These past two months have been full—full of activity, full of change, and most of all, full of reminders that God is faithfully at work here in Japan and beyond.

One of the biggest events in May was my wife Karin and our oldest daughter Sienna traveling to Peru to visit Karin’s father, who is nearing 90 years old. To be honest, we were nervous about the trip. International travel can be stressful, but God graciously blessed their time. They were able to spend several peaceful days with Karin’s father, encouraging him and enjoying sweet fellowship. Afterward, they had a short stopover in California, where they were able to visit our sending church. Being back with our home church family was a great encouragement to both of them. We’re so thankful for how the Lord gave them strength and joy throughout the journey.

Meanwhile, back in Japan, I stayed with our other five kids—and let’s just say that we all grew in new ways! It was a stretching but meaningful time as we worked together to keep up with homeschooling, meals, errands, and everything else that usually rests on Mom’s shoulders. In the process, we bonded in new ways. The kids helped each other more than usual, and it was humbling but sweet to see our family function as a true team.

During that same time, I was also given the opportunity to preach in Japanese for the third time at Senri Newtown Baptist Church during their weekly ladies’ meeting. Preparing the message stretched me, but God gave help. Thankfully, after Karin and Sienna returned, life quickly returned to its usual rhythm.
Karin has been especially focused on helping our older children get into a more consistent homeschooling routine, and we’re so thankful for the support of the Gardner family, fellow missionaries in a neighboring area, who have helped guide us through curriculum choices and daily structure. Their wisdom has been a gift to us in this season of transition.

In June, I was given the opportunity to preach in Japanese for the fourth time, this time for a Wednesday evening service. I am very aware of how limited my language ability still is, but with each opportunity, I sense God helping me in ways I can’t explain. It is a joy to be used, even in weakness, and we praise the Lord that His strength is made perfect in our limitations.

One of the biggest moments of June came when I traveled back to California with our three oldest sons. They will be spending the summer with family and friends at our home church, attending a couple of Youth Conferences, and getting some time in a more familiar culture. It’s our prayer that this summer will be a spiritually significant time in their lives. We’re praying that God will speak clearly to each of their hearts and that they will come back with a deeper desire to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

During my short time in California, I was also given the opportunity to preach for our church’s Sunday evening service. It had been over two years since I had set foot in the U.S., and preaching in English again felt both strange and familiar. I’m so grateful for the warm welcome and the sweet fellowship with friends we hadn’t seen in so long. Though the visit was brief, it was deeply refreshing.

Another special highlight from June was having Brittany Johnson, a young lady from our home church, come and stay with us for several weeks. Her heart to serve and encourage was such a blessing—not just to our family but also to the church here in Japan. It was hard to say goodbye when her visit came to an end, but we praise the Lord for the way He used her willingness to come and serve.

But without question, the most unforgettable moment of these last two months was the baptism of our first convert here in Japan—Mami. Many of you have prayed faithfully for her salvation over the years. We are thrilled to share that not only has she trusted in Christ, but she has now been baptized and joined Senri Newtown Baptist Church. All glory goes to God! Watching her grow has been one of the greatest encouragements we’ve experienced since coming to Japan. Her passion for learning more about the Bible is evident—she never misses a service, and her hunger for truth is contagious.

Please continue to pray for Mami as she grows in her faith. Pray for boldness, for wisdom, and for continued joy as she walks with the Lord in a country where believers are few and far between. And please keep praying for us—that God would continue to strengthen our language abilities, guide us in parenting and homeschooling, and open doors for the Gospel to reach more hearts here in Osaka.

Thank you for laboring with us through your prayers and support. We couldn’t be here without you. May God continue to work in mighty ways, both here and wherever you are.

By His grace,

Brendan, Karin, and Family