Happy New Year

One of my favorite memories from 2025 is...

• "... seeing Mason get baptized at Lighthouse, and meeting my nephew in-person for the first time." ~Jeff

• "... starting a new chapter in Tsukuba. I can't believe it's already been 7 months since we moved." ~Malia

• "... going back to America for home assignment. I enjoyed seeing old friends and all the churches we visited." ~Mason

• "... going on home assignment and seeing many of my friends again." ~Kaili

• "... I get a kitchen at Ikea." ~Elijah

In 2026, I'm most excited to...

• "... see God at work in the ministries we are a part of and starting this year, including deepened relationships with friends and church members." ~Jeff

• "... see family and friends as they visit this year, including the Lighthouse short-term mission team this summer." ~Malia

• "... start middle school. I am also looking forward to the annual retreat at Mt. Fuji and All-Asia Gathering later this year in Taiwan." ~Mason

• "... go to the retreat and camp and for Grandma & Grandpa visiting." ~Kaili

• "... go to school and play on the slide." ~Elijah

Updates & Praise:

• Jeff began an English Bible study with new believer S-kun, and will continue to meet with him monthly. It's an exciting discipleship opportunity!

• Malia's monthly "Treehouse" English children's ministry continues to go strong. Lexie, a short-termer who arrived in January, has been helping as well.

• Jeff has started an 8-week online Japanese Gospel course. It will be a great chance to study and practice sharing the Gospel in Japanese!

• Mason and Kaili are working hard on preparations for the missionary kids' annual "Art House" ministry for the JVenture annual retreat in April. It's a joy to see them excited for this ministry that is completely run by missionary kids!

• Mason continues to work on his drumming with lessons and serving on the worship team, and Kaili has started a hula class (Malia too!).

Prayer:

• Our visas expire next month. Please pray for a smooth visa extension process, including the quick renewal of Mason's passport.

• The Kurisakis are currently in Seattle visiting our sending church Lighthouse, where Pastor Ayumi will give a message this Sunday in English. Please pray for a great visit for them as they explore deepening Tsukuba Life and Saiwaicho's partnership with Lighthouse.

• Please pray for the preparations for our Easter events coming up in late March/early April.

• Please pray for Mason's transition to middle school, including for a smooth application process.

• Elijah will be starting preschool in April. Please pray for this transition, especially since Elijah can be very particular.

Christmas gathering with families from church

Treehouse ministry in Tsukuba // Decorating church for Treehouse

Christmas morning! // Pounding mochi for New Year's at Saiwaicho // Family vacation

Mason and Kaili on an outing with classmates

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.

Oh, and GO HAWKS!

Thanks and blessings,

The Walkers

Jeff, Malia, Mason, Kaili, and Elijah