Gelsthorpes’ August Prayer Letter

The Gelsthorpes have sent us their most recent prayer letter from Japan. As one of our strong World Focus partners, please do have a read through to support them:

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August 2026

“Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

Psalm 96:2

Thank you so much for continuing to pray for our time visiting churches and supporters in the UK. We

continue to be encouraged by the generous support of everyone.

Clearances for Returning to Japan

Thank you for praying that our clearances will be confirmed by OMF to enable us to return to Japan.

We are currently waiting for a meeting with the OMF UK National Director to confirm whether we are

able to return to Japan. Please pray that we will receive the clearances we need so that we can

return to Japan at the end of September.

Student Finance and India Visa

Thank you for praying for Caleb’s visa which he needed to return to school in India. Praise God that it

was granted with just over a week to spare. Caleb began his new term at Hebron School in August

and is settling in well although it’s not easy being away from home. Please pray for good friends and

good concentration for him in this final year of GCSEs.

Praise God that Isaac was accepted onto his preferred course to study Engineering in Nottingham.

We are still trying to provide the required evidence for him to be categorised as a home student so he

can receive a student loan. Please pray that his application for a student loan will be approved quickly

so that he can receive it before he starts his course. Please pray for good Christian friends for him

and a good start to his course.

Thinking about Church Leadership

Praise God for the faithful service of our church Advisory Board in helping to run the church in

Hanamaki while we are away. When we return to Hanamaki we want to think with the church and

OMF about whether the church is ready for an eldership and what that might look like. Please pray

for God’s guidance for us in our planning and for good communication and discussion with church

members and OMF. Please pray that we can honour those who have helped so much in our absence

but not overburden them going forward.

Church and Home Group Visits

Please pray for many people to be encouraged in their interest in supporting the work in Hanamaki as

we visit these places:

August 30th Emmanuel Church Canterbury

September 6th Rochester Baptist Church

10th Home group in Worthing

Thank you so much again for praying for us!

With love from Mark, Sarah, Grace, Isaac and Caleb

The Gelsthorpes – working for OMF leading a church plant in rural, northern Japan.

mark.gelsthorpe@omfmail.com sarah.gelsthorpe@omfmail.comAugust 2026