Japan #6 - Pictures! - August 6

(In no particular order.)

Please continue to keep our Japan team in prayer! Let's continue to persevere and support them as they finish their last week abroad. :)

Japan #5 - August 1

The Bible classes and English lessons have finally have come to a close. It's been difficult, yet rewarding two weeks where we were able to see the people of Toyohashi from all ages and religious backgrounds. The relationships went beyond the classrooms as the team members and church folks sat down with anyone who did not know Christ to share and to laugh with them. We were encouraged by the love and hospitality THCC members showed to the newcomers, often picking up from where the team left off because of the language and cultural barriers. While it is difficult to measure our success in the classrooms and lunch tables, we believe that the Holy Spirit can and will grow the seeds that have been planted in due time. This Sunday (8/2) is a special Sunday where we invited the students to the worship gathering, so please pray that God would work in hearts of those who do not know Christ. Our sister Christal (Soojin) and brother Young will be giving their testimonies, so have them in your prayers as well.

Beginning in next week, the team will be going to the Bible camp with about 90 Junior and Senior High School Students. The past team members have been telling us that the camp was the most challenging time during their stay in Japan, so some of us are quite worried about what will happen. Again, we ask for your prayers that God would work mightily in these kids despite our insufficient Japanese and other weaknesses.

-In Him-

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Japan #4 w/ photos - July 24

Time moves faster than expected when you're being blessed beyond imagination.

It's difficult to grasp the fact that a week has now gone by. 1/3 of our time here is done, and as one member of the team has said it, "I wish we could stay here longer." I believe this is the sentiment of the team as a whole.

It's extremely easy to love a lot of the people here. When we talk to them (try to at least), play with them, and are generally around them, it's so easy to really love them. Yet, Young (the team leader) challenged all of us by saying, "Beyond having a good time, getting to know them, and just having fun... does your heart break for them like God's heart breaks for them?" This is something that we as a team are striving for.

Does it upset us if we leave and the people we met aren't changed, grown, restored, saved, encouraged? Does it bother if we just have good times and that's it? Are we truly praying for these people and asking God to show more of Himself to them?

It's a challenge. It's feels so difficult. Yet, that's why we need to pray so much more.

So please pray with us that our hearts wold break for these people as God heart breaks for them.

-In Him-

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Japan Picture Update #1 - July 23

Pictures sent over from Young in no particular order. Enjoy!

Japan #3 - July 22

Hello from Toyohashi, Japan.

It's Wednesday night here, and we finished a long few days of English classes. Tonight, we participated in THCC's weekly Wednesday prayer meeting. There was an amazing cross section of the church represented there. Young and old alike gathered to pray. It was an awesome experience that really gave us a glimpse of the beauty of a family church.

This morning, we shared two things: "In what ways do you see God moving", and "How is God calling you to move alongside Him?" The things people shared are definitely encouraging. It's amazing the breadth of ways we have seen God moving in our midst and especially in THCC. Again, we look in anticipation for the amazing things He will do and is doing.

John Wei also arrived and joined us today. It's definitely good to have him back with the team. It eases some of the pressure from other people, and it makes the team feel... complete.

Yeah, I have to keep this one short. It's going to be a long day tomorrow. Keep praying for us. God is so amazing.

-In Him-

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Japan #2 - July 19

Hello again!

We finished our first full day here in Japan. It was Sunday, so the team dressed up and headed into a full day of events. We attended youth service, the second adult service, a welcome party, and the evening dinner/welcome party. It's amazing how hospitable and friendly the people of Toyohashi Hosanna Christ Church are.

There were some worries as to the difficulties in the language barriers, but God definitely provided. There were enough people who spoke at least a modicum of English. This is definitely a blessing for us in the midst of this mission.

One of the questions we had to answer through journaling, after everything was done, is the question, "What is one thing that God taught you today?" One thing God taught is that He transcends boundaries.During the various times of service, we would worship with THCC. We sang the song, "I can sing of your love forever". It was a surreal moment where we saw the kingdom of God move. Beyond culture, language, age, size, and so forth, the people of God worshipped the living God.

Another prayer request is definitely needed. In the midst of all that is going on and how hospitable and great this church is, pray that we would be focused with a missions mentality. Pray that we would seek to preach the gospel in any and all circumstances and that we would be bold in doing so. Please pray for fertile ground during the English classes, that those can be used as a spring board to bring people closer to Christ.

In Him,

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Japan #1 - July 18

Hello from Toyohashi Japan.

First off, we'd like to thank everyone who has been praying or us and the mission in general. It's a comfort in knowing that we're not endeavoring in the move of God on our own, but that we have a family that is working with us through prayer.

It has been quite a rollercoaster ride for us these past couple of days. One of our team members had an issue with his visa and had to be left behind. Not to worry though, he will be joining us in a couple of days. Also, when we arrived to Nagoya, there seemed to be some issues with another one of our teammates' passport. It was all worked out and the delay lasted only 40 minutes.

Through all this, we're being reminded that patience, trust in God, and faith need to be built. This is God's mission and we're just participants in it. If it is His will that our ministry here is to be fulfilled then He will be faithful to carry it through. All we have to do is discern His voice and submit to His will.

We're looking ahead to see what God will do among us, through us, and with us. It's exciting because we literally have no idea how it's going to look. Even today, with our first church service about 2 hours away will be something new for everyone.

Well, that's about it for now. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Remember, the prayers of a righteous man (and woman) are strong and effective. Please pray that we will grow in: Discernment, unity, submission, and joy... within the team itself and with the people of Toyohashi Hosanna Christ Church.

In Him,

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