“Wars and rumors of wars.” Maybe this phrase has come to mind with the recent war which began Ukraine. Our heart breaks as we see the news pour in of unjust actions.
Just as the media began covering the invasion in Europe, the domestic news began talking about extending the Covid special prevention measures (again). Not all areas were affected by the extension, but the major metropolitan areas were affected. However, it looks like things may (finally) end on March 21st.
Despite all of this, we are planning to start a second location in April. We are calling it a “branch” of the first church, so it has a more flexible feel (if we need to relocate etc). Compared to the first location, the second location is in an area with much more foot traffic. Simply being on the street passing out tracts has led to good conversations.
As I was talking to one man I met near the second location, I gave him my business card.
When he saw the church logo on my business card he said, “One of these started near my house.” It turned out that he lives a 5-minute walk from our first location even though I met him on the street near where we are going to start our second location.
As we are on the streets, we are using an updated version of a tract we previously used. Since almost everyone has a cell phone here, we did a re-make of our church tract by putting the contents on our website and passing out cards with a QR code that links to the page. The format is much more readable and tailored for mobile devices.
Springtime is often associated with new beginnings in Japan because schools begin the school year in the spring. Our family is no exception since Silas will be starting kindergarten. Please pray with us that this spring will also be the new beginning for people to find and follow Jesus!
Yours for Japan,
James Miyashita