Voices from the Field Yuri Nakano Get to know Yuri

Planes, Trains, Ships, and Automobiles

Published on August 14, 2025

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My first four months of home assignment have been filled with a lot of travel! I am trusting in the verses in Proverbs 3:23—24 (“Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”) as I trust in God’s wisdom to help me in these days of coming and going! Since my last NAB prayer letter update, I’ve been on three international return flights, several trains, one river cruise ship, and of course, several cars. This is my third time around being on home assignment, and it is already looking very busy going here and there, and I have only completed the first quarter!

At Colorado Springs taking my Spiritual Direction Course/Retreat.

Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

My first short trip back to Japan in May went smoothly, and the whole closure of the legal entity of the mission was finalized. The next international travels were to the neighboring United States with my spiritual direction training weeks in Texas and also in Colorado Springs. I am thankful that I was able to find time to rest and have special times with the Lord at these week-long retreats/trainings. I have learned so much through these trainings, about myself and also about how to be a healthier leader modeled after Jesus. It is both humbling and also encouraging. My third international travel was to Europe for a vacation with a long-time friend from high school on a river cruise on the Rhine that first started with a couple of days in Paris. I had never experienced a river cruise before, but it was truly a wonderful experience to see God’s amazing creation pass by gently as the ship went along the river. We also saw many beautifully historic places, with amazing castles and sky-reaching cathedrals and intricate artwork in the stained-glass windows.

These famous churches and cathedrals are lovely to look at, and I admire the artwork and architecture. However, these churches are no longer living as part of the Body of Christ, as there are no longer a worshipping community there. That is why I have enjoyed even MORE my visits to the churches that are living and active and making a true difference in their communities and around the world by partnering with missionaries! The buildings may not be beautiful, but the people are! I have been blessed so far by visiting churches in Alberta: Hawkwood Baptist in Calgary, Emmanuel Baptist in Valleyview, and Tri-Community Church in Beiseker. I also have been blessed by Edmonton Christian Community Church, who have invited me to their prayer meeting and also a delicious dim sum lunch.

The church visits continue through to the next quarter. I covet your prayers for safety as I do a lot of driving in these next few months. I am not a confident driver, and I am directionally challenged, so it is a bit more stressful for me than perhaps other people!

My schedule in the coming months:

  • August 2: Grace Baptist Church in Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba
  • August 5–7: Bismarck, North Dakota, for a visit with former colleagues: the Ewings and Shan Reed
  • August 10: Heritage Baptist Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan
  • August 17: First Baptist Church in Smoky Lake, Alberta
  • August 24: Calvary Baptist Church in Wetaskiwin, Alberta
  • August 31: Zion Baptist Church in Drumheller, Alberta
  • September 6–13: NAB Summit in Ireland
  • September 14: Leduc First Baptist Church in Leduc, Alberta
  • September 17–22: Magnolia Baptist Church in Anaheim, California
  • September 28: West Hills Community Church in Salem, Oregon
  • October 6–10: spiritual formation course in Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • October 12: Century Meadows Baptist in Camrose, Alberta
  • October 17–19: Southern Alberta Missions Conference
  • October 23: Living Fountain Church missions night in Edmonton, Alberta
  • October 24–26: Greater Edmonton Missions Conference
  • November 2: Leduc Fellowship Church in Leduc, Alberta
  • November 9: Living Fountain Church in Edmonton, Alberta
  • November 16: Glory to God Christian Assembly in Edmonton, Alberta
  • November 28: Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church in St. Albert, Alberta
  • December 21: Edmonton Christian Community Church in Edmonton, Alberta

 
As you can see, I have a very full schedule! I look forward to meeting some of you when I visit your church. There are still many churches that are not on this list. I will continue to visit my supporting churches into the new year, so those dates will be revealed in the November update.

With a very thankful heart for your partnership, prayers, and support!!

Yuri Nakano

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