Missionary life is full of change in many areas of both life and ministry. Therefore, our focus this month is on training and transition. Thank you for your prayers.
Japan Field Director (FD)
Please pray for: (1) Field Leadership Team meetings (22nd-24th May). (2) The Church Planting Strategy Review team, preparing for discussions at Field Conference. (3) The Field Conference planning committee and all those preparing talks, workshops, the children’s programme, other sessions and logistics! (4) Good conversations with possible mission partners in May.
Finance & Administration Sector Leader
Continue to pray for transition preparations in the Finance Department this year. Pray for the Field Leadership Team’s deliberations on finance and administration at its meeting this month. With high levels of economic uncertainty, please pray for the Lord’s continued, abundant provision.
Personnel Sector Leader
Pray for a helpful time at the Third Culture Kid/Child Safety Officer consultation this month. Pray for ‘head space’ for different current projects. As Serve Asia Workers increase, pray for more field hosts and sharper processes.
Candidate Coordinator
Praise God for those who’ve just received clearances to attend the next OMF Orientation Course. Pray for those still waiting, to persevere and find strength in the Lord. Pray for wisdom in managing increasing numbers of enquirers and potential candidates visiting OMF Japan, and for discernment and helpful conversations as we meet.
Serve Japan (Short-term programme)
Kanto: Praise God for the safe arrival of a new Serve Asia Worker (SAW), and pray for a smooth transition. Pray for SAWs to build good relationships, and that God would grow support and community amongst SAWs in Kanto.
Tohoku: Give thanks for prayer journey teams, and pray that more people will be raised up for God’s work amongst the nations! Pray for five SAWs arriving in May, and four transitioning out.
Hokkaido: Praise God for allowing two SAWs to finish their service in Sapporo; may God guide their future paths. Pray for three SAWs, currently serving in Sapporo, and for two who arrive in May. Pray that each of them will experience God’s greatness.
Social Media Team
Social media: (1) Give thanks that new team members are coming on board soon. (2) Pray that the team will trust God through the upcoming changes. (3) Pray that God will direct their efforts and help them remember the goal of mobilisation.
Japan Harvest:
(1) Give thanks that two or three new editors are joining the team. (2) Pray for the editor, as she does her usual work, trains team members, and distributes work amongst the team, for her upcoming period of Home Assignment.
Training Sector Leader
Please pray for: (1) Working with regional Sector Leaders in arranging training designations and church placements. (Designation Working Group – 22nd May); (2) Patience and good communication, especially in arranging visits for new missionaries. (3) Refreshing holiday, followed by preparation and participation in Field Leadership Team Meetings.
Japanese Language & Culture Center
Give thanks that the New Worker Supervisors have been in post for one year. Please continue to pray for them in this busy, challenging, role. Please also pray for missionary language learners, and for a good break for staff and students during Golden Week (1st-5th May). Pray also for smooth transitions in childcare as helpers come and go, and that the children will adapt quickly.
Ichikawa (Language & Culture) Hub
Please pray for: (1) Progress in language learning, and blessing on the teachers at the Ichikawa Japanese Language Institute. (2) Language helpers /conversation partners for Hub members. (3) Hub members to have a restful, safe Golden Week. (4) Twice-monthly cultural orientations online or in-person. (5) A family who recently returned from Home Assignment, as they start their language refresher. Pray for their learning, settling in a new area and making relationships with neighbours, in preparation for a new church plant.
JP Field Ministry Coach
(1) Give thanks for a positive start to the Associate Training Track; pray for the remaining sessions between now and the end of June. Pray for wisdom as we continue to refine this program. (2) Pray for our colleagues who are currently receiving coaching, particularly those receiving their Daniel Learner Transitional Coaching.
Home Assignees:
Pray for the eleven singles/families who are currently on Home Assignment. Please also pray for the next wave of missionaries coming or going on Home Assignment, who are already transitioning, handing over their roles and seeking to provide continuity for the ministries in which they serve.
