"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool" -         Isaiah 1:18

Partners in the Gospel,

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and financial support so that our family can minister in Japan! We are grateful and so humbled by your partnership in the gospel so that we can share the good news of Jesus with so many who have not heard.

A couple weeks ago we had our first snow for the winter in Virginia. My parents have graciously allowed us to stay with them in their new house, a Colonial Williamsburg-style home built in the 1820s nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. Unfortunately the internet is about as fast as dial-up, so I often go out to local coffee shops with Wifi to work. This day I had arrived at the coffee shop (about a twenty-minute drive) only to find I had forgotten my wallet! I was so upset. “How could I have been so stupid to forget it?!”, I mumbled to myself. Now it would cost me another twenty minutes to drive home, then another twenty to drive back. “Great!” I thought sarcastically, “an entire hour spent in the car, when I have more important things to work on!” As I began the drive back, I marveled at the huge snowflakes hitting the windshield when I remembered the verses I had read from Isaiah 1:18 that morning: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be become like wool.” Yes, God had provided an hour for me to be reminded of Jesus’ blood spilt on the cross, so that I could be made clean. His perfect, spotless righteousness, white as snow, was traded for my crimson stains. Every moment is an opportunity for us to rejoice, and turn our hearts towards Jesus in worship, even when we forget our wallets.

We have been back in the USA now for three months and have been busy with homeschooling, connecting with friends/supporters and traveling a lot. Homeschooling has been a challenge, especially so for Carly as she has had to adjust her entire schedule around teaching the boys. We have been very thankful for help from Matt’s Mom and enjoy trips to the library and local Y.M.C.A. for our active boys.

One of the highlights of our HMA so far was having a mini Japan reunion with some of the members of our team who are now living in America. We spent a few days together in Arkansas and as we had an extended time of prayer for each other, I was filled with a deep thankfulness for each person. God has been so gracious and faithful to work in and through each one of us despite the many hardships and transitions we faced this last year. God has brought us through so much and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with people who are willing to serve, depending on the Lord, and committed to loving people into Christ’s kingdom. Praise be to God!

One of the blessings of being “home” in the USA this time of year is being with family and celebrating the holidays together. It is always those moments and memories that we long for while in Japan during the holiday season. In some ways, however, we long for and think about our friends in Japan this Christmas season who do not know Jesus as their Savior. We miss Japan when we are away, especially our friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. It is hard to be away from Japan, knowing if we were there we would be hosting Christmas parties, organizing Christmas events, and getting many opportunities to tell our college friends and families in the community about Jesus and why we celebrate His birth at Christmas. But we do not trust in the work of our hands… Would you pray for us, as we entrust their souls to Jesus? We know that while we are not in Japan “working,” God through His Holy Spirit continues to move. Even though many of our friends have not yet professed faith in Christ, God is watching over their hearts. Please pray with us that the many seeds sown will bear fruit in our dear friends someday.

Much of our work revolves around wanting to see Japanese men and women equipped for the work and ministry of planting more churches in Japan. Keisuke and Bethany are dear friends whom we had the opportunity to serve in Chiba city for two years. Keisuke is now studying at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, and planning on returning to work in Japan after graduation and ordination. We would like to let you know of his need for financial support. Please consider a one-time or recurring donation to help him through seminary (ending in spring 2021). His wife Bethany would also like to take advantage of the classes that are offered for free to spouses but has had to work full-time to cover living costs. We are so grateful that our support account is healthy, and are humbled by your continued generosity. We praise God for your partnership and long to be good stewards. Please pray about supporting Keisuke and Bethany. To support the Idotas, mail a check to:
Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Rd. Creve Coeur, MO 63141. Please write "Tuition Support for Keisuke Idota" in the memo line! (Donations to the Idota Family are not tax deductible and go 100% towards their seminary tuition costs.)