After months of praying, preparing, and eagerly counting down the days, we’re finally on our way to Japan!

We arrived at a busy LAX early Friday morning and, by God’s grace, made it through security without any issues.

While we were waiting at our gate, Pastor Wayne facetimed us into Lighthouse’s VBS Missions Station that Lauren was teaching. Lauren had the opportunity to serve on the Japan team last year, so it was special to connect with the kids as they were learning about Japan missions.

The first graders and servants gathered around the screen and prayed for our team before we boarded. Our VBS theme verse this year is John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

What a fitting reminder as we began our journey. Jesus is the Light of the world, and our prayer is that the people of Japan would come to know Him and walk in His light. It was such a blessing to be sent off by our church family and to know we’re being covered in prayer as we begin this week of ministry.

Our flights went smoothly…nothing too eventful, and as they say, no news is good news. We landed at Narita Airport before catching our connecting flight to Nagoya, arriving around 6:30 p.m. Waiting for us at the airport were some familiar and dearly missed faces: Hide, Shoma, Cindy, & Seichi. It was such a joy to see them again!

Our first official meal was Sushiro for some delicious conveyor belt sushi. At the table I was at, it was encouraging catching up with Seichi! We got to hear how his family is doing and how God has been working through their ministry in Japan. There are so many exciting things happening, and it’s evident that God is continuing to faithfully work.

One exciting update is that Logos is currently in the process of looking for a new building. Please be praying for God’s provision and guidance as they take these next steps. Also, for the first time, Logos is planning to offer a six week class after KSE that introduces people to Christianity. Many of the moms who bring their children to KSE don’t know much about the gospel, so we’re praying this class would be a great opportunity for them to ask questions and continue exploring the Christian faith. Please be praying for leadership as they prepare for the class and for us to be able to encourage the moms to join while we’re here.

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel, got settled in, and made our first 7-11 run of what will probably be many throughout the week.

We’re so thankful that God brought our team safely to Japan and sustained us through all of our travels. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us! We truly feel encouraged knowing so many of you are partnering with us!!

Prayer Requests:

• That the gospel would be communicated clearly and faithfully to the children and their families
• That our team would remain healthy, safe, and unified throughout the trip, serving one another with humility & love
• As we spend the next two days preparing for KSE, pray that God would give us wisdom, creativity, & energy as we finalize our lessons, prepare our stations, & gather all the necessary supplies
• For the pastors/leadership at Logos, that God would strengthen and encourage them as they faithfully serve, give them wisdom as they lead, & continue to bless their ministry