by a Pioneer in Japan

We asked you to pray specifically for the salvation of Mr. Yamashiro. I first met Mr. Yamashiro about eight years ago, soon after his daughter accepted Christ. He has since seen two of his grandchildren, a son-in-law and his wife become Christians. He has always kept a distance from us, but we have had some contact with him over the years. Even so, he expressed little interest in the things of the Lord. As a life-long Buddhist he could not see the need to give up 75 years of Buddhism for something he did not understand.

Earlier this year my wife put together a wonderful meal and we invited his family over for food and fun. From that week on he started coming to church! He got to church a little early today and we sat down to talk. At first it did not appear that this would be a conversation that would end the way we had hoped, but little by little he began sharing his life, thoughts on what he had heard, and questions about God. He is an avid sports fan and has diabetes as I do, so we had several areas to "warm up" the conversation.

It was just amazing how as we looked again at the simple plan of salvation, God just melted his heart. He and I, and his daughter who made it there for the last few minutes, knelt on the carpet and Mr. Yamashiro accepted Jesus as his Savior!

Amazing! Years and years of investment brought him to the cross. We look for him to be baptized next month along with the other recent converts. What a privilege to have a front row seat to see the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit. Because you prayed, gave and encouraged, Mr. Yamashiro's family is now entirely Christian—all three generations!