Hello from sunny California! We arrived in Pasadena, CA on September 10. We have closed our first chapter/term and now transitioning into our second phase of ministry. For the next 1 - 1.5 years, the Bocanegra family will be traveling to support raise for Kaihin Makuha...

As I finished my sermon series on Exodus, the most edifying part for me was the details regarding the structure of the Tabernacle. Not only was it edifying for me as a Christian, but it gave me fresh new ways to share the Gospel with those who are unfamiliar with any...

Sarah's Japanese characters are 幸来(さら), which means "The Blessings that are to Come."

Background

Our three daughters are based on three Biblical covenants of God. Kate's name in Japanese characters means "City of Grace," which is based the Covenant of Works of Gen 1-...

I was planning to share a little about what kind of team I'm praying for in the future; however, as I was reading through Ezekiel for my personal devotions--with the help of Ian Duguid's wonderful commentary on Ezekiel (NIVAC)--I was convicted by Ezekiel's passion, com...

My three PhD applications are in and we'll be waiting to hear back from then. I'm expecting that they will respond with their decision in March or April. We are also coming to the end of our 2-year term with Oyumino in June. At the end of this two years, one thing has...

The Presbyterian Church of Japan will be holding its General Assembly on November 23-24. It is the national gathering of all the pastors of the Presbyterian Church of Japan. It is the denomination that my church, Oyumino Church, is part of, but also the denomination th...

Higashi Kanto Presbytery is the presbytery where my church resides. It was started on May 3, 1999 by three little house churches that had the the same desire for the kingdom advancement in Japan. On that day, this little flock created a 'mission statement' for the Pres...

Exodus 20:22-26:
The fine and dangerous line between

biblical contextualization and gross idolatry

First of all, my deepest apologies! It's been almost 4 months since I sent out a newsletter. These past 4 months were probably the busiest months we've had so far. I've le...

There have been some who have asked me what I'd like to study for my PhD and how it would be relevant to the mission field. This month I've attached the introduction of ,y research sample that gives a taste of what I'd like to study in the future--Emil Brunner's concep...

(Explanation of first photo: Kate is forcing her non-Christian friend to pray before they 'play eat.' Notice that Kate does not serve her guest food but keeps all the ice cream for her self. Her parents take full responsibility for her excessive liking to ice cream.)
 
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