In spite of us, God continues to show His grace in using us to reach this lost world.

I have not written an update in about a week now; sorry about that. A lot has been happening as far as our team goes, and we're all very busy right now. There is some good news as far as ministry goes; we have 4 new brothers and sisters in Christ as of this past week. That brings this summer's total up to 24 Japanese accepting the Gospel. This is such a blessing to report. I believe God is using everyone here in really unique ways and it has surely been amazing to see what God can do through broken individuals like ourselves and still receive the glory. Now, I am not a huge advocate on focusing on numbers, however 24 Japanese accepting the Gospel is a really big deal. I say that because three summers ago, though there were fewer interns, only 4 accepted the Gospel. It has only been a month, and already 6 times that amount have accepted the Gospel. Something God has been trying to teach me in that, and I've been consistently resistant to, is the fact that though conflicts amongst the church and other various problems may arise, He will still continue to work. I think that is a big picture perspective in relation to each of our own lives. Think about whatever sin is currently in your life. Think about how awful it is to knowingly be in sin, and still God chooses to use you to change this lost world into accepting the Gospel message. That is a bit of a smaller perspective in comparison to what I am alluding to. In spite of the church, God still uses us, and that should always be an encouragement.