池袋HC

This is Ikebukuro house church having sukiyaki (beef hotpot) at Karen's apartment in the first week of the new year. It was a nice cosy gathering to start 2009. After dinner we had the Lord's supper together and talked about our resolutions.

The group is pretty comfortable with each other now and it has already stabilized in some way. This year, with us returning to Singapore and others graduating from language school, 2009 is going to be a year of transition and it will be exciting to see what the Lord has in store for the HC.

Ikebukuro HC has come a long way since its inception in November 2007. Back then, we had absolutely no idea what a typical house church looked like, let alone lead one. The Lord however brought people to us and over time we have become firm friends. The group has taken on an international flavour since, as most of the HC members come from China, Malaysia and Singapore. It may sound a little ironic since we are here primarily to reach out to the Japanese, but the Lord in His sovereignty knows what is best for us considering our level of Japanese a year ago.

At the moment the HC appeals to internationals and Japanese with an interest in English or Chinese. As such, we have been drawing a number of visitors to our parties and evangelistic events. Presently we sing worship songs and study the bible in Japanese. Eventually, the HC in the Lord's strength will reach out to the greater population of Tokyo.

As we will be leaving in April, Karen (see top photo: in blue and white horizontals) is taking over the reins and is instrumental in making the transition a rather smooth one for the HC. We are very moved by her eagerness and initiative despite her busy schedule at work and school. Ando (in green sweater), our long-suffering 'Japanese language sensei' has been with us in ministry since day 1, and his patience and insight into the Word is an encouragement to us.

We praise God that Liu Wen (in turqouise checkered shirt) is settling nicely into the group and is showing signs of growth. We are praying that he will begin to be more active in the HC. Sam & Slyvia will be completing language studies and entering university for their post-graduate studies this April. They have been most helpful in our evangelistic efforts to the international student's dormitory.

We have just introduced to you the core group of Ikebukuro HC. Will you please pray for us? Pray that this house church (and others in KHCN) will grow spiritually and numerically, and will be used mightily for God's glory in the future.