The last few months have found us traveling more. Kumi and I made a quick trip to the States in November, attending a conference in Houston and then spending a couple days with my parents in Kansas. My dad turned 90 in November, and while I wasn’t able to time the trip to be with him on the day, we had a wonderful visit with many precious moments.
In October I was invited to attend a leaders summit in Korea. The focus of the summit was to provide an opportunity for colloboration among leaders for global gospel efforts. I met some amazing people, real generals of faith, men and women from all over the world who have given their lives for the spread of the gospel. On the last day we were invited to tour the DMZ and view the North Korean border, and it turned into a powerful time of intercession. With North Korean propoganda blaring over loud speakers from across the border, we prayed for the restoration of the nation of Korea. There certainly have been some rumblings in Korea since that time, both in the North and the South. I felt the Lord had us there at a key time to pray, and I am glad I could be a part of it.
Looking Back at 2024
2024 has been a year of evangelism for us as well as our church family. I think I have shared the gospel with more people one on one this year than I ever have before in my life. I am asking the Lord to increase my boldness and give even more open doors for the gospel next year. But the work of evangelism must always be the outflow of our inward life. Otherwise it just becomes a human effort for what can only be a spiritual work. So we continue to press deeper in prayer. Our mandate is for a clearer revelation of Jesus Christ to both his church and the world.
Kumi had said several times this year that she felt like our praying was more about us becoming the prayer that is lifted up to God in this city. King David says the same thing in Psalm 109:4, “In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself toprayer.” In Hebrew literally he says, “I am wholly prayer.”
We are calling people to a place in God, but it is a place we must first become ourselves. It is the position that Mary took when she sat at the feet of Jesus (instead of in the kitchen with her sister). A disciple sits at the feet of their master. By sitting at his feet, Mary was declaring that she too, was Jesus’ disciple. That’s why Jesus said that what Mary had chosen wouldn’t be taken away from her. It is what he meant when he told Martha that just one thing is necessary (Luke 10:38-42).
Life in God is not complicated. It is deep and weighty, but it is very simple:
Become his disciple.
Follow the master.
Sit at his feet and learn of him.
Upcoming move in 2025
We are excited about what God has in store for us in 2025. We have a move ahead of us the first part of the year. We finally signed a contract with city officials to move out of our apartment by the end of March, so that our building can be torn down to widen the road. This place, though it’s been a tight squeeze for our family, has been such a blessing in its location. It has allowed us to be very efficient and strategic in both our life and ministry, and we are seeing our family flourish. We hope to remain in Shibuya and find a place near here which would keep the kids from having to change schools. Please stand in faith with us for the right place in this next season.
Thank you for walking with us throughout this year in this journey. We are so glad we can share with you our faith and hope, the challenges and struggles, and the joy and victories. I know God has great things in store for for us all in 2025.