I’m writing to you from our new home in Meguro! God has brought us into a wonderful place: a peaceful, 10th floor apartment, with cleaner air and a more livable layout. It feels like a home, and we are so grateful for your faith and prayers for us during this transition.
New connections and collaborations for new ways for evangelism
The Media Forum I shared about with you last month is coming together very well. Nearly 20 different media groups, ministries, movements, and business networks are sending senior representatives. We're excited to see what collaborative projects and initiatives will emerge during this Asia Strategic Media Forum, May 26 & 27.
Connected with this, there will be a dinner with over 100 Japanese pastors and senior leaders gathering to connect with international leaders, Future Now Tokyo 2025 (May 24) hosted by our friends at Christian Vision who have a new initiative for evangelism using AI, VR, and Web3, and an International Connect gathering (May 27) for diaspora church leaders (e.g. Filipino, Brazilian church networks) and missionaries in Japan.
When I step back and look at what's coming together, I'm amazed at the scope and potential impact. Would you please mark May 24~27 on your calendar (a day ahead of America here) and pray for Kumi and me and for what God is birthing through these gatherings?
America Trip in June
The schedule for my trip to America is shaping up beautifully. The Lord is opening doors for new connections and relationships. I’ll be in Washington, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Let me know if you want more information. I would love to see you in person if I’m in your area.
We have asked several of our partners if they would host what we call a Vision Gathering. This is an intimate evening, generally hosted in a home, where we share the heart of our work in Tokyo and invite people to partner with us and the Lord in this work. So far we have five scheduled. I am speaking at some churches of our friends and partners too. Would you please pray for my travels (just me this time), and for the right connections and partnerships to form?
Some additional financial needs
With our recent move, the Media Forum and other events, and my upcoming trip, we have had a lot of extra expenses. If you have it on your heart, we would very much appreciate any extra financial support you can give.
A few immediate needs:
- $1200: For furnishings (lights, curtains etc.) for getting our new living space set up
- $1500: For a new laptop adequate for video editing
- $2000: For the America trip: flight tickets, rental cars, and other travel expenses
Thank you for standing with us! The word in our heart this year is “Advance!” and we are advancing. -J