July/August Prayer Letter

A Christian's mission in any country to reach the lost is this:

2 Tim 2:25, 26- In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Pray for us to be patient to continue the ever before us task of reaching the Japanese whose eyes need to be opened to the truth of the Gospel and the falsehood of their many gods and traditions. God loves each and every one of them and does not desire them to go to hell. Neither do we. Thank you for helping us be the light in this northern area and pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers.
We apologize for not getting a letter out last month and will try and catch you up as we can. For two months we had Amanda Blain from N.C. with us studying the language, the culture, the ministry and taking part in any way she could. It was a very busy time but we feel it fulfilled hopes on both sides.

We know the Lord has a special ministry in store for her as He tarries and pray for wisdom for her to know what that will be when the time comes. These are her words about the internship:

Amanda Blain in front of Church building

"During my two-month Internship, I was able to get a glimpse into a culture very different from my own! Learning a new language was a challenge, but understanding a new mindset was even more difficult. I enjoyed being in a foreign country. I was able to visit quite a few cities on the island of Hokkaido, including Wakkanai, Otaru, and Nayoro. I helped to teach English, both public school lessons and private lessons. During the church services, I was able to play several duets with Mrs. Mansell. I’m very thankful for the opportunity the Lord gave me this summer and for the many lessons I learned during my Internship."Although Mrs. Tokumaru has not been able to be back in services much we praise God that we get to see her about once a week when she brings her daughter in for piano lessons in Teshio. She seems to be more desirous of a closer walk with God and is concerned about those around her. She recently asked about a Bible for a friend who showed a desire to read the Bible although not interested in attending services yet. We are thankful for this one step and know the power of the Word can work in this lady's heart.
In July Ken went to the States for two weeks on family business and was able to include a Sunday in our home church. He gave the a.m. message on July 4th and had a first time oportunity to preach on this theme. It is not a theme not usually used here of course but he was able to also use it here upon his return. Ken had a safe trip, some things were accomplished and he thoroughly enjoyed the back to back family reunions he attended from his parents' side of the family.. While he was gone, Vicki held a Bible study one Sunday a.m. and then the 2nd Sunday Pastor Kusakari from Kobe, Japan, was able to be with us and preached. He used to travel all of Japan working just with JW's trying to get out of the cult or reaching JW's. He now has his own church down in the Kobe area with members saved out of the cult and has more limited work in the outlying areas.

Dr. Fuji
(located at a hospital one hour from us)

Christopher Collins from British Columbia, Canada

Three Christians have come to the Rumoi District within 30 & 60 minutes, and 2 hours from us as of this month and earlier in the spring. Two are associated with Assistant English teaching and the 3rd is a Christian single lady doctor. We hope to have opportunities to encourage them in the future and for them to be a great witness in our county. We were able to meet Dr. Fuji recently when we took time to stop in her hospital and introduce ourselves. We are connected via email so even when she can't get here to a service we trust to get studies to her. The interesting part of her past is that she and her parents were in the U.S. until she ws 14 and were members at our the church of our home church pastor at that time in New England. Now we are connected to her--what a small world it is. We also met Christopher Collins from Vancouver, BC this last week when he bicycled for an hour to get to us from Enbetsu where we go once a week for English. He had no way of getting ahold of us yet having just arrived, so made that extra effort!! He is 23 and a young Christian and we trust the Lord can use us as well as His Word to disciple this young man while he is in the area.

One of the things God has encouraged us in the work over the years is that our work hasn't just been for or with the Japanese. He has allowed others to come for just short periods and had we not been here they would not have gotten saved OR had extra training and growth while here. We thank the Lord for these opportunities as well as our local day by day work.

Vicki leaves with a small group of Teshio people on the 21st of this month to go to Homer, Alaska, our sister-city. One of the programs we have been involved with over the years (it started the year we moved here) has been the Sister-City Association. It has brought us into contact with people we might never have met except through this program. It has allowed various means and opportunities of witnessing. This will be another opportunity. She would appreciate your prayers not only for a safe trip but to be a strong witness to all she is with and comes in contact with. Please also pray that she would have no side effects from the gall stones she has as she has been experiencing some pain.

Prayer Requests:
1. Vicki's trip and then gall bladder surgery right after she gets back (September 10th)
2. Salvation of our believers' spouses and famlies; baptism of our believers
3. Opportunities with Dr. Fuji, Christopher Collins & Austin Duffy
4. Decisions need to be made concerning the need to replace the siding of our ministry building. A special offer by a siding company is being made if we take it right now.
5. Health of two of our contacts is not good at all, including Dr. Mitsu who has a weekly Bible study with us. Please pray for Dr. Mitsu and Mr. Mino to be open to the Gospel especially now.
Praise & Prayer:
1. We have the priviledge of announcing that we are 'expecting' our 7th grandchild!! Pastor Joshua and Alicia Appel in Georgia expect their next bundle the end of March, Lord willing. Please pray for health and strength of Alicia and the baby. She is the mother of 3 others and home schooling their oldest. During the months of morning sickness it can be a challenge to face those tasks each day. Know she would appreciate your prayers too.
2. Our eldest son, Pastor Richard Mansell in Newton, N.C. now has a new mailing address. If you are interested in this, please drop us a line and we will send it to you.


Serving Christ Together,
Ken & Vicki Mansell

Just A Prayer At Night