Mr. Kobori

Enjoyed Shinshu Soba (buck wheat noodles) with Mr. Kobori and Jon. Note the tempura.

Please pray for retired businessman, Mr. Kobori, as he preaches regularly at Abundant Life Church and Azumino Family Chapel (churches that Jon shares in the leadership). Please pray that we would all be 'godly.'

“There are three basic roles or functions that a Christian minister has: preaching, pastoring / counseling and leading. No one is gifted or equally gifted in all three areas and yet we must do them all... [but] The greatest factor for long-term effectiveness of a Christian minister is… godliness.... You may not have a strong public speaking gift; but if you are very godly, your wisdom, love and courage will mean that you will be interesting.... You may not have strong pastoral or counseling gifts (e.g. you may be very shy or introverted, etc.); but if you are very godly, your wisdom, love and courage will mean that you will comfort and guide people.... You may not have very strong leadership gifts (e.g. you may be disorganized or very cautious by nature); but if you are very godly, your wisdom, love and courage will mean that people will respect and follow you.”

Tim Keller

"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.... But as for you, O man of God, flee these things (including "the love of money," context). Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.... He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen." portions of 1Timothy 6