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** We love to get OUTDOORS, especially with all these boys cooped up in a small apartment. We hope to start sharing some videos soon of our outings, so you can see how we take advantage of the natural beauty in Japan! Stay tuned!

The year of ZOOM.

I'm not sure that there is much to write here about life in Japan that could rival the experiences of most of our US based friends and family. While we seemed to be more affected early on, the US quickly outpaced Japan in terms of the overall affect and rigidity of daily life through restrictions put in place by the governing authorities.

Japan too has political drama surrounding the implementation of a plan for handling the outbreak of COVID-19, but due to cultural and legal factors, the government mainly relies on the good will of the people to obey and then public shaming to ensure that guidelines are followed. The Prime Minister and local governors and mayors have "strongly urged" the populace to shelter in place as much as possible, social distance, and work from home, under the auspices of a state of national emergency. Basically any kind of confined space where people can gather has been closed.

You can track the outbreak at this link. covid19japan.com

The number of active cases has plateaued, but due to a maxed out health care system in the greater Tokyo area, the current guidelines will extend until May 31. Some prefectures least affected will begin to reopen more quickly, on a case by case basis.

Fun Facts: The 1st and 3rd most densely populated prefectures in Japan are Tokyo and Kanagawa, respectively. Kanagawa is where we live. You might think of NYC versus Chicago. However, our city of Kawasaki, and specifically our local Tama Ward, have a density of over 26,000 p/sq mi. Compare that to my hometown of Cissna Park IL with a density of about 1,100 p/sq mi.

So we are avoiding unnecessary outings, enjoying the green space nearby our home, homeschooling the boys in the mornings, participating in multiple Zoom meetings throughout the week, having church services online and meeting with our Family Groups via Zoom as well. We're mostly trying take advantage of the decrease physical appointments and maintain a healthy routine.

Wheaton College Update
John was able to complete the final work for his MA in Evangelism & Leadership in April and is set for a May 2020 graduation. Thank YOU for partnering with us to help make this happen. And thank you to the Billy Graham Center Scholarship fund too. May this investment in the Kingdom reap much fruit!

We are thankful for:

Opportunities to share our joy in Christ to our community in the middle of difficult times
An agile missionary team and local volunteers that were able to transition to online church quickly and with little hiccup.
The resources and support available to live in Japan and minister the Gospel (Thank you Partners!)
A sovereign God who cares for his children and sends us on mission for the lost.

We are praying for:

Grace in raising these four boys! Some days are overwhelming, especially for mom!
A season of harvest in Japan, and for workers to come into the harvest field.
Peace as we pursue our vision for the future of the church in Japan, not to be anxious, but to walk faithfully in what God has called us to do.

Thank you for praying with us! We look forward to keeping you up to date! Please let us know how we can pray for you!

Partner with the Eisenmann Family

If you have more time...

Recently we were able to talk to the landlord of the building that the church rents for our services and to host the coffee shop. Our rent was set to increase in May of this year, but due to the effects of Corona virus, he accepted our request to hold off the increase for another year! PTL!

Last week we received an email from a person in western Japan that found out about us online and began watching our services. He said that he was given a bible when he graduated high school, but couldn't ever understand it the times he tried to read it. When he watched some of our messages online he said that the teaching was done in a way that he could finally start to make sense! Of course, we believe it is the Spirit! Please pray for Yori* san to come to saving faith!

A couple months ago, a man on the brink of disaster contacted our Choose Life messaging service and was connected to our sister church on the other side of Tokyo where he joined Celebrate Recovery, and continues to participate (virtually) today!

A woman tried to kill herself last week by walking in front of a train at the crossing in front of our church in Noborito, but as she was deterred and started talking to our pastors, was able to find out that the two siblings she hated had begun attending churches and were living changed lives! She is now on her journey to Jesus!

Thank you for partnering with us in Japan! The Spirit is present and moving! Let us now grow weary!

The famous Cherry Blossoms of Japan. This is one of the biggest time for group picnics the whole year! It was hard for people to maintain social distancing guidelines.