The Older I Get, the More Baby Clothes I Own...

Hello friends, family, and supporters!

I decided to write this update a little early this month, because next week is my birthday! I'll be turning 37 years old.

Thirty. Seven.

Before Japan: 7 years later in Japan:

I've spent over seven years living in Japan. In fact, my entire 30s have been spent here. Looking back, it's amazing to see all that God has done during that time.

I've had the privilege of serving in ministry, helping build YWAM Sendai, making lifelong friendships, learning a new language and culture, marrying my wonderful wife Misako, and now preparing to welcome our first child into the world right here in Japan.

When I first arrived, I certainly didn't know exactly what the future would hold. To be honest, I still don't. But looking back over these past seven years, I can clearly see God's faithfulness through every challenge, surprise, blessing, and unexpected turn.

I want to sincerely thank all of you who have prayed for us, supported us financially, encouraged us, and followed along on this adventure. Missionary life is never a solo journey, and so much of what God has done here has only been possible because of people like you partnering with us.

As I look toward turning 37, my prayer is simple: that I would continue to follow Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, wherever He leads. I pray that I can love God, love my family, love my teammates, and love my neighbors as myself.

And who knows? Lord willing, I'll still be serving Him in Japan 37 years later!

Ministry Updates

Last month I had the opportunity to work on a testimony video for one of our teammates and previous DTS students, Miho-san. Miho is a native Japanese believer whose story of faith and growth has been a great encouragement, and I was honored to help edit her testimony into a short video:

I always enjoy opportunities like this because storytelling is such a powerful way to share what God is doing in people's lives. Sometimes a simple testimony can reach someone in a way that a sermon never could. I hope I can continue and find more opportunities to use my love of video editing to bring glory to the Lord.

Through the Sheep Gate Animation Ministry

Speaking of media ministry, Misako recently completed a short animated video based on Psalm 119:105 in both English and Japanese.

While the videos are relatively small by internet standards, both versions have already reached over 300 views each, with one of them getting over 500 views. This means people are watching, engaging, and encountering Scripture through creative media.

It's easy to look at numbers online and think they are insignificant. But every view represents a real person. If even one person is encouraged by God's Word through these videos, then the effort is worthwhile.

Misako is also continuing work on our larger animation project, Spoon & Fork. Progress has been slower than we originally hoped due to preparing for the baby and the normal busyness of life, but we're still moving forward. Our hope is to finish and share the completed animation before our daughter arrives in September.

If you'd like to pray for anything this month, please pray that we can finish this project well and that it can be used to encourage and minister to others.

Baby Update

And speaking of September...

We recently had another checkup for our baby girl, and she's doing wonderfully!

At her latest appointment, she weighed approximately 769 grams and is now about the size of a head of cauliflower.

It's honestly incredible to think about how quickly she is growing.

We're also incredibly grateful for the generosity of so many friends, family members, and supporters. Over the past few months, people have helped us obtain all sorts of baby supplies, including a bottle sterilizer and dryer, baby bottles, books, a humidifier, a baby bed, a stroller, and more baby clothes than you can count.

This child has more outfits than I do. Seriously.

We still have a few things left to prepare before September, including a baby bathtub and some newborn necessities, but your generosity has already been an enormous blessing and has helped relieve so much stress as we prepare for this new season of life.

Thank you all so much.

Prayer Requests

As always, we deeply appreciate your prayers.

Please pray:

• That our baby girl would continue to grow healthy and strong.

• That Misako would have a healthy and safe remainder of her pregnancy.

• That God would help us become wise and faithful parents.

• That Misako's Spoon & Fork animation can be completed before the baby arrives.

• For YWAM Sendai as we continue searching for a location for our base and DTS school.

• That God would continue to provide for all of our needs and guide us in the months ahead.

Thank you again for your prayers, support, friendship, and encouragement. We truly couldn't do this without you. Psalm 90:12

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."