June 29, 2019
Dear Prayer Partner,
Our Sending Church Closes Its Doors
Inevitably, all of us experience the bittersweet seasons of life. Last month was one of those seasons for us. On May 26th, our sending church of 35 years closed its doors. Our hearts broke as we said goodbye to those who have so faithfully loved, prayed, and supported us for so long. We will forever be thankful for the part they played in our ministry in Japan. Losing our sending church was like losing a loved one. We cried. We grieved. We felt empty. We weren’t sure how we would carry on without this church that had played such an important part in our lives.
But God is always so faithful. He closed one door, only to open another. Hillview Baptist Church (Springfield, OR) has welcomed us with open arms. They will be our new sending church. They are a growing church, on fire for God. We are excited about being part of their church family. We look forward to serving with them as we continue our work of reaching lost Japanese.
Jonathan & Tabitha – Prayer & Praise
Our son, Jonathan, and his family of 12 finished deputation and were to arrive in Japan on July 4th. In May, Tabitha (Jon’s wife) began having some physical problems. An MRI revealed she had MS. Needless to say, this has turned their world upside down. They have delayed their arrival in Japan to September 4th. Please pray for Tabitha as she begins her treatments for MS. Pray for grace. Pray for healing.
In midst of all this, Jonathan was ordained on June 4th. What a joy it was to be a part of this service. There is no greater joy for us than to see our children follow the Lord. We are so grateful for Pastor Gaddis and Southwest Baptist Church. They have been a huge blessing to Jonathan and his family.
Thank You, Lord
Lord, thank you for using the bittersweet seasons of life to remind us that you are always with us. Thank you for comforting, strengthening, and helping us along life’s way. We thank the Lord for you. Thank you for your faithfulness to give and pray for us as we labor to bring the lost souls of Japan to Christ. God bless you.
Co-Laborers for Christ,
Mike & Cindy Burgett