This is a time of Thanksgiving.I am thankful for many things this year.

First of all, I am thankful for all of our American Baptist Churches that support our mission efforts throughout the world.You have continually supported us through prayer and interest.But over and above that, when you heard of the financial crisis of International Ministries and the possibility of missionary recalls through the World Mission Offering Blitz, many of you have significantly increased your offering.Thank you.

I am thankful that I can be here in Japan as an American Baptist missionary.I am especially thankful to be located in Hiroshima in the Seto Inland Sea.I think that the Seto Inland Sea is one of the most beautiful places in the world.My work involves traveling in this area to the Japan Baptist Union related churches.I am always impressed by the beauty of the scenery and the hospitality of the people.But many of our island churches are struggling.People on the islands are conservative and not open to "foreign" religions.The congregations are aging and diminishing in size.

• Please pray for these churches.

I am thankful that the Hiroshima Preaching Place has been established as the Hiroshima Peace Christian Church.The seeds for this church were first scattered by a Swedish missionary, Hjordis Andersson.About ten years ago, it officially became a Japan Baptist Union supported preaching place.At that time Rev. Fujii and his family came to pastor the preaching place.Soon a church building was built with the second floor serving as a parsonage.Rev. Fujii and the church have worked hard to become established.On March 20, 2004 representative of JBU churches met in Hiroshima and after hearing about the progress that the preaching place has made, voted that it become established as a church.

• Please pray that this church may become a strong witness to God's love.

In thanksgiving,

Carolyn Predmore