December 12, 2006

Christmas Greetings from Japan!

We have a prayer request for all of our supporters: the Japanese pastor who heads up the Tsukuba Christian Activities Committee that we work under had a massive stroke last week. Rev. Yoshioka was actually at the hospital for a check-up when the stroke occurred, and so that was very fortunate, as they were able to immediately start treatment to dissolve the blockage. He is still only partly conscious, however, and it will be a week or two before they can make a clear prognosis of how soon and how fully he can recover.

For the next few weeks, at least, Tim will be substitute preaching for the neighboring Tsuchiura Church (about 15 minutes away by car). We’re hopeful that Rev. Yoshioka will be able to make a full recovery, but it will likely be a long and difficult road. We ask you all to pray for our brother and his family. The church is rallying around his wife and family, and so we see blessings already in this trial. Please pray not only for his complete recovery but also that God uses this tragedy to strengthen the church and its witness in the community. We also want to report that our planned move to Osaka next year will be delayed somewhat, as our housing will not be ready until October. Tim will be going down part-time beginning in April to get his work with the Buraku Liberation Center started, and then both of us will be full-time in our new assignments from October on. Given the sudden change in needs here locally, this delay is a blessing as well.

Blessings,

Tim and Juji Boyle

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 252