“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8
We are back in Cambodia after spending from June 6 to August 6 visiting and sharing at more than a dozen churches, a pastor’s meeting, a Bible school chapel, and visiting as many friends as possible in addition to Kayo’s parents in Hiroshima.
We had a blessed and busy time in Japan. We traveled and stayed in Tokyo, Kansai/Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kyushu, and more. During our time in the Kyushu/Imari area, Benjamin came down with a very serious ear infection. The church and missionary we were visiting arranged for their doctor friend to meet him on his day off (Sunday), this probably spared Benjamin from a ruptured eardrum, possible ER etc. and hearing loss. After visiting two more specialists and a couple of rounds of antibiotics his infection went away completely without hearing loss. We are thankful for all the prayer cover and practical support/hospitality we recieved in all over Japan for the entire time there.
Closed and Open Doors
In my May update I asked for prayer for God to open and close all the right doors related to whether or not I should pursue employment as an English teacher here in Cambodia so that we could close a financial gap related to Benjamin’s Christian international school tuition and other needs. Before the trip, I started making practical steps in that direction. However, God had other plans and provided unexpectedly and miraculously so that it is not necessary for me to seek extra income in this season! So, I (we) can focus completely on ministry and even expand into new areas.
The above closed door came with a few open doors. During my time in Japan, several Christians including a pastor and a missionary from Japan encouraged me to write, have translated, and publsh a new short Apologetics book in Japan. My vision for apologetics ministry for many years has been to provide apologetics/evangelistic books, videos, and other media in other languages beyond English and Cambodian. I have made steps in this direction (Spanish and Chinese etc.) in the past but the doors always closed. Please pray for this opportunity because the Japanes Christians need a lot of encouragment and resources right now.
More than a decade ago, I co-authored a book, Christianity: Reasons for Faith and continue to use it as a textbook but it has been out of print for some time but I have not had the resources to make a new additon or printing and my co-author. Now, with the opportunity to write a short book for Japan, the doors are also opening now for me to make a version of that same book in Cambodian as well.
In addition to these long-term book projects I will continue to teach Apologetics and Christology at local Bible schools/churches, help Cambodian ministries/organizations as needed in various roles, and help our local international church/community. Please pray for me as I prepare to teach Christology from September 10-27 at a local Bible school.
Kayo will restart and resume her ministries with Precious Women organization, women’s ministry at the international church, and other ministries related to Japanese Christians/missionaries in Cambodia etc. etc.
Benjamin has started 10th grade and is doing very well. He’s also planning for his future life in the USA in less than 3 years. Please pray for wisdom and open doors for him as well.
There is so much more to share but this is getting long. Feel free to connect with me via email or social media if you have any questions and to let us know how you are doing. We always love to hear from you!
In Christ’s Love,
Darryl, Kayo, and Benjamin