We are suffering through extremely hot weather right now, like possibly many of you. The heat index is well over 100 for multiple days. This reminds us of our times in Tokyo. Some summers we had 90° heat and over 80% humidity non-stop for over 2 months. And in the evening, it would not hardly cool down at all. We’re so grateful for Illinois, which usually has a breeze, even if that breeze is an 80° breeze.
Our summers, like many people, comes with gatherings, travel, and special events that don’t normally happen during the year. We often recall the many summers of tent camping as a family on a lake near Mount Fuji. Now we are content just to be home and enjoying our Japanese garden and the lightning bugs.
FOCUS ON OUR SPIRITUAL FAMILY
John was off to Washington, D.C. to experience the Converge Together Conference with all of the Converge network of churches. We gathered to celebrate the founding of our church network 170 years ago, (and actually only 200 miles from where we live). The gathering began with an entire day of gathering the missionaries from around the world, nearly 90% of all the global workers were there. It was so good to renew friendships but also meet some of the new missionaries, especially the new ones heading to Japan.
Also at the conference where several key leaders from two South Asian countries that John spent most of his time with. On the last day, our Asia Impact Team was able to have a meeting with these South Asian leaders and discuss details of future ministry. Probably the highlight for John was realizing that this is the spiritual family that he’s been involved in for over 45 years. And he has many friends and many who have been praying and supporting the work not only in Japan but throughout Asia.
FOCUS ON A JULY ROAD TRIP
Elaine and I will hit the road for a short trip to Kentucky to visit Elaine’s older sister. I will also visit my college mentor and meet some of the international students at a prominent Indiana university. We ask you to pray for a Japanese graduate student in particular.
FOCUS ON A NEW SEASON
We have been seeking God about the timing and roles in the next season of ministry. I have enjoyed this season of working with the AIT and expanding works throughout Japan and Asia. Elaine and I decided that my employment with Converge will end on October 31, 2026. I am not quitting or retiring from ministry, but I will continue to work as a high-capacity volunteer for several more years. I will continue ministry roles as a mentor of leadership, Asian catalyst, a Japan influencer, and a mission theological educator. I’ve been asked by Converge to continue to help our newer missionaries be equipped for missions and theological education.
We are incredibly grateful for your prayers and financial support these many years. We have contacted all our supporters and they’re very enthusiastic about this next season. For those who want to continue financial support through the end of this year, this would mean no financial deficits in my account. Others might consider continuing funding my account so that I can have travel expenses to Asia through at least the end of 2028. Your one-time gifts or your continual gifts are both welcome. Give to the same account (49651). And send your gifts in the same manner and it will go in the same place. There are no changes. Thank you so much for your prayers and your understanding and your continued support for us and our ministry in Japan and wider Asia. Blessings on you.