From: Cheryl and Bernie Barton [bercherbarton@ybb.ne.jp]
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 11:31 PM
To: Sharp Jim, Dot; Sellers Larry, LeAnn; Sellers Kathi, Wayne; Sam Collins; Riley Don, Paula; Riegel, Kay; Reynolds Cindy; Randee Doe; Philips Kelley, Rhonda; Phil and Shelly Boone
Subject: Call to Prayer

CALL TO PRAYER—January 23, 2007

 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen!” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

 

We do believe that God is able to do even more than we can ask or imagine, yet we do have some specific requests.  As you join us in praying about these, we’re expecting great things.  But we’ll be happy to start with answers to the following TOP TEN prayer concerns for 2007.  They appear in no particular order:

 

1.  A pastor for Tarumi Church—It’s been 3 ½ years since we left Tarumi and the congregation still has no pastor.  Pray for God to supply this need in 2007.  Pray also for God to encourage and strengthen the church as they wait.

 

2.  Tamagawa Seigakuin—Pray that this girls’ jr./sr. high school will continue with Christ as its head as it begins another new school year on April 4.  Pray also for wisdom for Bernie, who serves as principal.

 

3.  TELL—Cheryl is starting her 4th year as a phone counselor for Tokyo English Life Line.  Pray that she will be able to be the ears and voice of Christ, though she is not allowed to witness openly on the line.

 

4.  Special contacts—Pray for our outreach through friendship evangelism with the Kanai and Yanaka families.  Pray that at least one individual in each family will come to Christ during 2007.

 

5.  Mariko Ohno—We’ve been having a home meeting in Mariko’s house for much of the time we’ve been in Tokyo.  It’s been exciting to see Mariko develop as a lay leader for this group.  In fact, though we share the messages and teaching, Mariko has been “pastoring” the individuals God has sent our way.  Pray that Mariko will start formal Bible studies and continue developing in faith and leadership in 2007.

 

6.  Cheryl’s writing—Pray that God will enable Cheryl as she begins two major writing projects:  the 2008 international testimonies book and a collaboration with her father on a history of Church of God Global Missions (formerly the Missionary Board) as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2009.  Pray that these books will bring glory to God.

 

7.  Kid’s Place—Cheryl has been writing the curriculum and serving on the planning committee for this children’s missions program since 1998.  Pray for God’s direction and enabling in developing the 2008 curriculum (on China) by the end of June.  Pray for a new generation of missionaries to be raised up as a result of Kid’s Place and for wisdom as Kid’s Place evaluates and sets goals for the future.

 

8.  Benjamin—Our most earnest prayer is that Ben will give his heart to God in 2007.

 

9.  Stephanie—Pray that Stephanie and Donald may lead someone to Christ and see other fruit from their labor as special assignment missionaries in Central Asia in 2007.

 

10.  Wisdom and direction—Pray that God will answer some specific prayers for wisdom and direction for us in 2007.

 

Thank you that we can count on your partnership in praying earnestly about these matters.  May God bless you as you bless us in this way.

 

Cheryl and Bernie Barton

Tokyo, Japan