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We cannot say this has been an easy start to a new year. There is great joy and anticipation of what the Lord is going to do this year through our church and in our lives. We are also anticipating how God is going to use our new building and new location. If you would like to see more pictures of the construction please take a look at the photos posted by Akemi here.

But this last week brought great sadness as well, since we lost two of our church members. We know they are home with the Lord and that brings great peace. Emmanuel, Florinda's husband, passed away rather suddenly on Monday although he was on dialysis for some time. We made sure Florinda was able to go home to the Philippines for his funeral. Then on Wednesday morning we got a call that Pastor Noriko and Naomi's father, Fukuji Kawasaki also went to be with the Lord. His funeral was held Sunday morning. Remember they lost their mother at the end of October. Please keep praying for these families and for the church family here as well. Please remember to keep Mihoko Takii in your prayers as she too has been fighting for her life. She has pneumonia. Her heart stopped last Monday while the doctor was with her so he was able to resuscitate her. We hear that she is beginning to respond a little to her father. Your prayers for all these things is greatly appreciated.