Back In Sendai, Safe and Sound!

Hello, dear readers! Misako and I have just returned from our two-month stay at Anacom in Ome, Tokyo! It was a fun, productive, and enlightening time, but we're so happy to be back in beautiful and green Sendai again!

Misako has gained a wealth of knowledge in animation, character design, storytelling, and more! Here's an example of her recent work, showcasing a before and after:

Impressive, right? It's inspiring to see how dedication can lead to significant progress in a short time. We already have some planned animation projects that we'll be uploading to our YouTube Channel, Through the Sheep Gate, so stay tuned in the following months and please subscribe if you haven't yet! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L4IhbF2WK0

ANACOM also has a café with freshly baked cookies, gourmet ground coffee, and the coziest sitting area you've ever seen! Thankfully, Misako and I had the opportunity to work for one Sunday afternoon to help serve drinks to a local church that was celebrating its 10th anniversary at the café, and it was a swell time! Here are the highly professional head waiter Soren and his lovely assistant Misako:

As for our final animation project, Graham is currently finishing up post production on it, so please stay tuned to when it's finally finished! I'll post it in a future blog post!

During my time at ANACOM, I completed the 100 films watchlist assignment for my Film School! It was a fantastic experience to explore the evolution of film. Some of the staff at ANACOM share an interest in filmmaking! It was uplifting to connect with fellow Christians who aim to reach Japan through the same medium. We believe this art form can be a powerful tool to touch the hearts of the Japanese and guide them toward Christ. I pray for this vision to come true and for more Christian filmmakers, both Japanese and foreign, to unite and create impactful movies that convey the love, hope, and salvation of Jesus. Amen.

Among the many movies I watched on the list, a new personal favorite is the 1957 Henry Fonda classic, 12 Angry Men. It's a drama about a jury deliberating the guilt or innocence of a troubled youth accused of murder. I hadn't seen it before, but now I understand why it's a classic. The film is beautifully written, with clever and witty dialogue, offering timeless insights into human nature, the dangers of apathy, and the unfair judgments that arise from unhealed pain. A profound movie, and if memory serves, one of my Grandma's favorites.

Misako and I are thrilled to be heading to YWAM Kona! However, I must admit that I still need to raise at least $6000 for tuition, flights, insurance, and other expenses. It's a daunting amount, and the deadline is approaching quickly. But I am eager to learn and use filmmaking to reach those in Japan, and my wife and many at Anacom share this goal. I want to learn from the experts, return to Japan, and create various content, whether animation, short films, or feature films, if the Lord allows.

Yet, if this is not His plan, I surrender my desire to go to Kona and accept His will. Regardless of the outcome, whether I attend Film School or not, I will use my talents, strength, and heart to serve God and make Him known to the people of Japan, offering them the choice to embrace Him. Amen.

If you would like to partner with me to reach the Japanese through film, please consider making a donation through the provided link above, or click here to give directly to my school's tuition. As I mentioned in a previous post, if I don't raise enough tuition, YWAM Kona will refund all donations to their respective donors. Thank you to everyone who has already donated towards the school, and thank you to all of my friends, family, and supporters who have been with us since I first stepped foot in Japan! We are forever grateful.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."