"I do wish, brother (and sisters) that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask." (Philemon 20-21)

Dear Friends,

We give thanks for your support and your prayers. You always do more than we ask, and are blessed.

It is the middle of July, and the rainy season has just ended. So it is hot and humid here. It reminds me of summers in Kansas City. And refreshment, for my heart as well as body, is on my mind. I always try to write and share with you of the blessings of God, even miracles, that we are privilege to be a part of. But today, on this hot sticky day, I have other things on my mind. A boy I know who is facing physical abuse at home. A young mother whose husband has left her and their children. Yes, even on the mission field, we face the basic struggles of human relationships.

Today I am praying for the Lord to refresh your heart, as I am confident that as you read this you will pray for our hearts to be refreshed.

Now I want to share a story of joy, power, victory and sorrow. A wonderful Christian member of our church, Mr. Ikkou Honjou has passed away and gone to be with the Lord. Mr. Honjou has struggled with cancer and diabetes since before I came to Nishi Okamoto Church. During his first time in the hospital for cancer surgery a number of years ago, he made a decision to follow Jesus Christ as Lord.

During these past few years, he has been faithful every Sunday morning. He entered the church with a smile on his face, and took a seat near the back. For about a year he came in a wheel chair each Sunday. His wife, Kyouko, told me he was resting every day to have energy to come to church on Sunday. Church was where he wanted to be, because God's love was felt there. When he entered the hospital for the last time about six months ago, on the first Sunday he said, "It's Sunday, I need to go to church." Of course he couldn't. About a week before he passed away, Kyouko called me to come and pray, the doctor said it would probably be his last night. Rev. Takahashi and I met beside his bed. With Kyouko we sang a hymn and read scripture and prayed. That night he regained some strength, even spoke a couple of words, for the first time in several days. The doctor told everyone it was a miracle. The doctor spoke of the power of prayer to the Christian God.

A week later, Tomoko and I went to the hospital. Mr. Honjou had not been responsive for about 2 days. I took his hand and called his name. He opened his eyes and we prayed one last time together. (I think he recognized my poor Japanese accent.) That night when he passed away, Kyouko spoke to her family of his love for the Lord. Of course there were also powerful testimonies at his funeral.

• Pray for this boy and his father.
• Pray for this young family.
• Pray for Kyouko Honjou and her family.
• Give thanks for the testimony of the life of Mr. Honjou

Again, we pray for the Lord to refresh your heart and body in this hot time of the year.

Grace and Peace,

John and Tomoko Armagost

International Ministries missionaries in Japan