Category Archives: Prayer Updates

2017: An Overview

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

Japanese Sign Language Bible Thank you to the many who cared enough to pray or give or help out. Because you did, the Japanese Sign Language Bible translation project continued rolling out the changes that started last year. Uiko did a … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer Updates, Translation, Wheelchairs | 1 Comment

Mary Esther’s Year in Review

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

From Mary Esther: Wheelchairs of Hope Highlights 1- Mr. Naito’s confession of faith and baptism: Mr. Naito, a volunteer at Wheelchair of Hope, is the brother of the Japanese pastor my father worked with when I was in elementary school! … Continue reading →

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Earthly Edibles Become Heavenly . . . 17 Years Later

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

Today I ran into Pastor Minamida.  “Remember the very first cooking class you did? ”  He started mimicking kneading bread.  “It was 17 years ago.  And Mrs. Hatadaya attended.  It was her very first experience coming to a church. ” … Continue reading →

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Family News

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

Anna had a summer research position in Tokyo.  Andrew came for a conference and Emily joined him.  Summer activities included the three of them giving testimonies at the Yamagata Deaf Church, visiting Andrew’s playground from when he was a child, … Continue reading →

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Prayer update from March 11

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

110 wheelchairs are on their way to Vietnam Thank you for praying!  It took five months of negotiations but Mr. Tani, the new director of Wheelchairs of Hope, demonstrated what faith in action looks like. The container we had hoped … Continue reading →

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Year End Report

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

Mark Penner: Sign Language Bible Translation Uiko continued as the lead translator this year, finishing the gospel of John in September, and then starting in on Exodus. Though she encountered opposition and health problems, and is (like all of our … Continue reading →

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Leaving Again

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

We hope to fly stand-by from LA to Tokyo tomorrow,  November 20th.  We are grateful for the people who give us buddy-passes to make these trips possible. Our time with Daniel was very special, and it is always hard to … Continue reading →

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Home Assignment

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

We’re halfway through our time in the U.S.  Thank you so much for praying. We have had many wonderful times of worship and prayer and connecting with the body of Christ here in the U.S. Too many to list! Our … Continue reading →

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Where Do You Hold a Baptism If You Don’t Have a Baptistry

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

This past Sunday we visited a co-worker’s church to interpret the message and baptismal service for a Deaf couple who sometimes attend. It’s not uncommon for a Japanese church not to have a baptistry.  Growing up Mark ‘s father held … Continue reading →

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Pray Boldly on our Behalf

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Mark and Mary Esther Penner

We value your partnership, we are here because you give financially and you pray.  Please pray fervently: For this country, will you pray for Japan and its leaders when you pray for America and President Obama For those who have … Continue reading →

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