July Update

Family Update... We have been in Okinawa for three weeks now and even though Okinawa is part of Japan it feels very different from the rest of Japan. In Okinawa everyone is so friendly and cheerful... eager to talk or just smile and say hello. Our girls have really enjoyed all of the nature, are making new friends at summer school, and even started their gymnastics classes. 

How to Support

Ministry Update... We are beginning week 4 of Okinawa Christian School's summer school. Andy has been working on updating the school's financial and student information software as well as assisting with some translation and housing for new staff. Megan has been doing curriculum and tech support as well as teaching some elementary classes. Summer school finishes on July 15 and The new school year starts back up on August 3rd; we are looking forward to spending time with our new friends and preparing curriculum for the next school year. 
New Teammates... At the end of July the Klines, a Team Expansion family that has been ministering in Karuizawa, will be joining us in Okinawa. We are excited to be working with them and having their children with us at OCSI. 

​Prayer Requests

• We can find new pediatricians for the girls, especially for Mia's asthma/food allergies
• The school's new computer and accounting systems to be up and running before the August start
• The Kline family's move to Okinawa in a few weeks
• New staff arriving to OCSI over the next month

Praises

New house is comfortable and very close to school

• Girls are making friends, both at OCSI and in the community
• We are staying busy at OCSI in serving the staff, preparing for the school year, and in getting to know the students
• Andy was able to attend a T4T training (disciple making) in Tokyo with the Kline family. 

A Note from Team Expansion President, Doug Lucas

This week, I've been considering the courage it takes to be a cross-cultural worker these days. One worker, a wife in Africa, was robbed at knifepoint in her own home last week. Another learned that she is the target of an alleged abduction. I can't help but think about the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" 2 Corinthians 4:7-11). Please lift up your favorite worker in our org, as well as others worldwide. Pray for boldness, resilience and complete emotional health for these dear co-workers and friends. And thanks for your partnership in sending God's message of peace to a world in conflict.