Hi everyone,
Thank you for your prayers during our recent 5+ weeks in Canada for midterm partnership development. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but we are thankful for safe and smooth travel, the partner churches and supporters we could reconnect with, and for time with family as well.
It was good, but not as relaxing as we’d hoped, even though we stayed fairly close to our home base while we were there. We were tired when we got back, and it’s much more hot and humid here, so we still feel like we’re catching up and adjusting. We’d appreciate your continuing prayers as we enter a new season of life and ministry in Japan.
Here are some specific prayer points:
1. Japan: By now you’ve probably heard the news about last week’s big earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan. For those wondering, that is not the area we live in, and we are safe. But as of yesterday, 38 people have died, while over 8,500 are in evacuation shelters. Meanwhile, over 46,000 households are experiencing power outages during a time of extreme heat. Japan is well-equipped to deal with disaster, and things would be a lot worse in a poorer country; but it is still not easy for those affected. Please pray for the continuing rescue and recovery efforts.
2. Bible Night: Next Thursday (8/13) our church in Kanazawa is holding an event for youth and young adults which includes some barbecue and games, as well as worship, Bible and prayer time. We have been asked to do the games, music and teaching, and Yoko is taking the lead this time. Pray for God to lead us and help us speak his love into these young people’s lives.
3. Fukui: On August 23 we’re scheduled to minister through music and preaching again at Immanuel Fukui Church, where we’ve been helping with pulpit supply since last year. Pray for safe travel and fruitful ministry.
4. Drawbridge Creations: We have a couple of new Waypoints manga stories in the works, in collaboration with two different artists. Pray for this project and for wisdom as we plan ahead.
Thank you again for your prayers!