Reflections
On the daily: a paradigm shift
What are the things that we build into our schedules every day?
Latest
Discipleship
Successful church small groups have one thing in common
A growing plant in your home means it's healthy; it's the same with your small group. Of course, plants all grow at different rates based on their surroundings and environmental factors. With God's grace working for His Kingdom, growing a plant might actually be
On Fairness and Wages (A Challenging Parable from Jesus)
What would you consider to be the most challenging parable that Jesus taught? There are so many great ones to consider in the Gospels. This teaching has long fascinated me; here are some insights for you on one of Jesus' delightfully subversive teachings. The Parable of the Laborers in
Aspect #4 and Aliens
Happy New Year, everyone! Praying that all of you have a healthy year. I'm also trying out a new format—more bullet points. Whatever way 2023 shakes out, it won't involve advanced species from distant planets coming to earth, but it's fun to think
'22 in Review
Time flies; it’s been another great year to see God’s grace at work in Kawasaki City, Tama Ward. Our Sunday services and recovery group programs took significant steps forward this year. Thanks for helping us take these critical steps toward spiritual renewal and recovery in Noborito, Japan. While
Giving Christmas
Thank you so much for helping us give the Gospel this Christmas. In many ways! You help our volunteer team and me to share Jesus' love through our online Choose Life counseling chats through chooselife.jp One high school student this week told us they found peace knowing Jesus
Thanksgiving Thoughts
It occurred to me that we have a Thanksgiving Day, but not a "Praisegiving" day. Trying the "Praisegiving" concept out in my imagination turned out to be a radically different day. I imagined people going around communicating the things they admire to others in their communities.
An Outside Perspective on Marriage and Parenting
Marriage and Parenting are the 2nd and 3rd most important of the 12 aspects of life. They say that the most crucial life decision outside your decision to follow Jesus is who (and if) you choose to marry. As a single man, I am curious to know how much I
Do you know The 12 Aspects of Life? Here's #1
We recently took a Christian counseling course expounding the 12 essential aspects of life. The twelve are a list of life's critical elements ranked by order of importance and impact. Do you think you can name them all without looking? The 12 Aspects of Life 1. Spiritual 2.
Japan
Japan is open for travel soon!
Just yesterday, on Thursday, September 22nd, current Prime Minister Kishida announced Japan would resume visa-free travel from October 11th, 2022! It's wildly welcome news after 2 1/2 years of waiting, waiting, and wondering. (At least, for those not already living here.) You can read the whole
Reflections
This one was tough to write
Writing this email was difficult. Capturing an email that seemed good share was challenging this time around. It's my 3rd-ish email draft, in addition to some rough video footage of my "day-to-day" Japan life lately. I hoped to send this out earlier, but
Choose Life
A testimony too good not to share
Again, thank you so much for your prayer and financial support. Your partnership makes testimonies like these possible. This testimony is fresh from the Life Group that we started in March 2021. This first Life Group is expected to finish their program towards the end of 2022. We are excited