The challenges of church planting

Exactly a year ago tomorrow we arrived back in Japan to begin our new assignment in the Hiragishi area of Sapporo - start a church from zero. As we look back we appreciate the blessings and the good times. The first worship service; a wonderful Dedication Ceremony; our first baptism at Christmas; beginning to make contact with people in the area. But we realise too the challenge of beginning from nothing. Apart from Sambi (who has a full time job), there is no one to help us and the Chuas, who themselves have a more than full load with other ministry. It takes a long time to get to know people. Even little things can become discouragements. There have been misunderstandings - with other churches and pastors, with other missionary colleagues. Japanese Christians who might have been potential additions to our team here end up elsewhere. So often when we think we have taken a step forward, we seem to take several steps back! Just today someone we hoped would be part of our church from next month called to say she had moved to another area. We would really love for one or two other Japanese to be added to the church - that would be great encouragement to Sambi too. Our struggles are hardly in the nature of the hardships Paul writes of, but we understand more and more that seeing the advance of God's kingdom in these needy land is a tough battle. But we know God is at work here and will by his grace and in his time bring blessing to this area.