God at Work

Our summer was filled with ministry and time together with friends and family. Our home church, Lighthouse, sent their annual short-term missions team to run VBS-style programs at our two churches, which is always one of the highlights of our year.

We led the team this year, and Malia did most of the heavy-lifting in regards to planning the events. So it was devastating when she got sick and lost her voice right as the first day camp was starting. She ended up missing most of that week's camps in Tsukuba, and thankfully recovered in time for the camp at Saiwaicho the next week. The camps still went smoothly, a true testament to the flexibility and servant hearts of the team, Malia's thorough planning, and evidence of God at work even through setbacks and challenges. Praise the Lord!

Updates & Praise:

• The VBS "English Day Camp" at Tsukuba Life Church and Saiwaicho Christ Church earlier this summer were huge successes, praise God! It was a blessing to see so many kids participate (85!) and to serve with the Lighthouse team.

• Jeff, Malia, and Mason passed the Japanese language profiency tests they took!

• The kids are all back in school, with Mason starting 8th grade and Kaili continuing 5th grade. Elijah had a rough few days returning to daycare, but continues to adjust and learn Japanese.

• We will be attending WorldVenture's All-Asia Gathering of missionaries from across Asia in October. This gathering is every 3 years, and this year it will be in Taiwan. Praise God that passport renewals for Kaili and Elijah were processed in only a couple weeks!

• We rejoice with Denen Grace Church Mizonokuchi Chapel, one of the churches we attended and served at back in Kanagawa. They had been searching for a permanent pastor for years (like many churches in Japan), and now have one. Praise the Lord!

Prayer:

• Please pray for the Kurisaki family as they lead both Tsukuba Life Church and Saiwaicho Christ Church. SCC has seen recent growth, praise God! TLC has had some decreased attendence, but a strong, regular core of members has developed. We pray for the strengthening and encouragement of this group of dedicated believers!

• Please pray for Malia's English classes that start this week at Tsukuba Life, for the preparation involved, and to develop/deepen connections with the kids and parents that attend.

• Please pray for Jeff's men's small group and Malia's women's small group that will be launching this fall, in particular for discernment on what to study. Folks are interested and hungry to study together!

• Please pray for Malia's ongoing Treehouse ministry, as well as connections with the Japanese ladies from hula.

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Lake Adventure Camp VBS at Saiwaicho // Going on a bear hunt at the preschool VBS at Tsukuba

Visiting school friends // Church barbecue!

Back to school! // Family trip with the Zodys

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, and Elijah