A story we've told throughout our Stateside visit is about the I family. The I family are native Japanese who returned to Japan from a 5-year work assignment in SE Asia in early 2020. There they began raising their two children. So, while being a Japanese boy and girl, they were very much part of their host culture in SE Asia. Clark started meeting up with the son on his walks to school and came home to report how he met a friend who lived in another country, but now he lives here (Japan)! The excitement, perhaps not noticeable upon first read, is that Clark and this new friend were in the same culture boats! Clark, an American boy, growing up in Japan. And S, a Japanese boy who grew up in SE Asia. Now they meet! Come to find out that their daughter and our Mollie attended the same kindergarten.
 

Looking for ways to connect with their new community, the I family, particularly Lindsay and Mrs. K became good friends and even started studying the Bible together. I (Justin) eventually met her husband and soon after began language exchange lunches. As we began to prepare for our return Stateside, we wanted to invite both Mrs. K and Mr. T to a virtual Bible Study where we could keep up with each other through text. Mrs. K was more than willing to accept the invite. The challenge would be Mr. T, who had not opened up about his own spiritual beliefs.

So, by God's grace, I took the plunge!

It has been a joy to visit with many of you over the last month. We'll share more about our Stateside time in another letter. We still have another 4 weeks of Stateside visits and opportunities to share. And most importantly will be a marriage retreat for Lindsay and I. Please pray for this remaining time to be refreshing and restful as we approach our return to Japan.

A few prayer points regarding our return:

1) The border situation (as of now) prevents tourists or new residents from entering Japan. All 5 of us have a visa and are able to reenter Japan. However, covid numbers are rising even in spite of Tokyo's 4th State of Emergency. Many of you have probably seen through Olympic coverage the volatile nature of this situation. Please pray for a safe and smooth return for our family.

2) Beginning September 1, we have a 2-week quarantine to abide by. Since we'll be homebound, it would be a great opportunity to connect with you! Especially with our friends and supporters in the CENTRAL TIME ZONE, since we are unable to regularly visit that region. Please pray for good participation and for these times to be encouraging. 

Please consider joining one of these two Zoom meetings (no more than an 1 hour each):

 

1) START a New Support Commitment: We encourage you to take the next step in being part of what God is doing around the world. It's been a privilege to serve the peoples of Japan. And it's a tremendous joy to share with those who are financially giving to this work. We recommend a monthly commitment in the amount of $25, $50 or $100 if the Lord leads you.
2) INCREASE Your Support Commitment: For many these are financially difficult times. Your generosity amidst this fluid economy is a challenge to us in our own personal generosity. Thank you for your example! If possible, we encourage an increase in your current giving amounts - even if only at a modest level. For perspective, if each of our current financial partners increased their giving by $14/month, the need listed above would be met in full. We are aware this is a big ask. And so we don't ask this lightly. Please pray and consider helping in this way.
3) PRAY for this need: Can we invite you to pray for this financial need? How cool would it be for each of you receiving this email (that's over 700 recipients by the way) to pray specifically for this need and to see this need met!? As you pray for our financial need, remember also the requests mentioned above related to our church planting ministry and relationships.