Looking back on 2015, it is very easy to say that it has been the hardest year of my life. No one ever imagines that something like tragedy will hit, especially when you’re living the dream and serving the Lord alongside your best friend. But through the tears, I stand amazed at how the Lord has built my faith this year. He has constantly guided me, been there through every moment, and granted me the strength to face every day and task no matter how hard. I smile when I think of the question, “Is anything too hard for God?” Because I know now that regardless what I may go through in the future, He is enough and always will be. His faithfulness reaches farther than any dark, despondent valley. His love is never failing, and His mercies are brand new every morning. He is all I need.
We kicked off December with our annual Teen Banquet. It was a bittersweet night, as we all remembered Daniel, and yet a rewarding night, as we recognized the teens for their spirits of excellence and leadership this year even in the face of a very difficult loss. Our teens continue to faithfully go soul winning each week, and one Saturday recently, we saw 29 souls receive Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Our youth group was totally pumped about that!
The church continues to grow and flourish. We are currently constructing a new section onto the back of our building, but we know that as soon as we finish it, we will yet again be needing more space. The Lord blessed our service recently with 240 people in attendance. My favorite part about it? The people don’t come to receive something special or a bag of rice or sugar; they come simply because they desire to hear the pure Word of God. Would you please pray for us as we seek God’s best expansion possibilities?
I was super spoiled this year in that I got to travel home to spend the holidays with my family. It’s the first time in four years that I’ve experienced Christmas with my family and bitter-cold American winters. It was wonderful to get to spend some very special moments with them during this Christmas season. God has blessed me with such an incredible, sweet, and supporting family. While I loved visiting the States, I think I left half of my heart here. I was ecstatic to arrive home around 2:00 Sunday morning and be back in my place for church on January 10! The church gave me such a warm welcome, and there’s truly no place I’d rather be than right here in Lima, Peru.
Our summer has begun on this side of the equator and the activities likewise. Please pray for God’s protection on our homes, families, and especially the teens’ lives, as they are out of school and the normal routine for the summer. I covet your prayers as I seek to start up my girl’s Bible study and continue personally discipling our young ladies. I am continually aware that I am simply a messenger, and connecting them to God is the most important thing I will ever do.
Thank you for your love, your special gifts this Christmas season, and, most of all, for your prayers. Looking back at 2015, I know it was the prayers of the Lord’s people that carried me through such a difficult time. I covet your continued prayers as I seek to serve my Saviour, and yet suffer in sorrow daily, carrying my cross to follow Him. His strength is perfect.
Gratefully serving Him,
Heather Kokubun