Status Report on CBI Press Book Projects (Pt.2 of 2)

Thank you for your prayer and support to equip Christians in Japan for the work of gospel ministry. In our last Newsletter we shared about our financial need to expand the ministry of CBI Press. Well, we have really exciting news to share!

Since the last newsletter went out, CBI has been awarded with a 2:1 matching grant toward raising $118,294 to produce gospel resources for Japan. Once we raise $78,863 the matching grant of $39,431 will be released. These funds will make it possible to complete the following CBI Press gospel resource projects and grow as a ministry:

Uchi-Soto Project ($28,294)

Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible ($25,000)

CBI Press Staff ($30,000)

CBI Press new location ($15,000)

Translators Conference – to train and recruit gifted translators ($20,000)

Your gift to CBI Press today, not only helps fulfill the 2:1 match, but also produces gospel resources for the church in Japan.

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In addition to completing the Uchi-Soto Project and the Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible, your gift will press several other projects forward.

Almost There

The Gospel-Centered Life for Teens

CBI Press released a PDF version of The Gospel-Centered Life for Teens in Japanese just one year ago. A local ministry that CBI is partnered with expressed interest in having it in print as well and gave a significant donation to cover the production costs. We will have the printed copy out for free distribution in July!

A Biblical Counseling Process

A Biblical Counseling Process is a book chosen by the Christian Counseling for Japan Task Force (steering committee for CBI Counseling) as an essential for counseling training. We hope to launch this book this summer in time for one of our counseling courses this fall.

On the way

CBI Press has lots of other exciting projects along the way too: God’s Grace in Your Suffering by David Powlison, Marriage by Paul Tripp, and more! Please pray for our writers, translators, editors, designers, and everyone else involved!

Celebrating the Watanabe Family

CBI’s beloved Gary and Lois Watanabe are retiring after a long career serving as missionaries around the world. Gary served as the Founder and Coordinator of the Joy of Japan Center for Church Planting and Church Revitalization (JOJC) since its beginning in 2016. In addition to the JOJC courses, Gary taught the Sonship courses for CBS which led our students to be rooted in their identity in Christ as adopted daughters and sons of God. Lois served our team and the surrounding community in countless ways as a prayer warrior, silent servant, and loving counselor.

They have served in various capacities all around the world for more than 30 years. The CBI team is so grateful for their presence and service with us during their last years of vocational ministry.

Although Gary and Lois will be saying goodbye to Nagoya, we are grateful that Gary will continue to serve as a Lecturer Emeritus at Christ Bible Seminary. Join us in giving thanks to God for Gary and Lois Watanabe!

Ways to Pray

Christ Bible Seminary - As the spring term ends, we thank God for a wonderful start to the 2024 school year! Pray for blessing over the summer intensive courses happening in July.
Joy of Japan Center - We celebrate and mourn the retirement of Gary and Lois Watanabe! Pray for the Lord to bless the new JOJC Director, Taka Oba while he’s currently away on sabbatical
CBI Counseling - Registration if open for the 2024 STEPS Program. Pray for incoming participants, as well as the mentors and trainers as they prepare.
CBI Press - Pray that God would provide for our current book projects, as well as a Japanese staff, Japanese editor, and a better space for book storage.
CBI Media - that Japanese people would be pointed to Christ and the church as our content highlights focus on community and friendship for the first half of July.

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