VISION FOR THE NEW YEAR 2008: for Neal & Mari Hicks & Family

 

Successfully visit all 40 supporting churches in 14 states in 10 months.

Safe travel, fruitful contacts and increased support with the goal of returning to Japan by June 30.

Prayer for son Phillip age 21 who is home in Tokyo the year mom and dad are away.

Prayer for Neal age 24 who will complete IT training and return to Japan by March 1st.

Health, energy, encouragement, and consistency for personal time with the Lord.

 

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES: 2007 and 2008

 

In January of 2007, Neal and Mari attended the dedication service at Kawagoe church for the new stained glass windows for the sanctuary.  Mari designed them and Neal oversaw the building of the oak frames and installation.  A missionary friend, Janet Brown, donated well over a hundred and fifty hours, hand crafting the stained glass windows for the church. 

 

In March Neal began “cooking class evangelism” at Kawagoe church which ended in June.

Toward the end of March, Neal and Mari also attended The Mission Society’s Asia Regional Conference in Beijing.  Neal and Mari took 132 Bibles into China and delivered them safely.

 

In April Neal & Mari co-conducted their annual Simultaneous Interpreter’s Seminar in Karuizawa, Japan, enabling Japanese Christians to sharpen their sermon translation skills.

 

During May, through JEMA (Japan Evangelical Missionary Association) Neal assisted with the 14th annual Prayer Summit, for Japanese pastors, church leaders, and mission leaders.

 

Also in May the Hicks’ hosted Rev. Hugh Ross, with “Reasons to Believe” as the guest speaker at their monthly Japanese Business men’s Outreach, called The International VIP Club.

 

Also, May 21st was the celebration of 25 years of their Prayer Ensemble with Dr. Berndt Bohman.

 

In June, their Kawagoe Free Methodist Church held a well attended neighborhood bazaar.

 

Additionally in June, Neal & Mari completed the translation of the Mission Society’s “Global Outreach Seminar” manual and “Student Workbook” into the Japanese language. 

 

In July, Neal and Mari traveled to Hiroshima, Japan to attend Mari’s father and mother’s 30 year memorial service.  Neal was asked by his Japanese family, Rev. Eiichi Akasaka, to preach the service at the Methodist Church Mari’s father, Rev. Hideo Samuel Akasaka, began in 1949… the same church where Neal was ordained in 1983.  Neal, Mari, Neal Hideo and Phillip attended.

 

During the month of August, Neal and Mari traveled to Nagano, Japan where they spent their  summer vacation at Lake Nojiri.  Every summer, hundreds of missionaries camp out there, enjoying the lake, nature, fellowship and worship.  Neal served again this year as Religious Activities Coordinator over two weekly worship services.  For Neal’s service half of all the offerings were once again sent to Khabarovsk in Russian Siberia, to The Mission Society’s team, who work there with the children in several orphanages.

 

On September 6, 2007, Neal and Mari departed Japan to begin their year of home assignment to visit all of their supporters and supporting churches to renew commitments. As the Lord provides, their goal is to return to Japan at the end of June 2008, to resume their ministries and service.

 

 

 

FUTURE PROJECTS:  Global Outreach Seminar Manual & Student Workbook

 

One new ministry the Lord is opening to Neal and Mari regards the presenting of The Mission Society’s Global Outreach Ministry to Japanese pastors and churches.  Neal and Mari have over the years developed close relationships with a host of Japanese Wesleyan leaders and churches.  Their future plan and project, upon returning to Japan, is to complete the editing and printing of GOS, and begin to introduce this world missions program to pastors and churches in multi-denominational settings.  As this is a new project and ministry opportunity for Neal and Mari, they will need much prayer and ongoing financial partnerships to take on this additional, yet vital, ministry to the churches in Japan. 

 

WEBSITE AND CONTACT INFORMATION for Neal & Mari Hicks

 

Japan Residence:

 

1-11-41 Shimosato

Higashi Kurume shi

Tokyo, 203-0043

Japan

 

Japan Home Phone:  81-424-78-2782

Japan Cell Phone:  81-803-394-3365

Email:  nealtms@gmail.com

Japan Website:  www.tms-japan.net

 

Stateside address:

 

9547 Columbia Hwy.

Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

 

Cell Phone:  267-357-1288