What a whirlwind the past two months have been—and what a joy it has been to see God’s hand at work through it all! As we reflect on March and April, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for your prayers and support, which the Lord continues to use to sustain and strengthen us in the work here in Japan.

Support and Fellowship Among Missionaries

March began with a special opportunity for my wife Karin to serve alongside other missionary wives at the Kansai Independent Baptist Bible College Graduation and Bible Conference. She helped prepare and serve meals and enjoyed meaningful fellowship with missionaries from all over Japan. It was an encouraging reminder of the body of Christ at work—serving one another and laboring together in this harvest field.

Visits from Longtime Friends

We were also blessed to reconnect with some dear friends from back home. In March, my longtime friend, Gary Bird, visited Japan with his family. We had a wonderful time showing them around Osaka, introducing them to our church and ministry, and just enjoying time with like-minded believers. Then in late April, another longtime friend and former coworker, Marcus, came for a weeklong visit. I first met Marcus back in 2009 at work and had the chance to witness to him often, though he was very resistant to the Gospel at that time. In 2021, right before we left for deputation, he accepted an invitation to church, and that day, I had the incredible privilege of leading him to Christ. He’s been growing steadily in his faith ever since. What a joy it was to encourage one another and reflect on God’s faithfulness during his time with us here.

Milestones for the Kids

March was also a big milestone month for our children. Aidan and Callan graduated from sixth grade, and starting in April, they transitioned back into homeschooling for seventh grade onward. Please pray for them during this important season of adjustment. Grayson also graduated from kindergarten and began first grade in the Japanese public school system. Attending both the graduation and entrance ceremonies was a window into the deep cultural traditions of Japan—ceremonies full of formality, symbolism, and spiritual emptiness. These moments continue to increase our burden to reach the Japanese people with the hope of the Gospel.

Youth Camp

During the spring break, our family was again involved in Senri Newtown Baptist Church’s annual Youth Camp—a three-day, two-night retreat for young people from churches across Japan. There was powerful preaching, great fellowship, and much fruit. One young lady from our own church made the decision to be baptized! Praise the Lord for how He is working in the next generation. I also had the opportunity to encourage and learn from fellow missionaries while capturing photos and videos to help promote future camps.

Easter Outreach & Church Growth

April brought another major outreach push with Easter. We passed out thousands of flyers and Gospel tracts leading up to the service, and the Lord blessed with over 20 first-time visitors at the church! Please pray that the seeds sown would bear eternal fruit and that many would come to know Christ as Saviour.

Growing in Language and Ministry

My Japanese continues to improve, and by God’s grace, I’ve been able to serve more in the church using the language. In addition to periodically opening the adult Sunday school class, I’ve also been given the opportunity to begin preaching in Japanese about once a month, starting in May (more on that in our next update). Please pray for clarity, accuracy, and boldness as I continue to grow in this area.

Looking Ahead: English Summer Blast!

Pastor Eriya Ogawa and I also began preparations for this year’s English Summer Blast, a Gospel-centered English outreach we held last summer in partnership with an FBMI missions team and fellow missionaries, Bro. and Mrs. Go (Danielle) Oishi. This July, we plan to do it again! It’s a fantastic opportunity to reach Japanese families with the Gospel through something they’re eager to engage in: English learning. Please pray for wisdom and open doors as we finalize the details.

Family News

At the very end of April, Karin and our oldest daughter Sienna left on a three-week trip to Peru to visit Karin’s father. They’ve now returned safely, praise the Lord, but I’ll share more about that experience in our next letter.

Thank you again for standing with us. Your prayers and support are helping make all of this possible. We rejoice in what God is doing and trust He will continue to give the increase.

For His glory,

Brendan, Karin, and the Morgan Family