“During a recent gathering of missionaries, significant time was taken to celebrate achievements in language study. Learning the heart language of the people we desire to reach out to in the name of Jesus is such an important thing! When people express their deepest emotions or share their most intimate thoughts, it is most often done in their native tongue. Here in Japan, we have more missionaries in language study than we have had in many years as the result of new missionaries coming to the field and others transferring in from other countries. A record number of colleagues demonstrated foundational level attainments that they will build on in the days to come. Others have reached advanced levels in record time, and some have evidenced a superior level of grasping the Japanese language. For all of this we praise the Lord who gives us life and breath. One shared this encouraging word: ‘God has continued to provide growth and understanding in language as we have labored. We have recently seen a significant increase in language ability and building relationships. This has been a huge answer to our daily prayers.’ Please continue to pray for ongoing growth in learning the language for each missionary so that we all might share Christ more effectively.”