“O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees,
Oh, hear the angels voices!
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night,
O night divine!”

There were 100+  guests at our annual “Candles and Carols” Christmas Eve program at Oasis Chapel. PTL!

Yume and Uncle Ken sang “O Holy Night” as a beautiful, powerful duet highlighting the joy of celebrating Christmas.

Mayor Kumagai, Rifu’s Mayor, joined us for part of our program!

Gordon played his accordion, with Pastor Makito on keyboard, on a few traditional carols plus White Christmas sung by Yume!

O Come O Come Emmanuel

O Little Town of Bethlehem

White Christmas

Silent Night

English Cafe

Our English Café Christmas party was Sunday, Dec 7. The admin team has taken the responsibility for all the arrangements. The team is learning to speak up when they notice something amiss. They’re learning how to plan a program. In Japan, you are trained to do what you are told by the one in charge. Usually, there is no discussion or negotiation (or complaining). In the US, you are trained to take more control. The team was waiting for someone to tell them what to do. No one wanted to appear superior to the others by suggesting a direction. It’s been interesting to watch the team struggle to plan the party. We’re all learning as we go.

Our friend, the Pear Farmer

Christmas is not a big family holiday in Japan. It’s mostly known as a romantic date night. New Year’s is the time people travel to their hometowns for family gatherings. Last New Year, Mr. Oumi went to spend New Year’s with his uncle in a neighboring city. He wasn’t available to meet our adult children who visited over the holidays. This year, it seems he is interested in meeting our children! He asked if our kids would be visiting this year. He made it sound like he might be able to adjust his schedule to be in the area. Please pray he will be able to come over Dec. 30th before going to spend the New Year’s with his uncle.

Thank you

Thank you for your interest in God’s work in Japan! We are very grateful for the tremendous number of one-time gifts IM received on our behalf this past year. Currently, our support pledges show us in need of about $3300 more a month. We’re looking for 15 new partners to help with ongoing monthly support (or one-time donations). We need help us close the gap until the end of our term, in December 2026. If you feel called to partner with us for our last year, please follow the link or QR code:

Partner with us in sharing the Good News
in Japan!

or scan this QR code:

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 ESV

May the God of infinite mercy bless you this Christmas season.

Much love,

Gordon and Lee Ann Hwang