12.25 Update
Christmas Celebration 2025
Merry Christmas!
Today is actually Christmas Eve morning and the kids are at school for their last day and Ethan is scheduled to have soccer practice this evening (We already informed the coach he will miss practice). I still can’t get used to this lifestyle even after seven years of living here. I’m hoping to finish this write up today as we get out baked goods to neighbors around us and before kids come for our last day of after school program and enjoy family time this Christmas Eve this evening.
We held our annual Christmas Celebration on December 13th. This is an outreach event where we get to make Jesus known by sharing the true meaning of Christmas with those families that are a part of our After School and English programs. Even with the flu widespread shutting down classrooms and Meg having to bail out being sick with the flu we had 45 people in attendance. So thankful for our community providing extra hands in Meg’s absence.
Hello Christmas in Tokyo
Meg was invited to Tokyo to perform with Casa Lopez Music in their annual Hello Christmas Event on December 6th at Koiwa Christian Church. I was so glad that Megumi could dust off her clarinet and practice weeks before performing putting her talent to use to glorify God and share Christmas in a creative expression. Meg’s mother traveled together and Meg got to reunite with Ogawa family. They used to live in Kagoshima and were a part of our community.
Christian International School Visit
In November we traveled to Tokyo to tour Christian Academy Japan (CAJ) hoping to give Chloe and Ethan an opportunity to expand their minds, exercise their international social skills and grow their faith in preparing for what God has for their future. For me, it was a breath of fresh air to see how colorful, bright, creative and free the environment was compared to a typical Japanese school environment. I know it seems like I am bashing Japanese schools but their is a stark difference in just the appearance and environment that makes a huge impact on how kids function and learn.
We made the most of our time while in Tokyo visiting our older daughter and grandkids, Meg’s brother, Casa Lopez Music Members, fellow Missionariy, Aki, we co-labor with and enjoyed a traditional Shabbat meal with our Messianic bother, David, his family and entire community. What a special time it was.
Trunk or Treat
In October we held our Annual Trunk or Treat where kids from our After School Program had fun dressing up and getting candy wrapping up with a potluck meal. This is a great opportunity for us to gather and connect with the parents as we only get to see them when picking up their kids.
Local Community Participation
Fall is always packed with community events like School Sports Day, Neighborhood Clean-up, District Volleyball Tournaments and Running events.
Looking Ahead
As we close out the year we not only glean from experiences where we see God’s faithfulness and blessings but also the challenges where Holy Spirit, comforted us, guided us, convicted us and fought on our behalf. I am reminded that we have all we need.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. - James 1:2-3
If I were to give one word to 2025, my word will be GRACE.
We see this at his birth, we see that throughout Jesus ministry, we see it on the cross, we see it in our lives and we do our best to lead with grace. And the times where I missed the mark on giving grace I could envision in my mind how things would have had different results if I did. I also look at past circumstances where grace was exercised (it takes work) and now that those circumstances have come to pass, I am so thankful grace prevailed.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
From the fullness of his grace we all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16
Help Us Get Ready for 2026
We look forward to what God has planned for us as a mission and the opportunities we have working alongside Suro and Ayaka. We are walking through what a missional community looks like in Tokyo, talking through structure, logistics, meeting places, finances, the works!
If you are considering end-of-year giving, we would be honored if you would consider Church Plant Japan Mission as we reach Tokyo to make Jesus known and make relational community more accessible for those that want to go deeper starting in 2026.