Despite overwhelming obstacles faced by our children's choir, they performed God is Love in any Language to much fanfare. The electricity had cut out to the entire neighborhood 30 minutes prior to their performance, but it didn't sway them. No lights, no mics, no music - they sang in unison. Julina is our youngest daughter waving the American flag in back.

Labels: photos

We've registered for the Center for Intercultural Training camp this summer. This is like a missionary boot camp where the whole family learns how to survive on the mission field. There'll be language acquisition, sharpening interpersonal skills training, teaching English as a second language, spiritual formation and effective team leadership development. The kids will have fun as well learning what it takes to be great witnesses for the faith, how to make new friends in a foreign country, and how to adapt to their new environment. We believe this training will be instrumental in making our transition efficient and this is the first hurdle financially for us to overcome. The cost of the 9 week training program is $10,495 not including travel expenses and some weekend meals. Initially we thought that was quite expensive, but we discovered it is on par with what other missionaries have to raise support for their training as well. It's over 2 months of intensive learning and immersion in the missionary lifestyle from a team that has had great success producing effective missionaries for Christ.
If our ministry is encouraging you in the faith, to study your Bible more, deepen your walk with God, or motivated to share your faith with others - we would be honored to have you as a fellow prayer warrior, praying for our success in this new mission. If God has prompted you to help defray the costs of our preparation, we would be greatly uplifted by your blessings. Blessed be the name of the LORD.

Labels: prayer

Team Expansion accepted us as missionary candidates today! Here is an overview of the requirements they'd like to see met:

• Core 5 at Center for International Training (nine week program)


• Key bible and mission courses @ a bible college (Many colleges offer these online)


• A longer-term apprenticeship with the missionaries in Japan


• Two years minimum language training prior to or upon arrival in Tokyo (ministry work can NOT begin until you reach level 2+ and you must continue to train until you reach 3+. With Japanese this is likely to take two years.)


• 100% funding for your ministry.

There is a lot of work to be done between now and when we leave for Japan. Please pray that doors would continue to open and that we could serve sooner, rather than later.

Labels: prayer