Greetings, everyone! It has been a while, so let’s dive into what’s happening here in Japan!
This past month and a half has been a blend of relaxation and busyness. While Misako and I enjoyed some much-needed downtime in January, things have picked up significantly with her animation school set to begin on the 24th of this month. We found ourselves navigating a whirlwind of tasks, including sorting out paperwork, purchasing new suitcases, filing taxes for two countries, renewing Misako's driver's license, obtaining my new marriage visa card, and finding a temporary caretaker for our turtle, Chiyo-chan.
As a result, this past few weeks have been incredibly hectic and, quite frankly, expensive. Unfortunately, we've had to dip into our savings to cover various expenses, such as my new marriage visa, tickets to Tokyo, the driver's license renewal, and other unexpected costs. Unfortunately, food prices in Japan have been rising significantly, particularly for staples like rice. For example, the cost of a 5 kg (11 lbs) bag of basic rice has surged from around $13.21 in the summer of 2024 to $23.12 today. This major increase is quite concerning, especially since Misako cannot eat bread due to a gluten allergy, which further strains our budget. Let us pray for Japan, hoping that food prices will become more reasonable and affordable. Amen.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donations toward my film school tuition! We have raised over a $1,000, and I am truly overwhelmed by your kindness. However, we still need around $6,000 more by July 2nd, for both tuition and plane tickets, but this is an encouraging start! I am genuinely grateful. If you'd like to make a direct donation toward my film school tuition, please click the link below: https://apply.ywamkona.org/s/payment?cId=003Pj00000OBMNa
Here’s a significant update: Misako will not be attending the animation school alone. I will be joining as a volunteer staff member! Initially, Misako planned to go to Tokyo by herself, however, during a Zoom interview with the school leaders, they personally invited me to assist at the animation school and I gladly accepted! This means we will be heading to Tokyo together instead of being apart for two months. Praise God!
As for Rei, he is still undergoing treatments, but thankfully, he was able to spend a few days at home with his family this past few weeks, providing everyone with a much-needed respite. He is back in the hospital full-time now, but it’s encouraging to see how well he is doing, considering the circumstances. Please continue to pray for his complete healing and recovery, as well as for peace and strength for his family during this challenging time.
Our DTS students have returned to Japan and are currently in their final month of outreach in Tohoku, the northern region that includes Sendai. They are engaging in various ministries with local churches and mission organizations until the 17th, when they will conclude their DTS program with debriefing and re-entry into normal life. Please pray for their safety and well-being as they travel, and that seeds of the Gospel will be planted wherever they go. Amen.
Once again, I thank you all for your ongoing prayers, support, and encouragement for my ministry here in Japan, as well as for Misako and my aspirations to use arts and media to share the Gospel with the Japanese people. God bless you and keep you!
Romans 12:4-5
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
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