We’ve spent the last couple posts sharing about our burden and vision for ministry in Japan. Going forward, we plan to focus primarily (though not exclusively) on what’s happening in our family, starting with an update on our children. Calvin. Our little guy is quickly becoming not little–he’s already well over 14 pounds. He loves to […]
In our last post, we shared why we feel burdened for unreached people groups. More specifically, we feel a burden for Japan, the largest unreached nation in the world. People are surprised to hear of the gospel needs in Japan. In some circles, the work of missions has become synonymous with humanitarian work. The popular picture […]
When people are really passionate about something, they don’t generally keep it to themselves. Sports fans wear jerseys. People put bumper stickers on their cars. Others bring up politics wherever they go–birthday parties, weddings, funerals, etc. Social media exists, and the masses use it. Clearly, human beings are wired to express our love for the things […]
On May 21st, Calvin Boaz Pals came forth into the world. He bears the name of a Reformer (John Calvin) and a Kinsman Redeemer (Boaz, from the book of Ruth). We thank God for this little boy and the early days we’ve had with him! May the Lord give many more days, and may they be […]
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” -Philippians 1:3-5. We’re in a season of what most people call “support raising.” We prefer to call it […]
Last week, we said “good-bye” to the house we’ve lived in for the past four years. It’s a small, perfectly rectangular duplex that has always reminded me of a specific vehicle from Star Wars. The first floor that we called “home” was much less than the advertised 900 square feet and was originally designed to house […]
In our last post, Kathryne shared a bit of her story, explaining how God led her to embrace the idea of moving to Japan. We’ve received more comments and questions on her post than anything else we’ve written, so it seemed fitting to elaborate. Over the past five years, there have been a handful of specific […]
In the Spring of 2011, I (Kathryne) was working as a pre-school teacher, and Jamison was finishing up his second year of seminary. One memorable day, he was at home studying, while I was at school working. Out of nowhere, I got a text message that said something like, “What do you think about moving to […]
A wise man once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Oh wait, that came from Mike Tyson, didn’t it? So, maybe not a wise man, but at least a man who knows about fighting. Last week, we officially reached the one year mark of partner development. And, for the […]
We recently returned from 11 days in Colorado. We spent the first week preparing for departure at the WorldVenture headquarters (see our previous post); we spent week two at WorldVenture’s annual Renewal Conference, where we joined others from around the world who are at various points in their missionary careers–preparing to go, on home assignment, retiring, serving […]
On January 19, we boarded an airplane to Denver for another round of training at the WorldVenture headquarters. We’ll be here for another week attending WorldVenture’s annual conference. During this past week though, we completed our “Pre-Departure Training”–exciting because it means we’re getting closer to, you know, departing. Though we still have much to do in the months […]
Last night, Ezra and I walked to the mechanic to pick up our car. While I talked with the receptionist and paid the bill, Ezra watched quietly as the mechanic pulled the car out of the garage. He had his “I want to say something look,” where he tilts his head down, slants his eyes up […]
On November 9th, Kathryne had surgery to remove a large tumor on one of her ovaries. Since then, we’ve been in recovery mode, leaning heavily on the support of friends and family, especially our parents. We have been very well cared for. Thank you to everyone who has visited, called/texted, emailed and offered to bring meals! We […]
Samuel Rutherford was a Scottish pastor born in 1600. We know little about his upbringing, except what can be gleaned from the letters he wrote to the people under his care. Two things are obvious from the sweetness of his writings: he was well acquainted with suffering, and he experienced much of the Lord’s grace in […]
Small churches. I am becoming increasingly convinced that small gatherings of God’s faithful people are among the world’s most beautiful, yet underrated things. Small churches are diamonds buried in sand–hard to find, but worth digging for. How many thousands of people unknowingly walk right by them without ever realizing their worth? Of course, not all small churches are good […]
Our son has a book called Waiting is Not Easy! In this short story, Gerald the elephant learns an important lesson. His friend Piggie promises a surprise, but Gerald must wait. And wait. And wait. Waiting is not easy. But, waiting is good when the thing you’re waiting for is worth it. And, there are many good […]
Suicide is the most common cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 19 in Japan. Major contributing factors seem to be related to school: bullying, high stress entrance exams and intense social pressure. That’s why September 1st, the first day of a new school semester, has the highest rates of suicide (Click Here […]
Here are some pictures of what we’ve been up to lately. It’s been a good summer! In the neighborhood… Violet is finally big enough to ride in the Burley. She loves it. Ezra started riding a “big-boy” bike. A favorite activity in our neighborhood–climbing big things and then jumping off of them. Another favorite activity–yard-work. […]
Parents, this is written primarily for your children; please share with them. Others, you are welcome to read, as well. You have heard that we’re going to Japan, right? And, you probably know that we’re going there, so that we can tell people about Jesus. Maybe you have even been praying for us. If so, thank you […]
Think about potential objections to Jesus Christ. Why do people reject him? In the few intentional conversations I’ve had with Japanese people about Jesus, I have only heard one objection. Something like, “I can’t believe; I’m Japanese.” Now I’m sure there are other reasons people in Japan reject Jesus. There are certainly deeper issues beneath […]