The Foreign Mission Board (FMB) has much for which to be thankful and has many opportunities to explore as we work to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel” (Col. 1:3–5).

Japan

In Japan, we are very grateful to God for providing Pastor Hiroyuki Kanamori to serve in the Mukonoso Reformed Presbyterian congregation. Gene and Ruth Spear, by God’s grace, have been able to retire, and Mr. Kanamori and his family have been very well received by the congregation.

Kobe Theological Hall (KTH), under Pastor Takiura’s direction, continues to grow. Students attend the seminary part­time, and are taught by the Japanese RP pastors, by Pastor Jim Pennington, and by many visiting professors as well. They meet in the Covenanter Center Building, which is on the site of the original Covenanter Book Room. After the Great Kansai Quake (1995) many people, both in Japan and abroad, gave generously to the rebuilding, so that God’s work might continue there.

We are also thankful for the faithful service of Pastors Takiura and Sakai in the Keiyaku and Higashisuma congregations. Pray for Mr. Endo, who studied at KTH and is now continuing his studies at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa.

We continue to pray for missionary help for Japan. The Penningtons, whose work has been invaluable, are currently the only RPCNA missionaries serving in Japan, and there is a shortage of pastors there. Leaders are desperately needed for the work at Kitasuzurandai and at Hontamon. The Kasumigaoka congregation has begun construction of their new church building—a matter for thanks and continued prayer. That congregation will need a pastor as well, when the Penningtons’ term of service ends. This is currently set for September 2002.

Please pray for those on the Board of the Covenanter Book Store, including Ruth Pennington, as they have been working hard to make the ministry of the Book Store more and more effective.

We are thankful for the work of the pastors in the Japan Presbytery, and we pray that God will sustain them as they carry heavy workloads.

Cyprus

Bill and Kalli Sterrett, who previously served many years in Japan, are now ministering in Cyprus. Kalli is originally from Cyprus. They have had the opportunity to minister to people of many nationalities there, and their work has been very effective. Rev. Bob McFarland, from Topeka. Kan., recently visited Cyprus to encourage the Sterretts and others in their congregation.

China

For several reasons, the FMB is excited about possible future mission work in China. This mission field is actively being explored. Some of the reasons are as follows: There is a tremendous need for the gospel in China. Many Chinese pastors and underground church members are eager for further theological training. The cost of living there is relatively low. The RPCNA has a rich history of mission work in China. Numerous Reformed books are now available in Chinese, thanks to the Reformation Translation Fellowship and others. There is a growing Reformed witness in China. We hope and pray that, within the next decade, Christians in China will be able to worship God openly. The FMB is seeking God’s direction as we prepare for this opportunity.

Philippines

Another promising potential mission site is in the Philippines. There is a group called the Reformed Presbytery of the Philippines which has expressed eagerness to form ties with our denomination. This may open the way for missionary service in the Philippines in the near future. We have sent some psalm books to assist them in their commitment to psalm singing.

One of the Philippine pastors. Rocky Simbajon, will be training with Pastor Christian Adjemian in the Cambridge. Mass., RPC for 9 months. Please pray for the FMB as we evaluate the possibility of RPCNA mission work in the Philippines.

Dr. Schofield is on the Foreign Mission Board and a member or the Broomall, Pa., RPC.