As we look ahead to the work of church planting in Tokyo, we want to set before our hearts a truth that will steady us in every season:

The Psalmist says, “You are good and do good” (Psalm 119:68), reminding us that God does not merely perform good acts from time to time, but that goodness belongs to His very nature, so that everything He does flows from His holy, wise, and loving character. When Moses asked to see God’s glory, the Lord answered, “I will make all my goodness pass before you” (Exodus 33:19), showing that His glory is revealed in His mercy, steadfast love, faithfulness, patience, and justice. This means God’s goodness is not measured by easy circumstances, but by who He eternally is. That is why Nahum can say, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble” (Nahum 1:7), and David can invite us, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). For us, this is deeply personal as we prepare for overseas work: we do not move forward because the road looks simple, but because the God who calls us is unfailingly good. His goodness is our refuge in weakness, our confidence in uncertainty, and our comfort in the slow, patient work of gospel ministry. And above all, we see His goodness most clearly in Jesus Christ, for in giving His own Son for sinners, God has forever proven that His heart toward His redeemed people is not harsh or withholding, but abundantly gracious. So as we step toward Tokyo, our hope is not in our strength, plans, or ability, but in the Lord whose goodness endures forever.

Welcome to our very first newsletter ever as global workers. We are the Castro family and we are thankful that you’ve chosen to receive our updates and pray for us as we prepare to go to the mission field in Japan.

The year 2026 is already off to a busy start with so many God-given opportunities that we are so grateful for in this first quarter, with some exciting events having happened at the tail end of 2025. Highlights for each month include:

We were able to participate in orientation week with Reaching and Teaching. It was a precious time where we got to meet fellow global workers, meet key staff, and be primed for the work ahead of us.

The Immanuel Network Summit: Emotions were high because it was the last one Kris got to participate in as staff before we depart this Fall. Had a great time with the Network Partners during the summit. A specific prayer we have is for more connections with churches willing to support the work in Tokyo. Our Lord has given some meaningful connections and is answering our prayers through them.

What we are looking forward to in March and prayer requests:

We have said to ourselves that these last 18 months have been the busiest we have ever been. Transparently, this is a season when we’ve been tempted to give in to weariness, but the Lord has been steadfast and gracious, surrounding us with saints who look like Christ to help us turn our eyes to Him.

Saints who check in with our marriage, saints who offer to babysit for various reasons, saints who drop off meals in trying times, saints who pray for us, saints who disciple us through the way they labor for one another. This is just within the last few months.

In our tenure at Immanuel, we’ve also seen countless meal trains created and fulfilled, sins grieved, brothers and sisters excommunicated, and then joyfully restored.

In one of our interviews for a training program we hope to participate in, someone asked, “Tell us a little bit about how your local church has discipled you.” With all my might, I (Linh) attempted not to cry, but that effort was in vain. With tears streaming down my face, all I could muster was, “Our church has taught us so much about how to love like Christ. We really, really love them”.

This is our local church. We are so thankful to know and be known by these beloved saints we take communion with every Sunday, and it is a privilege to know they are the same ones who are sending us out.  It is our prayer that the Lord would establish many healthy churches in Japan.

KOINOBORI (鯉のぼり) is our partnership name because, in Japan, the koi streamer/kite is a familiar symbol of perseverance—pressing forward and onward against the current. It’s a fitting way to describe the kind of ministry we believe Tokyo church planting requires: not hype or quick results, but patient, steady faithfulness over time.

Under His Lordship,

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”

Kris: (904)729-9665 - [email protected]

Linh: (904)882-7513 - [email protected]

As we prepare for long-term church planting in Tokyo, we are asking the Lord to raise up faithful partners who will help sustain this work through regular prayer and monthly giving.

If you have been encouraged by these updates and want to co-labor with us in a more committed way, we would be honored if you would prayerfully consider becoming a monthly partner.

Financial gifts can be mailed to:
Reaching & Teaching International 828 East Market Street Louisville, KY 40206 USA

Memo Line: Kristan & Linh Castro #129518

*For our current donors, you can access your account here.

Subscribe to KOINOBORI for updates, prayer requests, and reflections on church and culture in Japan.

Join us over at DISCORD for more live Field Ops Updates, Prayer Requests, Discussions, etc.