Homeward Bound
We’re finally able to move forward with our plans to return back to the US for home service, after being delayed waiting for Tomo’s visa to be approved. We had previously hoped to be able to leave later this month, but were unable to do so. We just received an interview date for Tomo’s visa, which will be October 23rd. If she is accepted we’ll know that day, and then have to wait a few weeks for the actual visa to arrive. We anticipate flying home during the second week of November.
Our plan is to be back for about six months, during which time we’ll be visiting our supporting churches, and updating you all about the amazing work that you have been involved in through your prayers and giving. We’ll also try to get Tomo’s US citizenship during that time. As the time gets closer we’ll keep you posted, and also let you know the dates of when we’ll be visiting each of our supporting churches!
Miyako Church Plant Update
As I mentioned in last month’s update, our church is investigating the possibility of planting a new church in Miyako city on the coast. We have been supporting disaster relief work in the city for the past six years, in partnership with Catherine “Cat” Porter as well as many teams from Singapore. Through this many relationships have been built, and it’s becoming apparent that there is a need for a new church to be planted in the city.
We went to visit Cat along with some members of our church to see the city first hand. We had a good time meeting some of the people who live in Miyako, and saw first hand the reality that they are facing as they struggle to rebuild, not only the physical buildings but also a sense of community between those who are moving back after losing houses and those who’s homes were built on hills in the same neighborhood and thus were left untouched.
Miyako is one of the largest cities in Iwate with a population of 54,573 people, but only two, very small protestant churches. We are planning to move there after home service next year to begin the work of planting a new church in that city. We appreciate your prayers and continued partnership as we follow God’s leading into this new and exciting ministry!
Summer Kids English Special
Last month a team from Orange Coast Free Methodist Church in Southern California came to help us put on a Summer VBS at our church. This is the first time that we were able to host a team from one of our supporting churches, and we were blown away by the amazing work they did, and God’s grace in drawing kids to the event. About half of the kids who came had never been to the church before, so it was amazing to God bringing new people to us, and to have the opportunity to share God’s love through songs, games, crafts and lessons from His Word.