Max and Sheila Graham. C.E.A. Missionaries in Hokkaido, Japan July/Aug 2001 Aza Nozuka 506-19, Iwanai Chou, Iwanai, Hokkaido 045 0024, Japan. Tel: +81-135-61-2892 E-mail: shemax@olive.ocn.ne.jp Home page: http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~shemaxcg Stepping out in Faith 1: Some of you may remember the photo in a much earlier Newsletter. It was of Yoko Oda laughing with delight as she lifted up a paper cross that represented her 'ticket to heaven'. The occasion was one of the first Bible studies we held in her apartment. She was not saved at the time but she knew that Good News was coming her way. Last year she accepted Jesus as her Savior and Lord and since then has encouraged several of her colleagues from work to attend the weekly Bible study in her home. She is now taking her next step in faith by being baptized this month. Her public declaration of her faith is a brave step to take in Japan. The event will take place during Obon Week, when the Japanese take time off to visit their ancestral graves and pray to the spirits of the dead. It will be a witness to many people as she is being baptized at a local lake which is a beauty spot and tourist attraction. What a wonderful time for her to declare her faith in the Living God. Please pray for her and for her family too. Stepping out in Faith 2 For over a year we have had a vision to open an Outreach Center and again and again we have faced disappointment and learned to trust in the Lord's timing. Suddenly, within a space of two days we have the keys to a shop on the main street. The landlord is doing some repairs and putting in a toilet during this month and we will be renting it from September 1st. Thank you for all your prayers and support. The Center will have Christian information, tracts etc. in Japanese, a Christian video playing, UK tourist information, recycled name brand jeans etc. on sale plus free coffee and a place to just hang out. At the rear we will hold the English language classes and also hold the Bible studies and Prayer meetings. It is a particular vision for this particular place, we don't know of anywhere else where this is being done in quite this way. We trust it is the Lord's wisdom. We have taken this step of faith at a time when practical resources dictate that we retreat. Our job is to preach the Gospel, heal the sick and cast out demons in Jesus name and so we put our trust in Jehovah Jireh to do His part. So watch this space. Many of you will be getting the 'Kingdom Shopper' poster and info. Please prayerfully consider joining us and having some fun. PLEASE PRAY FOR: Yoko, Junko, Hiroko, Yukari, Akiko, Makki, Masaru, Eriko Shizeko, Matchiko and Tetsko, For a nice home for Dougal and Fluffy while we are away for five weeks in Oct/ Nov. Love from Max and Sheila