It is hard to believe 2020 is half over! I think we all can say and agree that much has happened in our world the last 6 months and we are still in the middle of a lot of it. Temporary or our new normal? What is normal? I am starting to see normal as anything that is not adventurous. For some of us the challenges of today is an adventure that God is calling us to. For our family our adventure began two and half years ago and many of you are on this adventure with us. We thank you and pray that God blesses you abundantly.
family updates
Most exciting first! We recently celebrated Chloe as she accepted Jesus and was baptized on June 27th!
At the end of March Chloe graduated from pre-school and Ethan wrapped up his first year. Then at the beginning of April Chloe started her first year of elementary school. Ethan is now in his second year of pre-school. Swimming, piano, tennis and English are also a part of their weekly routine. It’s amazing to watch Chloe switch from reading Japanese to reading English to reading music.
Meg and I were able to get out for a few hours and celebrate our anniversary. So thankful that we have church family that love our kids while we get out and enjoy some adult time!
mission updates
We kicked off the year literally on January 1st climbing 3,000 feet to the top of Mt. Kaimon to witness the first sunrise of 2020. Our entire church family including the kids arrived at the base of Mt. Kaimon at 4am and began our climb. Many take-aways for each person and we all grew closer in the process.
Early spring we set out on a three tier mission through Kyushu. First – to run 50K each day for 5 days. Second – to match up with other missionaries and pastors on our journey in hopes to connect, motivate and encourage one another. Third – to take possession of a vehicle gifted to us. And we got to squeeze in some sight-seeing. The people and families I met during my run and invited to stay in their homes… the missionary families we got to meet and a pastor in ministry for over 40 years and going strong in his 70s. What a journey, mission accomplished!
In May we gathered our church family to serve in our annual Go Local event – to be the church by serving and loving those in our community. We helped a couple move into their new home and cared for their kids during the moving process. Check out this cool recap video Meg put together.
we are growing
Each week we have over 25 people that get to hear a word form God and experience the love of Jesus. We have 10+ people that show up at our Feeding Our Friends Reachout Ministry and we have an average of 15 people attend our home church on the weekends. We have had several that have invited Jesus into their hearts and one (besides Chloe) that received baptism.
more work to do
As we grow and develop others we can expand our capacity to do more. Here is what God has planned in future weeks, months and years.
Kids Camp happening – July 27 – 31, 2020
We are hosting our 2nd Annual Kids Camp at the end of this month where kids will learn about loving your neighbor along with English, games, and fun activities.
Disaster Relief Response Kyushu – August 2020
With the flooding and mudslides that have occurred this rainy season there are people in need. We are ready to serve and love those in need by rolling up our sleeves and getting dirty mucking out homes. While rainy season wraps up we will train and equip our first time volunteers, purchase equipment and tools, and stock up on supplies. More details at Natural Disaster Relief Kyushu.
Community After School Academy – April 2021
We will be transforming our English House Reachout to a full blown after school program beginning next school year and we have two people from our church community passionate about kids that will be able to use their gifts and talents.
Not Alone Initiative – August 2021
God calls us to fight for the most vulnerable. In Japan isolation is a systemic problem that is rooted in the country’s stoic culture. Forced isolation described as being pushed out of family or society and self-isolation as to avoid being troublesome to others or avoiding guilt or shame attacks every age group. Just as God pursues relationship with us, it is the Church that can offer a solution by pursuing relationship with those lost and forgotten. This will be a nation wide initiative called Not Alone or in Japanese Hitoridewanai (一人でわない). Our official launch will be August 2021. Stay tuned for updates!
join us on mission
All this is possible through our monthly partnership support and through donations. Your generosity gives our family the ability to run after the 2nd largest unreached people group who do not know who Jesus is or have ever experienced the love he offers. Please consider joining us as a partner or support one of our efforts by designating by name in the comment section of our donor page.
All donations are tax-deductible.
Where is God calling you to adventure OR how is He preparing you for battle?
How can we pray for you?