“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – The Apostle Paul
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iUsW7kbitd2NI4MOykUJmlAuXC5o5ID0/view?usp=sharing
Dear partner in the gospel,
I hope that you and your loved ones are doing well in the Lord thus far in 2022! I am praying Paul’s prayer for the Philippians over you:
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)
As mentioned in my previous email, I was preparing to leave for Japan within the first ten days of February. However, my team received the news that Japan would extend its entry ban until the end of February. Though I was initially saddened by this news, I’d like to share how God has been working in my life recently.
On December 5th, I was asked to preach for an English ministry at a Korean church in Maryland. Till this point, the majority of my preaching had been catered for younger audiences, as I had only preached to adults for a handful of occasions. Thus I realized it would be difficult to transition to ministering to an older congregation in Japan. Through the opportunity to preach for this church in Maryland, I was deeply reminded of God’s sovereignty.
One of the desires that I had, for the time I had remaining in the States, was for God to use me to serve churches that, temporarily, needed help. I happily agreed to preach at this church in Maryland on 12/5/21, and while I was there, the senior pastor and his wife asked me to preach on a weekly basis before leaving for Japan. With the support of my home church, I began to preach to a congregation that resembled the church I will be serving in Japan.
I am still amazed by how sovereign our God is, and how perfect HIs plan is. I pray that this encourages you amidst the circumstances and season you are in!
I apologize for the long email but here are a few things to note:
- Please pray for me. The Apostle Paul expresses that the effectiveness of his ministry is directly tied to the prayer he receives. He states in 2 Cor. 1:11, “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” I need your prayers. If you would like to pray for me in a more detailed way, please respond to this email saying, “I will pray for you.” Upon receiving your reply, I will email you separately with more frequent and specific prayer requests. Please only do so if you are seriously committed to praying for me!
- I will be preparing to leave for Japan this March. Please pray that the borders of Japan will be open to foreigners by then. Please also pray that my remaining $370 monthly need would be provided soon.
- For those who are or are planning to support me financially: Please let me know as soon as possible if you are unable to maintain your support during my first term (2-3 years). It would be helpful for me to know sooner so that I can calculate how much additional support I need to raise before I leave for the field. I know emergencies can happen to any of us, so please communicate with me as frequently as needed!
Thank you for your fellowship in the gospel. I thank God for each of you. As always, please let me know how I can be praying for you!
IIn Christ,
David Kim
MTW Chiba, Japan