Dear Pastors, Friends, and Faithful Supporters,
Being in the U.S. for furlough has been quite different compared to our time as a couple on deputation.
One difference we have experienced is what it is like to travel with two kids instead of one or none! Our boys have also been dealing with back-to-back stomach bugs, colds, and a case of pneumonia which has been challenging. However, it has been a great joy to visit with our supporting churches and give an update on what the Lord has done these last two years. Except for a few openings, we are scheduled to be somewhere every Sunday and Wednesday.
Back in Japan, major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka are in a state of emergency again. While the state of emergency was scheduled to be lifted in early May, they have extended it due to the increase in the mutated virus. Despite this, it looks like we will still be able to re-enter the country and we have our tickets to return on August 26th.
While we do not know what things will look like in three months, please pray for us as we prepare for our return to Japan to plant a church. Under current circumstances, we will still need to quarantine for 2 weeks after arrival, but other than that we will be able to fly back to Japan without any issues.
Meanwhile, we are scheduled to help with a camp and VBS in the States this summer. The Our Generation Missions Camp is from June 7th to 11th. This is a camp for teenagers interested in missions and will be held near Chattanooga. If you or someone you know would be interested in attending, you can register at www.ogcamp.org. Our home church will be holding their annual kids Vacation Bible School in July, and I (James) will be preaching to the kids each night.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We greatly appreciate all the messages we have been receiving from our supporters and we continue to covet your prayers as we prepare to return to Japan soon.
If we are scheduled to be with you on furlough, this link has short bios and information for you: https://reachingjapan.com/2021-furlough-information/
Yours for Japan,
The Miyashita Family
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