What a summer it has been here in Japan! The past two months have been filled with events, visitors, and reminders of God’s faithfulness. As always, we’re so thankful for your prayers and support!

This summer was one of the hottest and most humid we’ve experienced since moving to Japan! But even with the intense weather, July and August were packed with opportunities to serve, connect, and rejoice in what the Lord is doing.

On the 4th of July, we had the blessing of celebrating with the Gardner family, another missionary family serving in Japan. It’s always a joy to fellowship with others who understand the challenges and blessings of cross-cultural ministry. Being able to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy, both earthly and spiritual, was a needed encouragement for us.

A special treat this summer was that some of our children were able to spend time in the U.S. and attend Youth Conferences. We’re thankful to those who made those trips possible and to the churches that poured into our kids during that time.

The biggest highlight of July was the English Summer Blast—a one-day VBS-style outreach hosted at Senri Newtown Baptist Church. We invited children and their families from the surrounding community to come enjoy a day of fun, games, singing songs in English, crafts, and, most importantly, hearing a clear Gospel presentation.

We were overwhelmed—in the best way—by the response! A total of 146 people came, with 44 first-time visitors! Praise the Lord! Many of these were unchurched families. Since then, several of these families have returned to church services and events. Please pray that the seeds planted during that day would continue to grow and that we would see fruit that remains. We long to see these children and their parents come to know Christ as their Saviour.

August continued with more blessings. Our four oldest children attended MK Camp (Missionary Kid Camp), a program run by a nearby missionary. This was an incredibly special time for them to connect with other kids who understand the unique experience of growing up on the mission field. They returned refreshed, encouraged, and spiritually challenged.

Later that month, we joined Senri Newtown Baptist Church for their annual Family Bible Camp. This camp is always a highlight of the year as a time of spiritual refreshment, powerful preaching, and sweet fellowship with church members. I have also officially been made one of the church photographers here at the Senri Newtown Baptist Church. I take pictures each service for helping reach the community via social media, and I was able to take many pictures of the Family Camp.

Also in August, our daughter Sienna turned 15! It’s hard to believe how quickly time is passing. Watching our children grow up in Japan is both a blessing and a prayer request. We want each of them to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I was also given the opportunity to preach in Japanese for the fifth time during a midweek service. Every time I preach in Japanese, I feel the weight of the language barrier but also the joy of seeing God use our imperfect efforts. Please continue to pray for my Japanese language skills to improve so that I can more clearly and boldly share God’s truth with those around us.

To close out August, I helped coordinate a church barbecue and games event—another chance to connect with families and build relationships. It was a fun and relaxed time, and we’re thankful for every opportunity to deepen ties with the people in our church.

Prayer Requests

• For the families and children who attended the English Summer Blast—that the Gospel message would continue to speak to their hearts
• For continued growth in our language ability, so we can minister more effectively
• For open doors to build more relationships and share the love of Christ
• For our children’s spiritual growth and their ongoing adjustment to life in Japan

Thank you again for your faithful prayers and support. We truly could not be here without you. We pray that God blesses you as you serve Him wherever He has placed you.

In Christ,

Brendan, Karin, and the Morgan Family