Easter

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom as we gathered at the park near our house for a fun time with our neighbors, the K family. While Kathi (and Daniel and Joy, our faithful short-termers who've now returned to Singapore) got the 3 kids coloring eggs, the dad and I hid the special plastic eggs that contained the symbols of Easter (e.g., a nail, a thorn, a little cross, and of course an empty egg!). Then the kids found the eggs and opened each one in order while the dad read the verses that tell the story of the Cross and Resurrection. It was a super time for talking about how much more Easter is than bunnies.

A week later our house church met for Easter because they couldn't gather on Easter itself. We let the Tsujimoto and Matsumoto children light candles; then, while we read about Jesus' suffering, they blew them out one-by-one till the room was dark. Finally, we lit a large white candle and rejoiced that Jesus rose to show His victory over death. The kids were totally engaged! Pray that they come to believe that Jesus really is the Light of the World.

Our Kids

Just talked to Megan last night. Her work in Ethiopia is challenging, especially on the days when the electricity is out, usually 2 days a week. The NGO work -- training sessions on how to avoid AIDS as well as developing a micro-business for women who've lost their livelihoods when they contracted HIV -- progresses slowly but surely. Megan is looking forward to visiting us here in Japan for 3 weeks this summer. We can't wait!

Ben just called to let us know he got back to Los Angeles (his girlfriend Tia met him at the airport), thus ending his adventure studying for one semester in Lithuania. Pray that the job he has been expecting to do for the next 2 months before visiting us (and Megan!) in July will work out well. He has another year at Fresno Pacific, then a year of student teaching after that. We are so thankful that our kids are doing well in loving Jesus and sharing His love with others.

Thanks for praying for all of us. We don't know what we would do without that support. It's priceless :)

Steve and Kathi