Jazzy January

"English Play" with neighborhood friends

Being January in Tokyo, the first train of the morning carries an unusual little crew. Along with the smattering of all-nighters returning home and morning shift workers, a small huddle of middle school students, laden with extra sack lunches, made their way into the heart of Tokyo. Each winter, our middle school students brave pre-dawn chill to travel down town with lunches for homeless men and women sleeping in train stations. Once the first trains have gone through the stations, those who took shelter in the station overnight will be kicked out, or get up to mingle with the day's crowds. As the first train arrives, they are often still around, and will receive the food prepared by a thoughtful student. As the students return for their school day, Ryan, along with the high school student leadership, welcome them back to campus with breakfast. (Yes, we realize the irony of the small benevolence that students enact, rewarded by a quick welcome back into their comfortable school life. One step toward empathy and value of each person’s human dignity at a time!)

"Please read to me Mariko," she says

One afternoon several years ago, as we raked 

profuse piles of leaves in our tiny yard, a neighbor stopped to chat. A few days later, he sent his daughter to ring our bell, asking for English conversation time. After this bit of unconventional boldness on the part of her father, we’ve added layers of many evenings around our table. We’re delighted to have Mariko sit on our couch from time to time, and read Richard Scarry with our daughter. Please join with us in praying for Mariko and her family. 

Ryan was able to lead worship on the day that our tiny church plant celebrated her first official birthday! Join with us in praying for Nori, Ai, Mori-san, Michie and the Sugaya family, who have come to this new church, and will begin studying Christianity in the Alpha course, beginning next week. 

Sisters reading

At both our home church, Kurume Bible Fellowship, and our church plant, Tokyo Life Church, new Alpha courses are starting this week. Alpha is a thorough introduction to Christianity and the gospel, with a weekly discussion and shared meal. We’re so glad to walk beside these individuals as they explore the ideas of our faith. 

CAJ celebrates 65 years!
Ryan's students restore the old Gym floor as a table top

Next week, CAJ begins a week of “spiritual life emphasis.” This year, we welcome speakers from within our community to encourage, challenge and inspire our community. Please join with us in praying for a blessed and challenging week! 

We find ourselves in the midst of many long-term planning conversations. In addition to planning for the finish of Ryan's masters program, a short "home assignment" this summer, and looking into different housing for the future, we're also parenting three delightful and lively children, and working several jobs each! Please pray for wisdom, joy, and patience.