Fall Update

We recently returned from the CPI (Church Planting Institute) Renown conference in Shizuoka, Japan. It's held every 2 years, and this was the biggest one yet, with 800 in attendence! This included missionaries, Japanese pastors, and other church workers from all over Japan. Praise God for a wonderful time together with brothers and sisters in Christ, worshipping God, and learning more about Gospel-centered ministry in Japan!

Next month we'll be headed back to the States for our first home assignment. We're excited to see our partners, friends, and family! We're working on our schedule, so please feel free to reach out. We'd love to see you!

Mason and Kaili performing at Joy Fest at Kodomo no Kuni

Updates & Praise:

• Praise God for a wonderful time at the CPI Renown conference!

• Mason and Kaili's school hosted their large annual outreach event called Joy Fest, with hundreds in attendence. The kids performed a number of songs and had a great time! Their school also put on a neighborhood flea market where Malia helped serve.

• Mason and Kaili participated in their school's annual Sports Day event ("undokai"), including running in the relay. We attended and had a great time watching the kids and having conversations with the parents.

• We celebrated our little boy Elijah turning two years old!

Prayer:

• Jeff met H-san, a Japanese dad at Mason and Kaili's school, who wants to practice English! His daughter goes to the kindergarten at the school, but is not a believer. Praise God for this encounter, and please pray for their upcoming time together to practice English (for H-san) and Japanese (for Jeff).

• Please pray for Jeff and Malia's ongoing language learning. Malia's class was cancelled, and Jeff's might be soon.

• We are looking forward to returning to the States in one month for our first home assignment (mid-December to early April). We'll spend most of our time in Washington, but will also visit Oregon, California, Hawaii, and Colorado. Please be in prayer for the preparations.

At the CPI Renown conference in Shizuoka

Takeshita-sensei leading the children's blessing // Dressing up for Halloween // Malia leading crafts at the kids' school's flea market

Community-building at Denen // Mason drumming at school // Kaili at school's "undokai"

Celebrating Elijah's birthday--he is two!

The kids having fun outside

We would love to hear from you, whether it be to share your prayer requests or to simply catch up. Please know that we think of you and pray for you often.

Thanks and blessings,

The Walkers

Jeff, Malia, Mason, Kaili, and Elijah