes this summer, I will be halfway done with my Master’s. After Sierah’s two classes, Sierah will receive her first of three counselling certifications!
A word about Japan right now
Many prefectures in Japan, including Tokyo, are closed right now due to reported Covid spikes. Pray for the Christians and pastors in these areas. When a Japanese governor decides to close down a prefecture—think stay-at-home orders and such—there is a lot of pressure on Japanese believers to not gather on the Lord’s day or in each other’s homes for fellowship. Many churches in Tokyo are struggling right now.
How can you pray for us?
1. Support levels: Right now, we are at 22% committed.
2. Education: Not just finances, but the discipline to take on our new workload well.Thank you for your faithfulness to pray and support us!
Grace and peace,
Joe and Sierah Pliska