It's autumn again! Someone recently explained to me that autumn and fall are regional language preferences, with Americans generally preferring fall and friends using British English preferring autumn. Hisashiburi (Long time no see) There have been too many fascinating books and encouraging podcasts so far in 2024 for
It's getting dark around 4:30 pm these days in Japan- and it's nearly wintertime. Our faithful 5 pm neighborhood chime now follows the sunset. Chimes in the dark aren't nearly as fun as they are faithful. Total daylight (in the Northern Hemisphere) will
Reflections
What are the things that we build into our schedules every day?
Discipleship
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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