Here Comes the Home Stretch...

I was very encouraged by my three-week trip to Japan in late April. I was able to meet with many Japanese students who were involved in our ministry in Long Beach - to encourage those who are new believers and to do follow-up evangelism with those who have yet to know Christ. I also tried to connect young Christians with other believers in their area. God did much to encourage us and strengthen our friendship and unity in Jesus.

After returning to Long Beach, I went to Atlanta for five weeks of intensive missionary training (known as "Engage 5") at the Encompass headquarters. By God's grace I was able to train alongside Matt and Jen Daniels, my future teammates in Japan. We all learned many new things and I can speak on behalf of all ten missionaries that attended when I say our brains are still sore! My completion of this training was a major step towards getting to Japan as a career missionary.

Some other very important news is that I have officially been assigned to a specific destination in Japan. I will be sent to the city of Osaka to join the Encompass church-planting team there. Being Japan's second-largest city, there will be plenty of work to do! This is exciting news, as it makes my dream of joining in the Great Commission overseas closer to becoming a reality. The only thing I have left to do is raise the needed support. Would you consider partnering with me in making disciples of Christ in Japan?

Your brother,