Carter Update

So far, I have been able to visit 12 different churches over the past three months. Each visit has been different in the ways I have been able to serve the church, whether through preaching, teaching, setting up a display … Continued

Our prefecture is proudly hosting the 2026 Asian Games! Cathalain had the opportunity to attend two of the men’s basketball quarterfinal games at the new arena, just a 20-minute walk from our home. M and A were also able to … Continued

The teen girls’ Bible study is currently going through a devotional on beauty, especially how it relates to young women. After Bible study, I took a walk through the park and wandered through the blooming rose garden. The beauty was … Continued

After worship, three times a month, a group gathers to discuss New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp. We read a devotional that I select in advance and talk about what we don’t understand, what stands out to us, and how we can … Continued

Cathalain was able to attend the MTW Women’s retreat in Vietnam.  This was a very bittersweet time holding the tension of thankfulness for the past 18 years, excitement about our transition to a new organization, and sadness of ending our … Continued

Although this question may bring many different answers, the reality is that first and foremost, it is Jesus Christ — and of course, the pastor of the church. Yet when you are married to the pastor, this can sometimes be … Continued

On December 24, we celebrated with a Christmas Eve candlelight service. We were overwhelmed by how many people attended and encouraged that nearly half were non-Christians. About eight guests came through our English outreach, one woman invited her husband, and … Continued

On December 14, the short-term team split into two groups.  One group stayed at NCC and the other went with Michael to Hope Tsu church in Mie Prefecture.  Michael is a team leader through the Presbytery for that church-planting work.  The … Continued

On December 12, our church hosted a Christmas Music Festival.  We had a dinner, musical performances from various artists, a message by one of the seminary students and attenders of our church, and a dessert party.  It was one of … Continued