Greetings from Japan!
It seems like things change daily during these uncertain times, but we can find comfort in knowing that our God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Regardless of how inconstant the world is, or how inconstant the economy is, we know God holds all things in His hands. We can find comfort and peace in God no matter what is going on around us. Our hearts ache as we look around us and see the fear and uncertainty on the faces of the Japanese people.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chofu City, a neighboring city to Saitama where we live, has offered a free download of a legendary anti-plague monster, Amabie. They are suggesting people use the image to help ward off the coronavirus. We are looking for every opportunity to share the hope we have in Christ with the Japanese people so they don’t feel the need to turn to imaginary monsters for false hope.
Amabie, Japanese Monster
We had to cancel our English conversation classes for the month of April, but were able to start them again in May on Zoom. We have missed interacting in person with our students and their families, but we are thankful we have been able to continue to see them virtually. It has given us the opportunity to communicate with the moms as well as the dads, which is rare since they are usually at work. However, since many of the dads have been working from home and the kids are studying at home, both parents have had an opportunity to sit in on our classes. Please pray with us that the words of encouragement we share will point our students and their parents toward God and His forgiveness that is for all people.
Hiro has been able to hold our Sunday School lessons online. We are thankful that we can continue to share the love of God with the children in our Sunday School, even while we can’t be with them physically. The dads of our Sunday School children do not attend church. Please pray with us that the messages the children listen to at home can have an impact on the hearts of their parents as well.
We are so thankful that even among all the canceled flights and canceled activities, Justin was able to finish his first year at Liberty University successfully and he was able to return to Japan for the summer. We are so thankful for this time together before Justin returns to college and Ax joins him for his first year of college. Please continue to pray for Justin and Ax and the adjustments they will have to make and for us as it will be difficult to have both of them so far from home.
Celebrating Justin and Ax's birthdays
We are so thankful for your continued prayers and support. Your commitment to the fulfillment of the Great Commission is making a difference around the world! Your partnership is bringing the hope and love of Christ to the Japanese people. We couldn’t bring the light of Christ to Japan without you! Thank you!
Many Blessings,
Hiro, Eryn, Justin, Ax, Hunter, and Olivia Bamba
