Our Missionaries Prayer Requests

Carr's May 16 Update

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:11:00 GMT

Hi, everyone,

Its always great to experience beautiful spring weather in May, isn't it? Trust you all are full of praise these days to our Creator for the beauty He has given us to enjoy.

PRAISE the Lord for all the kids that participated in two of our recent Sunday services. They did the song and worship time, as well as preaching and communion. PRAY that these young people will remain committed to the Lord throughout their lives and will continue to grow strong in Him.

Lindy and Aya

Tevia at the piano

Hiroki

PRAISE the Lord for continued opportunities to build relationships with members of the local pro basketball team. We had two staff members and one of the Japanese players and his girlfriend over here Monday night. Continue to PRAY for these times in our home to be profitable spiritually as well as for other opportunities to spend time with them and share the love of Christ.

PRAISE the Lord that Andrew got the job at McDonald's but hasn't had orientation yet. There's been a bit more paperwork involved with him being a foreigner, so that's been part of the hold-up. PRAY that he'll be able to start soon and that this will give him good experience in working for others as well as opportunities to be a testimony. Also PRAY for Hiro who is still without work. He is taking some baby steps to improve his "appearance" (he still struggles with wanting to dress and look like those who are not thought well of in this society). PRAY for his continued spiritual growth and for a good job opportunity for him.

PRAISE the Lord that this coming Sunday, May 20, another young man, Rota, will be baptized. Chris has been discipling him for several years now and he is finally able and ready to take this step. PRAY that he will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. PRAY also for the salvation of his unbelieving parents who are supposed in attendance that day as well as for his brothers and sister who have all made profession of faith, to be willing to soon take this step as well.

Rota speaking in church a few weeks ago

PRAISE the Lord for continuing to allow us to serve Him here in Japan with our family. We're so thankful for your continued prayers and support financially!

Mitch and Tev at the restaurant where they took Mom out for Mother's Day supper

CARRying the Gospel,

Tom, Paula, Andrew, Lindy, Mitchell, Tevia, and Hiro

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:00 GMT

Dear Prayer Partners,
I was able to give my testimony at the English w/Bible Class at the beauty salon
yesterday. Please continue to pray that God will work in hearts.
I've heard from Andreas, but he still didn't come to church. Please pray that he
will come back.
I've invited the new pastor's daughter over to my place this Thursday along with
her mother. She's VERY shy. Please pray that she will come and that I can
be an encouragement to her spiritually. Her name is Shiho.
Please pray especially for Ryoji, a young believer in one of our ABWE churches.
He's on the verge of giving up his faith because he hasn't seen change in his
life. Please pray for Joel (works with us here in Kumamoto) as he meets with
Ryoji on Saturday that God will give wisdom and power and bring Ryoji closer
to Himself.
Please continue to pray that God will work in our hearts at the Ladies Bible
Study.
Thanks so much!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:43:00 GMT

Dear Prayer Partners,
This is one of those weeks when we just need to continue praying.
I haven't heard from Mariko, but do continue to pray that she'll return
to her husband and also be saved.
Andreas didn't come to church on Sunday. I'm concerned about him.
Please pray that he'll come this Sunday.
I'll be having English at Gingira Coffee Shop on Saturday. Please pray
that God will give fruitful contacts (that some will come to church).
Please pray that the ladies in the Bible study at Obiyama church will
follow through on commitments they've made to witness, etc. We all
(me included) need to grow through this study.
The beauty salon English w/ Bible study may be coming to a close.
We're almost finished with the English text. Please pray that God will
work in hearts. I plan to give each of the ladies an English/Japanese
New Testament when we finish.
I met with Yoko Sato today. Please pray that she and her husband will
return to the Lord and to church.
Thanks sooo much for your prayers!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:07:00 GMT

Dear Prayer Partners,

Thank you soooo much for your prayers!

This week I heard from Mariko by phone and she wanted prayer

re: her depression. She contacted me a few days later saying she

was much better! Do continue to pray that she will return to her

husband and be saved.

I also got a phone call from Mr. Takahashi, my beautician's older

brother. He had questions about the difference between Bibles

used in different churches, etc. Please pray too for his salvation.

He asks me questions on and off about things like that.

We had a good English time at Gingira coffee shop on Saturday.

There were 4 people there.

This Friday I will have English at the Mellow Green tearoom. Please

pray for fruitful contacts.

Please pray for Andreas, a young man who comes to our church.

He's from Indonesia and is struggling recently with some problems.

Pray that he will come on Sunday.

Thank you for being a part of this ministry!

Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

Carr's April 25 Update

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:49:00 GMT

Hi, everyone,

The weeks keep whizzing by and here it is almost the end of April already!! We've been enjoying some beautiful days and got to see many beautiful cherry blossoms before they all disappeared.

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:03:00 GMT

Dear Praying Friends,
Well, God's certainly working! Mrs. Mori taught the Bible study
last night and did a WONDERFUL job!!! Praise the Lord!
Today I had a really really good time of fellowship with Yoko Sato. Please
pray that she and her husband will draw closer to God and come to church.
They've been out of church for some time.
Please continue to pray for Mariko to return to her husband and to be
saved.
Again the ladies at the Beauty Salon English w/Bible time seemed to be
moved by the story of Jesus being anointed by a woman with fragrant oil
and saying exactly how He would die.... Thanks for praying! Do pray for
the salvation of Miss Takahashi, Mrs. Hirashima, and Mrs. Nagano, the
ladies in that group.
Please pray that God will give new contacts through the Gingira Coffee Shop
English time this Saturday.
Also, continue to pray for my co-laborers, the Smiths, that God will use them
and supply their needs (on furlough).
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:51:00 GMT

Dear Prayer Partners,
Thanks soooo much for praying!
God is truly working! I got a call from Mariko tonight!!! She's still not with
her husband, but it's looking a bit more promising. She's contacting him
by e-mail and he's writing back. Please pray that they will get back together
and that we can meet again (AND that she'll be saved)!
I had a good turnout for the children's English class. Please continue to
pray that God will bless the Bible time.
Please pray that Mrs. Mori can teach on Monday (she wasn't able to teach
this last Monday) if it's God's will.
Please pray for God to use the Bible time at the beauty salon English w/ Bible time
on Monday. Continue to pray that God will work in all through the Bible study.
Also, please pray that God will open the door for me to see Kyohei Tominaga, a young
man that just came to Kumamoto recently. I taught him English as a child. He's studying
for college now (cram school). It would be WONDERFUL if we could connect with him
at our church and that he would be saved!
Pray also that Ryouhei Yamauchi will be able to find a good church in Okayama prefecture
where he lives. He's a Christian.
Thanks so much! I appreciate you all! : )
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:56:00 GMT

Dear Prayer Partners,
This last week I got a call from Mariko that she's leaving Kumamoto
(and her husband) and going to live in the country. : ( Unless God
works otherwise, I won't be able to see her from now on. She did
call me today but she is living quite a distance from here. Pray that
if it's His will, God will bring her back to Kumamoto.
At the Mellow Green tearoom we had a good turnout for English. Yoko
Sato (Christian) was there and we were able to spend some time together
afterwards.
We had our meeting on Saturday and watched the Narnia DVD and then
on Sunday we discussed its relationship to Easter. Motoharu (a man in
his 30's or 40's) came to both meetings and participated well on Sunday
during the discussion. Please pray that he will come again and God will
give him spiritual interest.
This week I start up children's English on Friday. Please pray that the
children will come (last time after break it took awhile for everyone to
get used to coming again). I need wisdom especially in planning the
Bible time.
On Saturday I have English at the Gingira Coffee Shop. Please pray
that God will give me new contacts there and also at the English Cafe
group on Thursdays.
Please continue to pray for God to work in us at the Ladies Bible Study
that we all will grow in Christ. Mrs. Mori will be teaching in my place
next week as I'll be gone. She needs your prayers for confident trust in
God as she stands as a teacher (rather than a student) before the others.
Thank you for praying!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

Carr's April 4 Update

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:55:00 GMT

Hi, everyone,

PRAISE the Lord for His unchanging faithfulness. People will sure let you down, but He never fails! Because of some unique & disappointing circumstances this past week in regards to our local pro basketball team, Tom has had unusual access to the inner workings of the organization and opportunity for some talk with the coach and assistant coach that he's not had before. At the end of the talk, the coach asked if our family could have the whole team over for dinner some time (not at the same time, but in small groups)! Tom replied, "We'd already been planning on that!" We had already laid the groundwork to have the coach and his wife over, so please PRAY that we'll be able to mesh our schedules so that can take place this month sometime, as well as having the Japanese players over in the next month or two. PRAY for continued wisdom with this opportunity Tom has to interact with the players and staff each week at practices and home games and for spiritual openness among them.

PRAISE the Lord for your prayers for Pastor Uchizono. We failed to mention in our last update that he did NOT get the job at the city office unfortunately, and really has no other leads at this time for employment. His wife, Ako, is currently taking a computer course sponsored by the city which actually pays a salary to the students. (Pastor U took a similar course last year). The course is designed to give them skills in order to get work afterwards. Continue to PRAY for their needs to be met and that in due time, the Lord will give one of them a job to help provide their needs.

PRAISE the Lord for the opportunity to celebrated Christ's resurrection this Sunday. We will be having a brunch in between Joy Club and the morning service, so PRAY that some of the parents of the kids' who regularly attend will come and join us.

Mitch (at a spring break sleepover) with two Sasaki boys

whose parents are still unsaved

Playing a game of spoons at the sleepover

(the girls were allowed to play too!)

The kids just love hearing "Let me take a picture!" Ha!

PRAISE the Lord Tev and all the Japanese kids finished up their school year a week and a half ago and now are gearing up to start the new school year tomorrow (Apr 5). PRAY for the Christian kids to be a good testimony to their classmates and teachers and for their faith to remain strong in the midst of various temptations. PRAY, too, for Hiro to be faithful to the Lord as well and to grow in his faith. PRAY for our kids as they study here at home. The school year is winding down and so is their enthusiasm. PRAY that we'll finish the school year well.

Lindy's English class students--only one knows the Lord and he and his family just moved to Tokyo!

A year ago today Tom was still in jail and would be for three more days. We as a family will be celebrating "Freedom Day" on April 7, to commemorate the Lord delivering Tom from the jail. PRAISE the Lord with us and thank Him once again for his mighty work on Tom's behalf.

THANK YOU for your continued prayers and financial support, as well as birthday cards, and other notes of remembrance. We appreciate you all!

CARRying the Gospel,

Tom, Paula, Andrew, Lindy, Mitchell, Tevia, and Hiro

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:42:00 GMT

Dear Praying Friends,
I had a really good time with my English girls at the party on Friday. They
stayed awhile to play afterwards and then some came over the next day too.
Mariko is in the hospital for awhile (related to her depression). Please pray that
God will keep this door open and I'll be able to contact her after she gets out.
We had a good picnic with the Gingira English group at the picnic on Sunday.
We were able to invite them to a "movie night" this Saturday where we'll be
showing "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and then discuss it more
on Easter Sunday. Please pray that we'll have a good turnout for this and
that God will work in hearts.
I have English at the Mellow Green tearoom this Friday. Please pray that
God will work and give opportunities for a Gospel witness there.
Please pray for the Ladies Bible Study that we will grow through it. One of
the ladies is going to use one of the Navigator books we use to pass along
to a Christian friend who needs encouragement!
Please continue to pray for the Smiths on furlough that God will use them
and provide their needs.
Thanks for praying!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:39:00 GMT

Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you ALWAYS for your prayers!
I had a good visit with Mariko today. God gave me opportunity to share
the Gospel with her briefly. She said she doesn't really understand it and only
the Holy Spirit can help her understand, so she needs your prayers.
Mayu came to our Sunday p.m. service again ( for the second time). She's
interested in English. Please pray that God will show her her need of Christ.
On Monday Mrs. Nagano again seemed impressed that Jesus had the power
to heal people. Please pray that God will draw her to Himself.
Please pray that we all will grow through the Ladies Bible Study.
On Friday I will be having a going-away party for Ruka, as she's going
into junior high this next year (Japanese school begins in April). Please
pray that God will us this time together on Friday with my English children.
On Sunday we're going cherry-blossom viewing with the Gingira Coffee
Shop English group. Please pray that God will use Joel, Misti, and I to
be a witness to these.
Also, please continue to pray for the Smiths as they're on furlough, that
God will use their ministry and supply their needed prayer and financial
support.
Thanks!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

From Natalie

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 03:46:00 GMT

Back from Jakarta!

Thank you so much for your prayers! We left for Jakarta on 7th of March and returned on the 12th. Our time was packed with visiting two schools, one deaf and one for the mentally handicapped, the church and homes of the deaf students. They taught the children a Japanese song, "Eyes, eyes read the Bible". Then they cooked and served curry rice for over 70 folks.

This is Ephphatha Christian Deaf School. We were greeted with students holding Japanese flags. The national pastor and his wife are in yellow.

After mingling with the folks, Pastor Paul and his wife lead us to visit homes of the deaf students. Many of them live in homes that are very small and dark, with no furniture. Our teens were deeply impacted by the whole experience, for which I am grateful. Everyday we had devotions and each one taught a devotional lesson. Every night we took the time to talk about the days events and how that relates to what God has taught us that morning. They were able to see more of God's work in their lives. Again, thank you for praying.

We are in the home of one of the students. The mother graciously rolled out the carpet for us to sit on.

Since we've been back I created a video for the Japanese church to report about our trip. I am currently working on the English version for the stateside churches. Plus three of the students will be moving out of state for further education or work. So they asked me for a crash course on Christian principles to live by. I am so thankful for their desire to learn as much as possible before they go out to live on thier own. So, every day this week I've been teaching one or two lessons. I have one more today and another on Tuesday. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see some definate growth and courage in each of the students. We gave a report to the church last Sunday and each student gave a testimony as to how the Lord has changed them during the trip and what they planned to do with thier lives as a result. Two have said they want to come back to Sasebo and help lead the church, two said they would like to teach Sunday school, and another said she wants to lead in singing. Again thank you for praying!
Glory, Glory Glory be to God!!

Below is our group, Fumie (Pastor Masago's wife), Tomomi, Pastor Masago, Kiyomi, moi, Yurika, Mana and Isamu.

From Sue, ANSWER TO PRAYER!!!

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:39:00 GMT

Dear Praying Friends,

THANKS SO MUCH for praying for Hiro to return to the Carr home! He's

back!!!!! Please pray that he will grow in Christ and be used of Him. The

Carrs go on furlough next summer (2013) so time to help him get settled

in a job and on his own is somewhat limited.

THANKS AGAIN!

Yours for Japanese souls, Sue

Carr's March 21 Update

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:33:00 GMT

Hi, everyone,

It looks like the first day of Spring here today, unlike the actual first day when it was cloudy and a bit chilly. Trust you're experiencing spring-like weather wherever you are.

PRAISE the Lord that Hiro returned to our home after being away three weeks. We don't fully know what made him leave in the first place and feel the same about why he returned, but we ask you to PRAY for him to make wise choices and to desire to put God first in his life. PRAY for us all as we re-adjust to his being here. Whenever he's around there always seems to be some sort of difficulty as well, so pray that we'll all have a gracious, forgiving, Christ-like attitude towards him. He definitely keeps us on our toes and our knees spiritually.

PRAISE the Lord for a couple of events that were held at the church the past two weeks, one of which was a dinner for which Mr. and Mrs. Tsuno prepared the food, and various teens helping with different responsibilities. Various friends attended both of these events, for whom several it was the first time they had been to anything that had to do with church. The other event was an "Israel Night" presented by Danielle Petite, our Aira co-workers' (Bill and Becky) daughter, who spent about nine months there studying last year. She did a fabulous job with pictures, Israeli games, food, and most importantly, helping those in attendance to see that the stories that took place in the Bible were not just stories, but occurences that happened in actual places. PRAY for those who attended these events to consider the truths that were presented and have their interest increased spiritually.

Three of the Sadowitzes neighbors who attended the dinner

Mrs. Maruta also attended the dinner with us

Please also PRAY for the Tsunos, who cooked the dinner together, but seem to have had a difficulties in their marriage for quite awhile. PRAY that their newly found faith in Christ will grow stronger and be the source for the harmony that has been missing in their marriage up until now.

Mr. and Mrs. Tsuno with their youngest son (the boy behind is from a different family)

PRAISE the Lord for our choir members and their faithfulness in attending practices. We've been given an opportunity to present a couple of concerts down in Okinawa in July at the U.S. bases there, so please PRAY that logistics will be worked out, that most of the members will be able to go, and that through this extended time with them and through the home stays that many of them will be involved in, their spiritual interest will continue to grow.

Tom holding the Fujiedas' newborn baby at choir Sunday night

Everyone enjoyed the baby! (Mrs. Fujieda is the lady on the left)

Thank you again for your prayers and financial support. We appreciate your part in the ministry here so much!

CARRying the Gospel,

Tom, Paula, Andrew, Lindy, Mitchell and Tevia

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:20:00 GMT

Dear Praying Friends,
I was able to meet with Mariko and a friend of hers today. God gave me
an opportunity to share the Gospel with her friend briefly. I'm thankful! : )
Please continue to pray for Mariko's salvation and for her friend too.
I met with Yoko and gave her the devotional material. Pray that she will
use it and grow in Christ.
The situation with my family is a bit better, but I still need prayer about this.
My brother Gary still needs a job too.
Please continue to pray that the Obiyama church ladies in the Bible Study
will grow (me too!) in Christ. Also, pray that God will work in the beauty salon
English/Bible time and also send new people to our Sunday church services.
Thanks for your prayers ALWAYS!!!!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue
P.S. Hiro that I mentioned a few weeks ago has not returned to the Carr home
permanently, although he does drop by sometimes to get things he left there.
Please pray for God to work in his heart.

Carr's Latest Snail Mail Prayer Letter

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:08:00 GMT

Hi, everyone.

Below please find the plain version of our most recent snail mail prayer letter. Some of this will be "old news", but some is new and some will probably have been forgotten even if you had read it before. Thanks so much for your prayers and support!

The Carr Loses Track of Time March 2012
Since we send out frequent e-mail updates, we somehow missed the fact that it’s been quite a while since we’ve written those of you who only hear from us through regular mail! We’ll attempt to update you briefly on what has happened since that time. And, remember, if you’d like to start hearing from us more frequently through e-mail, drop us a line at tcarr@abwe.cc and we’ll add you to our list. We’ve even started including pictures on those updates, so if you have e-mail capabilities don’t miss out!
There have been some exciting things happening and then other things that have been, well, a bit disappointing and even discouraging. At one time Tom was studying the Bible with four different Japanese men, as well as the boy living with us named Hiro, and now none of those men are around. Tom has had contact with Mr. K since they finished up their study of the Story of Hope, but Mr. K has no desire to study the Bible further at this time. And sadly, Hiro, left our home suddenly on the night of February 26 and has chosen to follow the ways of the world. His main interest right now seems to be in making money. He started a new job shortly before leaving which has promised him big bucks (actually yen!) but we’re more skeptical of that happening than he is. We still see him several times a week when he comes by to pick up some item of his that he left here, and says he wants to still study the Bible on his own, but it’s obvious that the study is not happening very much. Needless to say we were quite disappointed with Hiro leaving and returning so quickly to his former ways, but are trusting that the Lord will work in his heart to draw him back to Himself. Please PRAY for Mr. K to have spiritual interest again, and for Hiro to be miserable in his new “life” and repent and return to the Lord.
On a brighter note, Shiori, a friend of Tev’s, whom we mentioned was saved at last summer’s children’s camp, has been able to come pretty consistently to church and other events. PRAY for her continued spiritual growth and for the love of Jesus to shine from to her family. Tom has also had the opportunity to become the unofficial “chaplain” of our local professional basketball team. PRAY for good opportunities to share Christ with these men.
And for the REALLY exciting news! You may remember the 15 year old boy, Shogo, who passed away last spring after being hit by a car and being in a coma for six weeks. One of his last prayer requests, mentioned at the boys’ group meeting the week before he was hit, was for his parents’ salvation. PRAISE the Lord for both his mother AND father having made professions of faith during the past month!! What an exciting answer to prayer! PRAY for their decisions to have been real and for their spiritual growth. They are meeting weekly with Chris and Donna, as well as attending church very faithfully. They even cooked a dinner for an outreach event that was held at church on March 9th. This is the first family in Miyakonojo that has ever had all the members make professions of faith! Please PRAY for the entire Tsuno family to become true disciples of Christ.
Kiyoko also continues to be a bright spot in our lives. She is consistently studying the Bible and blows us away in our weekly Bible studies with the time and effort she puts into her personal study. She has said she’d be willing to study the Bible with Mrs. Tsuno (essentially help disciple her), but since Mrs. T is quite busy she hasn’t wanted to commit to that yet. It would be a great help to both of them spiritually to do so, so please PRAY for this to come about. Please PRAY, too, for men who would be interested in studying the Bible with Tom.
March 19, 2011, Tom was wrongly put in jail for 18 days. We’re coming up on the anniversary of his release on Apr. 7th, so celebrate FREEDOM DAY with us and praise the Lord once again for His work at that time and for whatever work He is still doing as a result of that occurrence!
Thank you for your regular prayers, financial support and concern and interest in us.
CARRying the Gospel, Tom, Paula, Andrew, Lindy, Mitchell, and Tevia

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Dear Praying Friends,
God really worked today! Had a GREAT time with Mariko! We really got to
know each other better and I believe she's going to invite me other to her
place sometime. Looks like Tuesday is going to be a "regular" meeting
time with her too! : )
Had a good time at the beauty salon English & Bible time with the ladies.
The Obiyama church Ladies' Bible Study was a good time of sharing what
God has taught them. One of the ladies wants to teach her friend using
one of the books we've studied! : ) Please continue to pray for our spiritual
growth.
Will meet with Yoko (I believe she's a Christian) on Thursday. She's interested
in devotional material, so I'll give her some then. Please pray for her and her
husband's spiritual growth.
On Sunday night Mayu from the Gingira Coffee Shop English class came
to our evening service! Please pray for God to work in her heart.
Also, please pray for a difficult situation in my family. I need God's wisdom.
Thanks so much!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:13:00 GMT

Dear Praying Friends,
Thank you always for praying.
On Sunday Madoka came to our Sunday evening service! She attends
the Gingira Coffee Shop English conversation time. She wanted to meet
Misti and Joel there re: to English (which she did) but do pray that God will stir her heart about
spiritual things.
I talked with Christina and prayed that God would open an opportunity to talk with her about
a Bible study, but I didn't sense a good time. I believe I need to wait on the Bible study for
now.
On Saturday I have English at the Gingira Coffee Shop. Please pray that God will
give contacts from there. Mariko is a woman I met there, and she is now struggling
with depression. I tried to meet with her this week, but she wasn't up to it. Pray that
I can continue to develop a good relationship with her.
Continue to pray that God will work in our lives through the Bible study at Obiyama.
Pray for all of us to have changed lives as we study His Word.
Also, on Monday I will have English and Bible at the beauty salon. Please pray for
God to work in hearts during the Bible time.
One of our missionaries, Natalie Beck, is taking a group of 5 teens on a short-term
missions trip to Jakarta from March 7 to 12. Please pray that God will work in the hearts of
these young people that they will use their lives for HIs service.
Thanks so much!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

From Sue

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:29:00 GMT

Dear Prayer Partners,
I need you to pray about something for me....
First, to refresh your memories, about a year ago you prayed for Tom Carr who was put
in jail for protecting a teen (who was living with them) from his mother's schemes. The
teen Hiro is from a VERY BAD home situation and was living in parks and laundromats
(during the WINTER) because of his home situation. The Carr family took him in.
Hiro trusted Christ as his Savior and was baptized, and Tom has been discipling him,
having him memorize much Scripture.
Anyway, Hiro has been living with the Carr family (missionary family) for about a year
now and has suddenly left there. They don't know exactly where he is now. Friends
his age are not good influences on him.
Please pray that God will work in Hiro's heart and bring him back to Carr's home and
to God. If you get this in time for your church prayer meeting, please request prayer
for this need. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!
Yours for Japanese Souls, Sue

Carr's Feb. 29 Update

nvbeck@abwe.cc — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:51:00 GMT

Hi, everyone!

Sorry its been so long since we last sent an update. Being gone to Cambodia kind ofthrew us off schedule! We have some exciting & happy news to share as well as one particularly sad item. We'll get the bad news over with first.

PRAISE the Lord Tom's parents and the kids survived very well while we were gone to Cambodia for our ABWE seminar and a mini-vacation. Hiro seemed to have a good time up north with our missionary friends. However, things seem to have been a bit shaky with him over the past few months and it culminated in his choosing to leave our home and live out on his own. We're not sure where he's staying--he doesn't want to tell us--but its likely he's just bouncing around from one friend's house to another, and probably even sleeping in the park again as he did before he came to live with us. He says he'll continue to study his Bible on his own, but he probably won't be coming to church much. He recently got a painting job and this seemed to have been a catalyst to his leaving, perhaps thinking that he'll be able to make it on his own and doesn't need us any more (even though he's not supposed to be paid until 6 weeks from now, and the job seems a bit suspect to us as to whether he'll really get paid at all.) This has been very disheartening, but we know God is not finished with Hiro yet and ask you to PRAY that God will put a hedge of protection around him, that he would not desert the faith and that he will make wise decisions, which probably would include coming back to live with us.

But now for the good news!! Mr. and Mrs. Tsuno have been meeting with the Sadowitzes, studying the Bible and receiving counselling for their marriage. PRAISE THE LORD on Sunday, Feb. 19, Mrs. T announced in church during testimony time that she had trusted in the Lord at the previous Bible study and then last Sunday, the 26th, Mr. T announced that he, too, had trusted in Jesus one week later!!!!!!!!!!We're all so happy that they have made these decisions, as their children have also done so in previous years. (You may recall that their son, Shogo, was the one involved in a car accident and went home to be with the Lord after being in a coma for six weeks). Please PRAY for this family to grow strong in the Lord--there are varying degrees of earnestness among the six of them. This is very exciting to have a whole family come to the Lord--the first one ever here at our church in Miyakonojo. Another exciting item is that Kiyoko is willing to study the Bible together with Mrs. Tsuno (we asked her to "teach" her and she said she'd be happy to study together but didn't want to be known as the teacher! Ha!) Please PRAY that Mrs. T will want to be involved in this and that this will be a time of spiritual growth for both of them. (Sorry we don't have a picture of the Tsunos but will try to do so for our next update!)

PRAISE the Lord we've had lots of testimonies shared from many teens and kids in recent Sunday morning services as well as several friends of theirs coming too. The Lord is working here in Miyakonojo and apparently Satan's not happy about it, so that we have things like Hiro's moving out going on trying to bring us down. PRAY that in this spiritual battle, Satan will be defeated and great things can continue happening here.

Thanks for standing with us through your prayers and letters of encouragement as well as your financial support!

Dinner out with Grandma and Grandpa!

Tom, Paula, Bill and Becky Petite enjoyed spending Sunday at the newly begun Baptist church in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

CARRying the Gospel,

Tom, Paula, Andrew, Lindy, Mitchell, and Tevia