Back to School

Though still quite warm and humid, the weather has finally started to cool off a bit in Kawasaki with fall around the corner. It's definitely a welcome reprieve! Mason and Kaili have gone back to school this week after a 7-week summer break. Jeff continues his in-person Japanese class at language school as well. Malia had another doctor's appointment this week, and she and baby brother are healthy and doing well--but tired as she enters the third trimester.

The omicron BA.5 wave that has hit Japan for the last couple months is subsiding, and we are back to in-person worship at Denen Grace Church. In addition to the main Mizonokuchi Chapel, we were also able join the Azamino Chapel worship service last month and meet some more Japanese seekers and believers.

As we near our 6-month mark in Japan (which is still hard for us to believe!), we reflect on all God has done to bring us to this point. God is definitely so good! We are so grateful for you and your part in this work in Japan! As we look toward the coming months, we will begin to map out what incorporating some ministry aspects into our language learning will look like. This is especially in regards to plans for the third and newest chapel plant for Denen, the Kosugi Chapel, at which we will be based.

Praise:

• Praise God that we were able to purchase a used van! Japan is the land of "process," so it will still be a couple weeks before we get it. We're thankful for this new mode of transportation for our family in the coming weeks.

• Praise God that we were able to use our home to host a team gathering last week. We're happy to use what God has given us for His glory!

• Praise God that language school has been an opportunity to witness in Japan to both classmates and teachers. We're thankful for these gospel opportunities.

Prayer:

• Please continue to pray for the rest of Malia's pregnancy and for a healthy delivery in December in Japan (where Jeff likely will not be allowed to accompany Malia).

• Please pray for Mason and Kaili's transtion back to school as the summer break ends. Please pray for wisdom, understanding, and ease of making friends.

• Please pray for continued connections and conversations with our neighbors and community.

• Please pray for good team building amongst our missionary team as well as with the core group at Denen Grace Church for the ministry ahead.

• Please continue to pray for our whole family's language learning, especially concerning language options for Malia.

Hosting a team gathering at our home

Enjoying a crepe in Harajuku // At the Pokemon Cafe in Nihonbashi in Tokyo // Catching digital animals at teamLab exhibit

Playing with hedgehogs at an animal cafe // Our new van (still at the lot)! // Summer fun at the playground

We would love to hear from you, whether it be to share your prayer requests or to simply catch up. Please know that we think of you and pray for you often.

Thanks and blessings,

The Walkers

Jeff, Malia, Mason & Kaili