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A vow of prayer

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 1 Sam 12:23 J.C. Ryle wrote a book named “Do you pray?” It challenges Christians with a simple but critically important […]

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Attending my first bone placing ceremony in Japan.

Earlier this month I was asked to join a 納骨式 (noukotsushiki) for a young church member’s mom who passed away earlier this year. This is a ceremony where the deceased person’s bones are brought from the family’s home to be placed in a tomb. By attending and asking questions I was able to learn quite […]

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It’s like I’ve woken up *Written by Aven

Over our 3 years in Japan, we saw God at work in the small things, the small moments… “It’s like I’ve woken up” he said. We were having a time of sharing before we prayed together and the gentleman I had been partnered with excitedly shared his revelation. “Every month, I look forward to the […]

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Don’t despise the small things

For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:10 This week I came across this verse in Zechariah that encouraged me during a time of great […]

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Ever heard of an anime pilgrimage?

Even after living in Japan for over 2 years there are still things that absolutely amazes me in ways that I am unable to process. This week Aven and I took a trip to a park that has special eggs that light up in the dark…weird right? You can bounce light onto other eggs by […]

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Preaching good sermons with intermediate-level Japanese.

When I was in South Africa I preached fairly often, like once a week at once stage. It took me about 10-12 hours to prepare and I got into a good rhythm with regards to planning, writing, and preaching sermons. I knew my way around commentaries and word study. I knew how to explain doctrines […]

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Feeling at home in a foreign culture

So, a few days ago I accompanied Aven to the local home & garden store to buy a few things she needed to start growing herbs and vegetables from our garden…um I mean balcony 😊 What kind of sand? What size pot? How do you read that Kanji? We were a bit lost and so […]

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What I am learning during the coronavirus lockdown

Our world has been turned completely upside down by covid19 hasn’t it? All the plans we had for 2020 have been royally messed up. Then there are the worrisome thoughts that creep into our hearts…will things ever return to normal? What will happen to our economy? Will I still have a job? Is this God’s […]

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Top 50 Favorite Hokkaido Photos

Hokkaido Japan is a wonderful place. Breathtaking views, and wonderful people.  It will always have a special place in our hearts. After leaving Sapporo and moving to Kawaguchi city, I wanted to remember and give thanks for the good times by compiling my top 50 photos. If you ever have the chance, please visit Hokkaido!

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Sing among the nations

This month I shared my testimony at the Hokkaido Bible Institute and afterwards got to sit in on a lecture on Psalm 96. Obviously, I could not understand everything because it was in Japanese but thankful that there was a lot that I could follow and be challenged by.  Firstly, the Psalm is about singing […]

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