Having just finished our annual field conference (37 adults and 14 children all together for four days!) we are inspired and encouraged to use coaching skills to develop disciples of Christ, and to form new light-giving churches. This month's article features one of our newer initiatives where we are trying to use these skills.

What does "church" mean? Is it a building? Having a pastor? A programme? A Sunday meeting? Or is it two or three gathered together in the name of Jesus to be disciples and make disciples?

When we came to Fushimi last September one of our aims was to explore a different way of being church, one which focuses on the essentials of evangelism and discipleship. House churches like this are spreading rapidly across Japan as small groups of people experience Jesus together and share him with their friends.

Pray for Rakusei New Town church as they adapt to the Oh family who are just starting their internship year there, helping to lead services and mid-week groups. Pray for vision and direction for the church too.

Thank God for an excellent field conference and pray for our leaders Martin and Julie Crowhurst as they lead us into our vision for reaching people and planting churches.

In the ancient Hebrew mindset, the Israelites saw themselves as travelling forwards but looking backwards, appreciating the tracks made on the journey just travelled. This month's Seds of Grace includes an article which features Kaori Christian Church, where Peter Wilson looks back as well as forward at God working.