Dear Pals family,
As you may know, Jamison came to speak at our church, Elk River Baptist, on July 10th of last year, and did an amazing job clarifying his vision for future ministry in Japan. The link to his message was included in one of his blogs, and so many were given access to his heart through this message. You may be interested to know that his sermon was the most listened to in our church history to date, with 662 times streamed (470 times last August alone), and who knows how many times downloaded, from people all over the world! We were so blessed to have him here for a brief time, and trust that God is ever nearer through this difficult season. Our prayers continue to be with you. In His Care, “Pastor” Jason Sorley
Author: Jamison and Kathryne Pals Family Foundation
Jesse Williams, 04/27/2017
I didn’t know the Pals personally but have been directly impacted by their lives. The tragic news of their passing and the work that they had begun inspired a missions trip to CBI in Nagoya, Japan. This video was produced in their honor: https://youtu.be/xsiUCCu9f-g
Kathy Pals, 08/31/2016
I miss our babies so much. The thought that they are now blessing God and worshiping Him face to face brings great comfort and makes Heaven seems sweeter than ever. I praise Him for an unbelievable plan which is yielding a great harvest for the Kingdom.
Ray and Julie BInns, 08/29/2016
We obviously didn’t know this lovely family but heard of the tragic accident here in Perth, Australia from our son and daughter-in-law, who are soon going out to overseas mission work also. We had the privilege of watching the memorial service. It was obvious how precious this family was, and what a blessing they have already been to so many. As the speakers and family said, God does not make mistakes, although the personal pain is also very real. Your faith and the service was very encouraging for us.
Anne Brown, August 11, 2016
My whole family have been moved by the dedication of this young family. I have read just about everything i can find on internet from and about them. What depth of spiritual lives they had for such a young couple! What wisdom and insight! Seems like such a lose to their precious families and to Japan, but we rest assured that God knows what he is doing. We went to Japan just like them in 1985 as a young couple with a baby and three other children were born in our first few years there. We are from Northern Ireland. I related so much to them. My husband Hugh telling me he was clearly called to Japan the first time we spoke to each other at Bible College, and me being so unsure about it all! Anyhow I just wanted to let their families and friends know how much I have been praying for them constantly since I first heard about this lovely little family…so like our own daughter and son in law with three small children under 4…how we feel for you all even though we do not know you…our dear brother and sisters in the Saviour.
Steve and Cindy Calvin, August 9 2016
Cindy and I were blessed to know Kathryne, Jamison and their children as neighbors in the Longfellow Neighborhood as well as a family that entrusted the birth of Violet and Calvin to our midwife team at the Minnesota Birth Center And I will never forget the amazing saga of Kathryne’s experience with a pesky ovarian tumor earlier in Calvin’s pregnancy. We are incredibly saddened by their abrupt transition to Glory but share their confidence in the the completed work of Christ. Their lives were shining examples of the love shared by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the Trinity. We pray for comfort for all those they left behind and for success in the work in Japan.
Alan Dianich, August 8 2016
I learned of this this morning and I have been saddened all day. I am a former missionary to Japan and now live in California. The stories I have read about this young family have touched me deeply. Thank you all for your faith which inspires me to trust God.
Ritsuko Larson, August 7 2016
I met Jamison at the Japan Tsunami exhibition at Bethlehem Baptist Church in 2011. He told me that he has a passion to share Gospel with Japanese people. I am a Japanese Christian and I was so encouraged by that. Then, I introduced Japanese student ministry in the twin cities to them and they have served Japanese international students in the twin cities. Last January, I saw Kathryn’s FB post that she was looking for a CD player for her sons so I lent mine to them. At that time, she told me that they have been learning Japanese. I offered a help if they need a help because I teach Japanese. That was the last encounter. I looked forward to seeing them in Nagoya, Japan when I go back to Japan. I was quite sad and crying for them but God has a bigger plan through this tragedy. I am so thankful for their thoughtful and sincere heart for Japanese people.
Grace Lee, August 6, 2016
I never knew you all personally but as a fellow laborer reaching the Japanese for Christ, I was deeply sadden by your news and grieved, yet as I read entry after entry of your blog, I was embolden by your faith, journey and encouraged, reminded that our great God is good and sovereign and will make what is evil and broken, good. I cannot wait to meet you all on the other side with our Heavenly Father with the multitudes of Japanese who will reckon and call Jesus their LORD and Savior! For the Joy of Japan!
Christine Krieger, August 6, 2016
I did not know this precious family, but my heart has been touched by them. They lived this life with a burning passion that I pray will be ignited in others’ lives, and that their story will stir others to keep their flame for Christ going.
Peggy Neill, August 6, 2016
I lost my beloved husband of 30 years last year to Alzheimer’s. His loss has been devastating for me but I cannot comprehend how heartbreaking the loss of this precious family will be to the surviving parents and grandparents. I saw the post of the Pals family obituary on Facebook but wanted to let the families, including their sweet church family, know that I will be praying for all of you. I am wowed that they all are face to face with Jesus forever. But hearts are broken and I am so very sorry for your tremendous and sorrowful loss. Love from Monroe, NC…..all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Psalm 88:9 (NIV) My eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, O Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you. ❤️
Robert Boyle, August 6, 2016
After meeting in 2012 in Nagoya, Jamison and I kept in regular contact as they processed the possibility of moving to Japan and also offere encouragement to my family while serving in Japan. This email of his captures what so many have said of his character and faith and was one highlight of our exchanges. We just got done discussing where they could serve in Japan, he wrote (in November 2013):
“All that to say it sounds like CBI could be a better fit for us.
Wherever we end up, we really want to be a part of making Jesus famous in Japan. It’s an awesome thing to proclaim the gospel in a place where it’s little heard or known. I’m reading the biography of Adoniram Judson right now–that guy went through raw suffering for Christ in Burma. But, I am amazed at how he embraced it all as necessary for sharing in Christ-likeness and showing the people he served what Christ is like. It doesn’t make suffering go away, but it does give it purpose to know that our suffering is a visible demonstration of what Christ endured for us. In a small (but still significant) way, you show the Japanese what Jesus did to purchase their salvation when you sacrifice being near friends and family for the holidays. That’s a real sacrifice, and I pray that it shows the Japanese that your message is real. We’ll be praying that fruit comes from it over the holidays this year.
Kathryne says hi to Tara. Ezra says gogi gogi gogi to Charlotte. He also says la la la to you.”
Celebrating the whole families victorious gain of being with Christ.
Gayle and Tom Peterson, August 6, 2016
Lifting you all up in prayer as God has His Almoghty arms wrapped around you giving you peace. Kathryne was our daughters roommate in college at the apt. Kathryne’s gentle spirit radiated in her life and it was such a reflection of her love for our Lord and Savior! Her beautiful smile will forever shine bright! What a ministry her and Jamison will forever carry on in so many people’s lives. Their families ministry has touched lives world wide giving God the Glory Honor and Praise! Joy for Japan will forever shine bright for Jesus!
Vanessa Edwards, August 6, 2016
I spent every Monday night for three years with Jamison and the others in our cohort at Bethel Sem. What a kind gentle soul who loved the Lord deeply. I remember hearing about Japan. I remember when we went on a break and he came back with his shiny new wedding band. But reflecting this past week what I remember most is that Jamison took the time to try to understand where you were coming from. He would humbly ask questions about your experience. He was so smart I thought maybe he wanted to go on and be a professor but his heart was a missionary’s heart for people. I grieve the loss of this young family. I rejoice that I had the privilege of knowing Jamison. I praise God for the impact the Pals had while they were here and even more for the ongoing impact that their lives and story will continue to have.
Jon Hedger, August 5, 2016
My family, brothers, and sisters in Christ mourn with you, but with the hope and joy that only He can give! May your faith and love of all carry you through your time of need.
Steve Johnson, August 5, 2016
“I do not know how things will turn out for us. As a husband, I feel obligated to lead our family toward obedience, whatever the end may be–whether it is life or death or discomfort or disappointment. It is clear that the Lord Jesus calls us not to an easy life, however he calls us. He bids us to take up our cross–just as he did–to suffer and die. Perhaps we will toil for years to raise support and never make it overseas. Perhaps we will go and utterly “fail” as missionaries from all worldly perspectives. Perhaps we will labor for decades without any visible fruit. Or perhaps through willing obedience, many will pass from death to eternal life.“ – Jameson Pals, April 15, 2016