Dear Prayer Partner,
COVID-19 in Japan
I never imagined COVID -19 would cause so much havoc. Schools in our city closed on March 2nd. On April 16th, the Japanese government declared a national state of emergency (not a lockdown). Here in Japan, many people are telecommuting, but many more continue going to work as usual. In our city, most of the stores and many of the restaurants are still open for business. From what we see in the news, the situation in the US seems far worse than here. We’re praying for you.
COVID-19 & Our Ministry in Japan
The government has primarily called on the Japanese to restrict their weekend activities. This has led many churches (in the harder hit big cities) to stop their Sunday services. Though we have stopped our Sunday afternoon services, we have not stopped our Sunday morning services. We thank the Lord for being able to continue to meet like this.
Our website has always included audio sermons, but recently we started live-streaming as well. We decided to do this to help those who feel they cannot attend services during this pandemic. Recently we have also started using Facetime to do some of our 1-on-1 Bible studies. Pray that God will give us wisdom as we seek ways to continue serving Him during these trying times.
COVID-19 & Japanese Hearts
None of us are happy about COVID-19, but it has made all of us think more about the brevity & the uncertainty of life. Our prayer is that the Lord might use this crisis to help many more Japanese see their need of a Savior. Pray that God will use us during this crisis to reach many for Christ.
Jon & Tabby’s Family
Last August, Jon, Tabby, & their 10 kids arrived here as missionaries. Of course, we are excited to have them here. Jon already knew Japanese, but the rest of the family did not. Their school age children began attending Japanese public school in January. In April, Tabby began studying at a language school. COVID-19 has resulted in school closings and many other irregularities. It has been a challenge, but they are all working very hard to learn Japanese. Please pray for them as they adjust to missionary life in Japan.
Thank you for your faithfulness to give and pray for us. May God bless and keep you during these trying times.
Co-Laborers for Christ,
Mike & Cindy Burgett