We are so thankful for each of you and your continued prayers for our family and the work here in Japan. As we look back on the past two months, our hearts are full of praise for what God is doing, not just in our own lives but especially in the hearts of those around us. Japan is often described as a spiritually hardened place, and while that may be true in many ways, it has been so encouraging to see God at work, softening hearts and drawing people to Himself.
One of the greatest answers to prayer in recent months has been Mami. Many of you have been praying for her, and we are overjoyed to share that in January, Mami made the decision to trust Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour! What a blessing it was to see the light of the Gospel break through in her life. Since then, she has continued faithfully attending both Sunday and Wednesday services, and just a few weeks after her salvation, she made the courageous decision to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism.
In Japan, baptism is often seen not just as a religious act but also as a public break from cultural expectations, family traditions, and even ancestral practices. It’s a big step for many Japanese believers. So, when Mami made the public decision to be baptized, it was a powerful testimony, not just of her faith but of her willingness to follow Christ, regardless of the cost. Please continue to pray for her spiritual growth and for her witness to those around her. She is preparing to be baptized in either April or May.
Another area where we’ve seen God working is through the small group of Japanese ladies who have been meeting with my wife in our home to study Biblical parenting. This has been a great opportunity not only to build relationships but also to open the Scriptures with women who, in many cases, have never heard Biblical teaching. Some of the women who attend are not yet saved, so please pray specifically that the Lord would work in their hearts and draw them to saving faith through these times of study and fellowship.
On the family side of things, we’ve continued partnering with the Gardner family for homeschooling. In late January, we held a fun little year-end celebration where the kids each chose a famous historical figure and reenacted their story. It was both educational and entertaining—and a great way to wrap up the academic year. Our two oldest boys, Aidan and Callan, began joining the homeschooling program every Wednesday; they will transition to this program full-time, starting in March. Please pray for that transition, especially as it brings new routines for our family.
In February, we also welcomed a new missionary to the field—a single young lady named Grace Jackson, who will be serving at Senri Newtown Baptist Church (SNBC). It’s always exciting to see more laborers coming into the harvest here in Japan. I had the opportunity to help translate for her as she and Pastor Eriya (of SNBC) looked for housing. It was a good reminder that every stage of ministry, even something as practical as furniture shopping or setting up an apartment, can be a meaningful step in helping someone get established for long-term ministry. Please keep her in your prayers as she adjusts to life in Japan and begins serving at the church.
One unexpected development for us in February was discovering the complexities of how taxes work here in Japan. I spent quite a bit of time researching and navigating what that means for us as foreign residents. It’s not exactly the most thrilling part of missionary life, but it’s definitely an important one. Finally, on a personal note, my wife and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this February. We are so thankful for the grace of God that has carried us through two decades of marriage, six kids, three countries, and countless new adventures. We’ve walked through valleys and stood on mountaintops, and through it all, the Lord has proven faithful. We give Him all the glory!
As always, we thank you for your love, encouragement, and support. Your prayers are not in vain. We see God working in hearts here, and we believe that your partnership in this ministry is bearing fruit, not just for time but also for eternity.
With grateful hearts,
Brendan, Karin, and the Morgan Family
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- Our Family Singing a Special in Church
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- Having Fun with Our First Snow of the Year!
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- Homeschooling Year-End Celebration with the Gardner Family
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- Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary!
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- Mamie Got Saved!
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- Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary!
