December Update

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As missionaries, we always have the goal to tell the gospel to as many people as possible, and as we reflect on the year, we are amazed at what God has done. We hear from all of the schools struggling around the world, with a severe drop in attendance or the difficulties that come with doing online school. Through this entire year, OCSI has been able to maintain in-person learning, with limited sports/clubs/activities. We have seen our student population grow to new highs.  All 530 students are receiving the gospel every week through their classes and chapel. All students are in life groups where they are encouraged and have their emotional needs met. All students are at a place that is helping them grow and thrive. God is so good and we are grateful for all of your prayers! 
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Christmas concerts/Chapels/Christmas parties:
Christmas is always an exciting time of the year, particularly because of all of the school Christmas concerts/plays of all the students. We used to have a huge concert/performance, but in keeping with social distancing, we had individual grade concerts. Almost all the families came as their children proclaimed Christ’s love to the world.

Koto and Shakuhachi
This week we had a real treat to have some guys from Yokohama come and teach all of the students about a couple of Japanese traditional instruments, the koto and the shakuhachi. Our guest performed a few songs for the students and even set up several kotos for the students to play. 

Good News!:
I got a message this month. One of the students that I mentored who graduated a few years back, has decided to get baptized and has start working part-time at the church he attends in Tokyo. He is responsible for organizing Sunday school and helping with translation. Praise the Lord! 


Prayer requests: 

• Corona has spiked in Okinawa, peaking at 2000 confirmed cases per day. There doesn’t seem to be a stress on the hospital capacity. However, the gov’t is asking schools to cancel unnecessary clubs/sports, and limit big group activities. As a school we are doing our best to remain open (even though other schools have gone online). Please pray for the staff at OCSI to remain healthy so we can continue to teach/minister to the students in person. 
• New staff for next year: Japan continues to have its borders closed, and for the 3rd year in a row, it seems like we are going to have to hire within the country. Pray that every position gets filled with a devoted Christ follower who is qualified and excited to serve at OCSI.
• OCSI Students: Pray for our students, through the stress and uncertainty covid continues to bring, that they would remain encouraged and growing in their faith.