Adding a new member of the family!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a tremendous joy to share some exciting news with you all: Misako and I are expecting! After much prayer, we are now in our 13th week, with a due date set for late September or early October. What a wonderful blessing from the Lord!

Last week, we were both able to visit the doctor and see our little one on the ultrasound. I can honestly say I instantly fell in love. He or she (the gender hasn’t been confirmed yet!) was stretching their little legs energetically and swinging their arms like an MMA fighter. Definitely don’t want to catch those tiny hands! The doctor says the baby is healthy and very active, and we’re so thankful that everything is going smoothly so far.

Look at this little person! Channeling great power in its little fists!

To say we are both excited and a little nervous would be an understatement. Becoming a parent is full of both blessings and challenges, and it’s not a responsibility we take lightly. I know I won’t be perfect, but I deeply desire to raise this child (and any future children, Lord willing) with the knowledge, wisdom, courage, and love of the Lord. We pray that He will guide us as we step into this new season of parenthood. I only wish my mother could have heard the joyous news...

That said, it hasn’t all been easy. Misako experienced some difficult morning sickness early on and still feels unwell from time to time. On top of that, our food expenses have increased, and with the rising cost of living in Japan (and around the world), things have been a bit of a stretch financially.

One unique challenge in Sendai is that while Miyagi prefecture has universal healthcare, and children are fully covered medically until age 18 (praise the Lord!), childbirth itself is not considered a medical condition. After speaking with our local city hall, we learned that the average cost of giving birth at a clinic is around 200,000 yen (about $1,250 USD), which is a significant expense for us.

As full-time missionaries in Japan, we rely on God’s provision, often through the generosity of supporters like you. If you feel led and are able, we would be grateful if you would prayerfully consider partnering with us through a one-time or monthly gift. We are deeply thankful for all that you have already done, whether through prayer, financial support, or simply taking an interest in our journey. It truly means so much to us.

May the Lord bless you in all that you do.

Psalm 139:13–14

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."