In July 2006, we took a mission trip to Hitachi-Taga, Japan as part of a Let’s Start Talking (LST) project. The idea of the LST method is to read English and hold conversations in English to people who want to improve their English skills. The LST method starts with reading the book of Luke, followed by Acts, then John, and finally, “Good News.”

We were joined on the project by Derin & Amanda Dopps (and their two children, Lucas-4, and Jason-1) who also attend Northside Church of Christ with us, and also Chris & Leigh Lawrenson (and two of their children, Michael-12, and Hailey-8). Together, we hosted a “church camp” of sorts in the mountains (at a beautiful venue called Plateau Satomi), and followed up by reading with 32 unique people in over 52 hours of reading sessions (in just 4 days!).

This trip was a very positive experience for both of us, and undoubtedly will not be the last mission project we go on.