Merry (Post) Christmas and a Happy (Almost) New Year!

Merry (post) Christmas and a Happy (almost) New Year! Sorry for the late update. Winter has officially arrived, it’s been snowing here in Ayashi, and 2026 is already upon us! Here’s what’s been happening:

Serving the Community in Sendai

Back in late November, one of our local churches, Praise Community Church (PCC), hosted a large Christmas dinner and party for the less fortunate in Sendai, with over one hundred attendees. I had the opportunity to help set up tables, chairs, and decorations, and also spent time talking with some of the guests. It was a meaningful time of serving and connecting, and we pray that God’s love was clearly felt that evening.

Outreach in Fukushima

We also sent a small team to Operation Blessing Japan in Fukushima, an after-school daycare we’ve partnered with before. Misako helped translate the message, the team played games with the children, and together they shared the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus. The kids were full of joy, and we pray that the seeds of the gospel planted there will continue to grow in their hearts as they learn more about Him.

YWAM Sendai DTS Updates

Misako and I have been working on official YWAM Sendai DTS brochures to help introduce our ministry and promote our upcoming Discipleship Training School, beginning September 24th. We’re excited to share that we already have two students accepted! These brochures will be used to connect with local Japanese churches and help them understand who we are and what our DTS is about. Please pray for more Japanese students who feel called to missions.

This is the English version of one side of the brochure. We have versions in Japanese as well.

Creative Ministry

Misako has also been posting her drawings on YWAM Sendai’s official Instagram page. If you haven’t already, please follow us to see more updates and creative work coming out of our base! Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ywamsendai/ Serving at Victory Sendai

Misako has also been faithfully serving at our small local church, Victory Sendai. With around ten regular attendees, about half of whom are Japanese, she helps translate sermons and group discussions so everyone can participate and grow together. It may be a small congregation, but it’s a meaningful place of fellowship, discipleship, and faith, and we’re grateful to be part of what God is building there.

A Quiet Christmas

Christmas itself was pretty relaxed for us. Misako and I spent a quiet Christmas at home, watching The Lord of the Rings, enjoying good food, and reflecting with gratitude on all of the Lord’s blessings. It was a peaceful and meaningful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We also celebrated Christmas Eve together, as well as the birthdays of four of our YWAM Sendai members! Here are some pictures from both Christmas Eve and the birthday party:

Thank You & Looking Ahead

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support. We still need about $580 per month, but we received a very generous one-time donation that covered all of our needs for this month and then some! We are deeply thankful for God’s provision through you all! Please continue to pray for us as we serve here in Japan. May the Lord use us, and all believers in Japan, to share His glory with the people of this nation.

Happy New Year, and God bless you all!

Isaiah 9:6

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."