Lutheran Brethren Seminary

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
Matthew 28:19

"On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.'"
John 7:37-38

Stream the LBS Commencement Service on our website:
https://lbs.edu/event/stream-2026-commencement-service

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10

The past three days have been filled with worship, fellowship, and learning as the LBS Japan team spent time with churches in Sendai and visited historic sites. Please keep the team in prayer for health, safety, and continued encouragement throughout the remainder of the trip.

The LBS Japan team began Friday with a trip to the Aoba Castle ruins, where Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai clan, is commemorated. As the team explored the area, Paul and Alexa shared about the city of Sendai and what life has been like as they have adjusted over the past few years. The day ended with a time of fellowship at the Mission House.

On Saturday, the team traveled to Ishinomaki to visit the House of Hope, where Dean and Linda Bengston serve alongside their ministry partners, Pastor Haruya and his wife, Fumi. After enjoying a lunch of okonomiyaki, the team spent time around Ishinomaki learning about the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the region in 2011. They visited overlooks and a museum in Higashi-Matsushima City, where they learned more about the lasting impact of the disaster on the region and its people. The day was a reminder of both the great loss experienced by the community and the hope of Jesus proclaimed through faithful ministry and relationships.

After two planes, a bus, several subways, a bullet train, and a van ride, the LBS team has officially made it to Sendai, Japan! The team was warmly welcomed by LBIM Missionaries, Paul and Alexa Fraser, and spent the evening enjoying fellowship and a wonderful home-cooked meal together.

Please continue to pray that the Lord would strengthen and encourage the team as they begin their time in Japan and grow through this experience together.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6