I've had some people ask me if I've noticed anything that's different here in Japan from the last time that I was here.
Yes. Some things, some things no.
For example:
-Sales tax has gone up 3%, and is about to go up another 2%. Previously, I spent a great deal of time at the 100 yen store (aka the dollar store, but waaaaay better and less shady), and with taxes it was always 105 yen per item. Now it's 108.
-I've found flour tortillas in the stores. Granted they're about $5 for like 4 of them. But the point is- you can find them. Along with more foreign foods in general.
-Baby carriers. Everywhere. But perhaps that's just because now that I'm a mom, I notice it more. And probably because out more during the day when moms are out, as compared to early mornings and late nights, when mommas are at home.
I'm sure there are plenty more things... but right now, I can only think of things that have been updated. And projects that were being worked on before (malls, train stations) that are now finished. More smart phones... but that's in America too.
But in many other ways, Japan is still the same. Some things I had forgotten how much I loved:
-The extremely helpful and patient Japanese who have lots of mercy on me as I sputter out what I need to get accomplished and they fill in the blanks to help.
-Toilet seat warmers and rug warmers. Enough said.
-Great Japanese foods: Rice balls with a sweet, sticky sauce. Japanese curry-stuffed fried bread. Yakisoba. Sesame seed dressing. Mikans (tangerines/mandarin oranges), grilled sweet potatoes as a snack, taiyaki. So many good things.
-That feminine Japanese voice that is used everywhere. It's kinda strange but ya miss it at the same time.
-Convenient marts (conbinis). You can go to the atm, print docs for your next meeting, buy a full meal, get some stamps, buy a tie and pay your bills all in one stop. I'm pretty stoked that our new apartment is literally next door to a conbini. Really. You have no idea.
-Walking. Everywhere. And measuring everything by how many minutes' walk it is to such and such a place. And remembering how shaving 30 seconds off your route makes a world of a difference in busy Japan.
As soon as I post this, I'll think of a million more things that I should have put down. But perhaps I'll save them all for a follow up post.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Week One
Hello hello all!
Well here we are-- we've made it one week in Japan. Exactly one week ago right now, we were about an hour out from Tokyo and were getting situated in the airplane to be able to land. It was at this time that I finally became a little sleepy and caught at 15 minute nap at the end of a 12 hour flight.
Figures.
Anyway, we made quite a spectacle, with a baby and a stroller and 10 loaded suitcases. We had to have an airport lady help us push the carts through and out of customs. We were quite literally a caravan.
There are still moments where we can hardly believe we're here. But people were looking forward to our coming, which is always encouraging. Rosalyn, as if you had any doubts, is well loved here. Certainly the star of the family, she has adapted pretty well to the time difference (thank you for praying) and to the cold and to being carried in the "carrier" a lot. We see more Japanese women carrying/wearing their babies as compared to pushing them in a stroller. It's certainly easier than carrying a stroller up and down from the 3rd floor.
Our two practical accomplishments this week:
-We found an apartment welike love. Well-- we're waiting for an answer, which we hope will be received tomorrow. Sometimes landlords do not like to rent to foreigners, and some families here have been rejected in their application of renting a certain apartment. Still we know that God has the perfect place for us, and if it's not this place, it's something better.
-Vicente got registered to start school in January. Some of the other team members are going to the school so it seems we are well known as being part of the church group. :) It was awesome to see my teachers from the past-- I was surprised some of them remembered me! They were excited to meet Rosalyn as well.
My Japanese is coming back surprisingly well! I've been able to manage a lot of situations on my own and carry on conversations. I even made a new friend on the airplane who lives about a half-hour away and we plan to have a play date sometime next week or the following week. But I am thankful to God, who I know is the one who is helping me to recall words that I didn't often use in Japanese and now can quickly remember how to carry on.
We've went to the Fuse Leadership Training, church service, small group, prayer meeting and have had lunch/dinner with different members of our team. So, we are getting involved here slowly, but are excited at the doors that God is already opening.
Will be writing more later!
Well here we are-- we've made it one week in Japan. Exactly one week ago right now, we were about an hour out from Tokyo and were getting situated in the airplane to be able to land. It was at this time that I finally became a little sleepy and caught at 15 minute nap at the end of a 12 hour flight.
Figures.
Anyway, we made quite a spectacle, with a baby and a stroller and 10 loaded suitcases. We had to have an airport lady help us push the carts through and out of customs. We were quite literally a caravan.
There are still moments where we can hardly believe we're here. But people were looking forward to our coming, which is always encouraging. Rosalyn, as if you had any doubts, is well loved here. Certainly the star of the family, she has adapted pretty well to the time difference (thank you for praying) and to the cold and to being carried in the "carrier" a lot. We see more Japanese women carrying/wearing their babies as compared to pushing them in a stroller. It's certainly easier than carrying a stroller up and down from the 3rd floor.
Our two practical accomplishments this week:
-We found an apartment we
-Vicente got registered to start school in January. Some of the other team members are going to the school so it seems we are well known as being part of the church group. :) It was awesome to see my teachers from the past-- I was surprised some of them remembered me! They were excited to meet Rosalyn as well.
My Japanese is coming back surprisingly well! I've been able to manage a lot of situations on my own and carry on conversations. I even made a new friend on the airplane who lives about a half-hour away and we plan to have a play date sometime next week or the following week. But I am thankful to God, who I know is the one who is helping me to recall words that I didn't often use in Japanese and now can quickly remember how to carry on.
We've went to the Fuse Leadership Training, church service, small group, prayer meeting and have had lunch/dinner with different members of our team. So, we are getting involved here slowly, but are excited at the doors that God is already opening.
Will be writing more later!
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Undervalued and Overlooked
'How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”' Romans 10:14-15
I was sitting on a huge double-decker plane some 2..2? 3? days ago, my daughter in her car seat next to the window, my husband and I holding hands. We had shed tears... heavy tears... in saying goodbye to our loved ones, in packing our belongings and our hearts to move to a place far, far away. Even as the plane backed away from our gate, we were still sniffling and wiping our eyes.
As the jet began racing down the airstrip and taking off into the air, our fingers were still intertwined, trepidation in our hearts. How would it be? Would we be successful at what we were setting out to do? Would we adjust well or struggle? Would we make good friends? Would we have a great connection with our team members? Would our support base hold up? How would our families do during our absence? Lots of questions as up, up and away we went.
In the few moments as we ascended into the clouds in silence, I became alert to my surroundings. I was looking up at the plane Christmas decorations hanging above the windows. Overhead, we listened to a wonderful piano Christmas music. Not just any music... a hymn. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it, but it was one of those you'll be guaranteed to sing during the Christmas service at church.
All of a sudden, it hit me that this was what it was all about. Going to a foreign land, becoming Japanese to Japanese people with the purpose of sharing the wonderful news that Jesus Christ did the same thing for us. He became human to bring us the Good News-- to BE the Good News. He died in our place, gave His life for us that we might have a relationship with our heavenly Father. And we, in a very very small sense, were heading to a foreign land to give our lives so that others may hear.
Over the last few weeks, I've had the chance to talk with many people who said, "Oh you're so brave", "Oh, you're doing such a great work,"... We don't feel particularly brave, certainly not the caliber of brave that missionaries centuries ago possessed. But, to these people, I have attempted to communicate that:
We are unable to go without you.
There is absolutely no way that we would sitting in Asia today without senders. Perhaps that is the most undervalued and overlooked part of the verse quoted above. Yes, we need go-ers. But the go-ers need the senders. The senders are like the fuel for the car. The car is great in an of itself, but the car goes nowhere without gasoline. Gasoline is very useful in and of itself, but without being put to purpose in the car, it doesn't produce anything. Together-- together we accomplish so much.
In anything accomplished here that gives glory to God, you share in that. May the Lord be praised in Japan, through all of us.
So, as I am sitting all jet-lagged out some 5000+ miles away, please know that you, as a supporter, are an absolute necessity, a completely vital part of Mission Japan-- of bringing the Gospel to Japan. We don't forget that. If it was not through the Lord bringing us together, we would not be able to accomplish this purpose of sharing Jesus with the Japanese who really need to hear it.
So thank you. We miss everyone already, but we are excited to see what the Lord will do. Please continue to pray for us as we get settled and learn, learn, learn!
I was sitting on a huge double-decker plane some 2..2? 3? days ago, my daughter in her car seat next to the window, my husband and I holding hands. We had shed tears... heavy tears... in saying goodbye to our loved ones, in packing our belongings and our hearts to move to a place far, far away. Even as the plane backed away from our gate, we were still sniffling and wiping our eyes.
As the jet began racing down the airstrip and taking off into the air, our fingers were still intertwined, trepidation in our hearts. How would it be? Would we be successful at what we were setting out to do? Would we adjust well or struggle? Would we make good friends? Would we have a great connection with our team members? Would our support base hold up? How would our families do during our absence? Lots of questions as up, up and away we went.
In the few moments as we ascended into the clouds in silence, I became alert to my surroundings. I was looking up at the plane Christmas decorations hanging above the windows. Overhead, we listened to a wonderful piano Christmas music. Not just any music... a hymn. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it, but it was one of those you'll be guaranteed to sing during the Christmas service at church.
All of a sudden, it hit me that this was what it was all about. Going to a foreign land, becoming Japanese to Japanese people with the purpose of sharing the wonderful news that Jesus Christ did the same thing for us. He became human to bring us the Good News-- to BE the Good News. He died in our place, gave His life for us that we might have a relationship with our heavenly Father. And we, in a very very small sense, were heading to a foreign land to give our lives so that others may hear.
Over the last few weeks, I've had the chance to talk with many people who said, "Oh you're so brave", "Oh, you're doing such a great work,"... We don't feel particularly brave, certainly not the caliber of brave that missionaries centuries ago possessed. But, to these people, I have attempted to communicate that:
We are unable to go without you.
There is absolutely no way that we would sitting in Asia today without senders. Perhaps that is the most undervalued and overlooked part of the verse quoted above. Yes, we need go-ers. But the go-ers need the senders. The senders are like the fuel for the car. The car is great in an of itself, but the car goes nowhere without gasoline. Gasoline is very useful in and of itself, but without being put to purpose in the car, it doesn't produce anything. Together-- together we accomplish so much.
In anything accomplished here that gives glory to God, you share in that. May the Lord be praised in Japan, through all of us.
So, as I am sitting all jet-lagged out some 5000+ miles away, please know that you, as a supporter, are an absolute necessity, a completely vital part of Mission Japan-- of bringing the Gospel to Japan. We don't forget that. If it was not through the Lord bringing us together, we would not be able to accomplish this purpose of sharing Jesus with the Japanese who really need to hear it.
So thank you. We miss everyone already, but we are excited to see what the Lord will do. Please continue to pray for us as we get settled and learn, learn, learn!
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Learning to Follow
The other day, I was following my husband to a friend's car lot where we were going to sell our car, to my great relief. I was happy to finally wipe the dust off my hands and the sweat off my brow in regard to the thing that gave me the most stress as far as preparations were going for Japan.
We pulled out of the parking lot with the understanding that I would follow behind my husband. I knew the way there at any rate, but I just casually mentioned that I would follow him.
Following directly behind him, we continued down streets that I knew, got on the highway and I sped up, getting into the next lane allowing him space to get in front of me.
But he didn't get in front of me. He turned on his blinker to indicate to me that I was to get back behind him and in the exit lane. I frowned. Why is he doing this?
I got back over and followed him off the highway and turning onto a street that I couldn't figure out why he was turning on. As we were stopped waiting to turn, I made signs to him as he looked back in his rearview mirror. Why did you get off the highway, I mouthed. No answer.
He turned, I followed. I was somewhat familiar with the roads, though I wasn't sure why were going down them and how we would arrive at our destination using these roads. Besides, the highway is more direct, I thought.
At one yellow light, he raced through and I had to stop. I squinted my eyes following him as he pulled over to the side to wait for me. As I was finally allowed to proceed and caught up to him, he pulled out in front again. Eventually he led me to streets completely unknown to me. I had no idea where I was, was doubting that he knew where he was and was completely dependent on him. I had no idea how to get back where I came from, and no idea how to get where I wanted to go.
But as we were driving back roads, I suddenly recognized something in the distance and realized we were within seconds of our destination. But how did he do that? Why did he take this way?
I never found out the answer.
But I learned something. Sometimes, the Lord takes us down unknown paths because we have to be dependent on him. Had I just went on down the highway as the way I knew, I wouldn't have even needed him or paid that much attention to him. In fact, as I pulled over allowing him space to "lead" on the highway, I showed that I was leading in a backhanded sense. But the Lord wants us to follow Him, to trust Him on unknown streets. To trust Him in the way that He chooses to take us, as compared to what makes sense in our own understanding. He will get us to our destination-- we need not doubt. He has His better paths, sometimes to teach us new ways and sometimes to protect us from danger. Following is a choice.
Luke 9:57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
We pulled out of the parking lot with the understanding that I would follow behind my husband. I knew the way there at any rate, but I just casually mentioned that I would follow him.
Following directly behind him, we continued down streets that I knew, got on the highway and I sped up, getting into the next lane allowing him space to get in front of me.
But he didn't get in front of me. He turned on his blinker to indicate to me that I was to get back behind him and in the exit lane. I frowned. Why is he doing this?
I got back over and followed him off the highway and turning onto a street that I couldn't figure out why he was turning on. As we were stopped waiting to turn, I made signs to him as he looked back in his rearview mirror. Why did you get off the highway, I mouthed. No answer.
He turned, I followed. I was somewhat familiar with the roads, though I wasn't sure why were going down them and how we would arrive at our destination using these roads. Besides, the highway is more direct, I thought.
At one yellow light, he raced through and I had to stop. I squinted my eyes following him as he pulled over to the side to wait for me. As I was finally allowed to proceed and caught up to him, he pulled out in front again. Eventually he led me to streets completely unknown to me. I had no idea where I was, was doubting that he knew where he was and was completely dependent on him. I had no idea how to get back where I came from, and no idea how to get where I wanted to go.
But as we were driving back roads, I suddenly recognized something in the distance and realized we were within seconds of our destination. But how did he do that? Why did he take this way?
I never found out the answer.
But I learned something. Sometimes, the Lord takes us down unknown paths because we have to be dependent on him. Had I just went on down the highway as the way I knew, I wouldn't have even needed him or paid that much attention to him. In fact, as I pulled over allowing him space to "lead" on the highway, I showed that I was leading in a backhanded sense. But the Lord wants us to follow Him, to trust Him on unknown streets. To trust Him in the way that He chooses to take us, as compared to what makes sense in our own understanding. He will get us to our destination-- we need not doubt. He has His better paths, sometimes to teach us new ways and sometimes to protect us from danger. Following is a choice.
Luke 9:57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
Friday, November 14, 2014
Snowflakes and blessings
Sometimes I hate the word busy. It sounds like too good of an excuse, even though it's the truth. Busy, we've been busy.
Selling a car (PRAISE the LORD), moving out of our apartment and in with some great friends, cleaning and turning over keys to our old apartment, having a massive garage sale, planning visits with our friends and supporters in St. Louis, trips to LA to get our Japanese visa taken care of, the collecting of medical records to take with us, mail forwarding, etc., etc., etc., etc.,... you get the idea.
OH, and traveling half-way across the country with a 7 month old. Who knew how exhausting that would be??
But, praise the Lord, He has been with us each step of the way-- He has allowed us to take care of business, get what seemed like the impossible accomplished, and somehow gave us the endurance to make it through a few weeks of minimal sleep and extensive use of our mental and physical energy.
We are now in St. Louis, where I promised my dear husband that it would not snow in November. However, snow is scheduled for the weekend. I'm secretly excited, while at the same time commiserating with my tropical-blooded husband.
Yesterday, I spoke at my alma mater North County Christian School. I shared the story of how the Lord began calling me to missions, in Mrs. Pugh's Freshman Bible Class, some 15 years ago next month. I shared how the Lord used me and other teenagers, who had not gone to seminary or Bible college, we had no PhDs, were not pastors or anything of the sort. We were just teenagers with availability, a love for Jesus and a humble heart to be used of God in ways we hadn't imagined. But He did use us. Praise the Lord, His glory and power was magnified as the Lord met us there and healed the blind, the deaf, the paralyzed, the possessed.
We talked about how Abraham was the first missionary-- called from a land he knew (surprising how many people are called away from lands they knew in order to be used of God), who revealed the Lord to others as he went. He was given an astonishing promise-- land, generations to carry on, protection, fame... amazing benefits.
But, that wasn't the point of the blessings. The Israelites as a whole missed it... the purpose clause:
and through you, all nations of the earth will be blessed.
Abraham was blessed to be a blessing. We are blessed to be a blessing. It's something we see carried through to Revelation, where all peoples of the earth are praising the Lord in heaven.
The Lord blessed Abraham, Abraham blessed others, Others bless the Lord.
The blessing is to end back in praise to the Lord as we imitate Him and bless others. We bless others so that the Lord might receive glory-- might receive the honor He is due.
When our focus becomes receiving the blessings of the Lord, it is easy to become self-centered. It makes us focus on our privilege and forget (or at least make light of) our purpose. The Israelites, consumed with the idea that they were the precious and chosen children of God (as indeed they were), eventually made laws to avoid associating with the very people they were to be a light and a blessing to. They could have been used of the Lord for greater purposes than they were, but they incapacitated themselves by refusing to share the blessing.
So, especially as we head into the holiday season, we are challenged, as we encourage you to be challenged, to consider the blessings in your life. And the things we are thanking the Lord for, consider how we might bless others through them. To God be the glory!
We are blessed to be a blessing!
Selling a car (PRAISE the LORD), moving out of our apartment and in with some great friends, cleaning and turning over keys to our old apartment, having a massive garage sale, planning visits with our friends and supporters in St. Louis, trips to LA to get our Japanese visa taken care of, the collecting of medical records to take with us, mail forwarding, etc., etc., etc., etc.,... you get the idea.
OH, and traveling half-way across the country with a 7 month old. Who knew how exhausting that would be??
But, praise the Lord, He has been with us each step of the way-- He has allowed us to take care of business, get what seemed like the impossible accomplished, and somehow gave us the endurance to make it through a few weeks of minimal sleep and extensive use of our mental and physical energy.
We are now in St. Louis, where I promised my dear husband that it would not snow in November. However, snow is scheduled for the weekend. I'm secretly excited, while at the same time commiserating with my tropical-blooded husband.
Yesterday, I spoke at my alma mater North County Christian School. I shared the story of how the Lord began calling me to missions, in Mrs. Pugh's Freshman Bible Class, some 15 years ago next month. I shared how the Lord used me and other teenagers, who had not gone to seminary or Bible college, we had no PhDs, were not pastors or anything of the sort. We were just teenagers with availability, a love for Jesus and a humble heart to be used of God in ways we hadn't imagined. But He did use us. Praise the Lord, His glory and power was magnified as the Lord met us there and healed the blind, the deaf, the paralyzed, the possessed.
We talked about how Abraham was the first missionary-- called from a land he knew (surprising how many people are called away from lands they knew in order to be used of God), who revealed the Lord to others as he went. He was given an astonishing promise-- land, generations to carry on, protection, fame... amazing benefits.
But, that wasn't the point of the blessings. The Israelites as a whole missed it... the purpose clause:
and through you, all nations of the earth will be blessed.
Abraham was blessed to be a blessing. We are blessed to be a blessing. It's something we see carried through to Revelation, where all peoples of the earth are praising the Lord in heaven.
The Lord blessed Abraham, Abraham blessed others, Others bless the Lord.
The blessing is to end back in praise to the Lord as we imitate Him and bless others. We bless others so that the Lord might receive glory-- might receive the honor He is due.
When our focus becomes receiving the blessings of the Lord, it is easy to become self-centered. It makes us focus on our privilege and forget (or at least make light of) our purpose. The Israelites, consumed with the idea that they were the precious and chosen children of God (as indeed they were), eventually made laws to avoid associating with the very people they were to be a light and a blessing to. They could have been used of the Lord for greater purposes than they were, but they incapacitated themselves by refusing to share the blessing.
So, especially as we head into the holiday season, we are challenged, as we encourage you to be challenged, to consider the blessings in your life. And the things we are thanking the Lord for, consider how we might bless others through them. To God be the glory!
We are blessed to be a blessing!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
The Lifestyle Challenge
Pray,
Give or Go. Those are typically the options you have in regards to
missions.
I’ve
been writing lately on something I saw on Facebook regarding the need for missionaries to live simplistic
lifestyles. But I’m not sure it’s so much an “on the field” issue as it
is a home issue. While 1 Timothy 6:10 talks about the love of money being
the root of all evil, we often don’t recognize how a lifestyle of excess is the
offspring of the love of money Perhaps that explains our country's problem with
debt... and our personal problem with debt? Everyone is always talking
about debt. We buy more than we can afford and more than we really need. Our
eyes are bigger than our wallets. J
I
was particularly challenged by an article I read in the Perspectives Course by a
great missiologist named Ralph Winter... In his article Reconsecration:
To a Wartime, Not a Peacetime, Lifestyle, Winter talks about
our country's preoccupation with itself:
"The
essential tactic to adopt a wartime lifestyle is to build on pioneer mission
perspective and to do so by a very simple and dramatic method... But others can
stay home and deliberately and decisively adopt a missionary support level
as their standard of living and their basis of lifestyle, regardless of their
income. This will free up an unbelievable amount of money-- so much,
in fact, that if a mission average Presbyterian households were to live within
the average Presbyterian minister's salary, it would create at least two
billion dollars a year. But what a mighty gift to the nations if
carefully spent on developmental missions!"
If we are all called to reach the
nations and to make disciples, and we are, then we must all acquire a lifestyle
that reflects it. It's interesting that there exists a disconnect
between what we view is an appropriate lifestyle for ministers and what's
appropriate for everyone else.
If
we are all working toward the same goal (world evangelization-- no matter where
you are), then why do so many have the idea (or even mental image, which is
what I used to have) that for missionaries, poor is the appropriate lifestyle all the while excusing themselves to go out and
buy the newest everything?
Winter
talks about what a blessing it would be to have an influx of money going toward
spreading the Kingdom of God. His
purpose is not to shame anyone nor to impose standards on people, but to say—hey,
let’s deliberately slim down our lifestyles, with the purpose to reach out even more so by pouring
into the Kingdom of God (similar to how the church started in Acts 2).
There
must be a balance of course. Extremes are never helpful. But perhaps it may be a good time to lighten
our ideas of an appropriate “lifestyle” for others (thinking here of the harsh
standards some seem to have for missionaries because they live on support) and
perhaps tighten our own ideas of what is an appropriate lifestyles for “me”.
If
we have different standards for ministers/missionaries and ourselves,
then we are giving into the concept of clergy vs. laity: Clergy does
everything and laity receives everything. Laity is not responsible, Clergy is. That is NOT what the Bible teaches. So to speak, “laity” (aka
believers) is to do the work of the ministry, clergy is to train them
(Eph. 4:11-13).
Anyway,
I'm getting off-subject. The challenge of this article is to put into
check the lifestyle that we are living. Instead of looking at others,
let’s just look at “me”. Is ours a lifestyle of peacetime-- excess... whatever
we want [read: focused on ourselves]? Or is it a lifestyle of wartime--
cutting back so that we can focus on what really matters [read: focused on a
purpose or others]? If we place standards on others of what is
appropriate for others who minister to people to live by, then let's live
by them as well because we are also called to minister.
The
challenge is to cut our budget back to what is simple and necessary. Not
to be poor or not own nice things and never have fun. But to put our money
where our mouth is and really live dedicated to the Gospel message. What
income we have that goes beyond what we need (do I really need another pair of jeans when I have 5 pair?) and some
of what we want (it’s not good to give into all our wants immediately: that’s
called impulsiveness), give to the highest priority of mission you
believe is out there. Where is it that you see is strategic mission in reaching
the world? Start there. (I am
particularly excited about missions that reach international students here in
the US—I think that’s strategic because they go back to their unreached nations. Or
missions that train Hispanics or Africans to be missionaries in places where
Americans can’t usually go. That’s
strategic. Again, off subject. Sorry.) It’s a challenge—not a law.
This
is dual-purposed. It's not merely for
the sake of not letting ourselves become self-consumed and distracted. It's for the sake of the Gospel going forth. Did you
know that less than one dollar of money given to missions (that's not even our
own programs/church needs) goes to the unreached peoples? If we're
actually serious about reaching the world, then we need to be serious about it
in all areas of our personal lives. If
we think reaching the world is important, then let’s change that number. And let’s let the change start with “me” (aka
“you”, but I’m not supposed to say “you” because it’s too confrontational. J)
Because that’s where all relevant change in this world starts anyway.
Let's shake off our excess, the things of this
world that really entangle us. Let's shake off our concept that our money
is our own-- it's the Lord's. That’s what we say anyhow. We are merely His
stewards. If we are working for His glory, then the income we generate ought to
go to His purposes.
Friday, July 25, 2014
You Should Know (English) Video by MUP.ORG from Mustang International on Vimeo.
Have you seen this yet? Take 3 minutes to learn about what you need to know.Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Update
Pause from previous theme. I still have a couple more posts in the works, but I wanted to take a break to update ya'll on what's going on:
-Praise God we are around 67.5% of the way funded to get to Japan. So, that's about 2/3. We still have a few events planned over the next couple of months, so we are believing that we should be ready to go by November.
-We just sent over Rosalyn's docs to Japan for translation. As far as I know, we've done everything we need to do. Every once in a while, we get an email back asking for a change of phrasing, etc., on the various paperwork we sent over. PAZ Japan is hoping to finish translation (it's a lot of docs!) by the end of July and then it should take about 6 weeks to get our answer back from the government for our visas. Please pray that we can get an approved visa! And for 3 years too.
-We have a Missions Café Night planned for August 29 at CCEA. It should be a great evening-- we have a harpist and we're trying to get a guest missionary speaker. Please pray that all the details will flow and that we will be able to raise awareness that evening.
In the meantime, Vicente continues at his job and Break Free ministry opportunities. And I am taking care of little Rosalyn and tutoring in Spanish and ESL on the side.
We are so excited to get to Japan. We keep thinking and talking and praying about it (of course). But now that the time is approaching we are ready to get to the details of getting over there! Well, I am more of the detailed person of the two of us, but we both are thinking about what all will need to be done and coordinating everything to be able to launch out.
We can't wait to see what God is going to do in Japan. We pray He uses us to glorify Him and to expand His kingdom in Japan. Just as a reminder of what we'll be doing, we're going to be working with PAZ Japan Mission in Noborito (a suburb of Tokyo) in evangelism and discipleship. We will be working with a small young church, seeking to help build it up and see more churches planted. Only 0.4% of Japan's population has heard the Gospel and believed. But we believe through loving patience, God will show us the way to speak to His lost Japanese children's hearts. Japanese are very committed people once a decision is made-- and because of the group mentality in Japan, they need a strong community of believers to surround them to "go against the flow". But we believe the Lord will change the tide of Japan. We want to see a vibrant community emerge to effectively influence their culture and win Japan for Christ!
According to JoshuaProject.net, a people group isn't considered reached until 2% of the population are believers. At that point, the church is considered strong enough to be really self-sustaining and grow themselves. Still, that's a very small percentage! But Jesus said in Matthew 24 that the Gospel would be preached in every nation (people group) and then the end would come.
We are so anticipating every people group hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ. And for the Japanese, we are praying fervently and believing for more than just the 2%.
Ok, sorry for the cheese fest, but I can't help it: we want to give our 100% for their 100%.
Let's hasten the day of Christ's return!
-Praise God we are around 67.5% of the way funded to get to Japan. So, that's about 2/3. We still have a few events planned over the next couple of months, so we are believing that we should be ready to go by November.
-We just sent over Rosalyn's docs to Japan for translation. As far as I know, we've done everything we need to do. Every once in a while, we get an email back asking for a change of phrasing, etc., on the various paperwork we sent over. PAZ Japan is hoping to finish translation (it's a lot of docs!) by the end of July and then it should take about 6 weeks to get our answer back from the government for our visas. Please pray that we can get an approved visa! And for 3 years too.
-We have a Missions Café Night planned for August 29 at CCEA. It should be a great evening-- we have a harpist and we're trying to get a guest missionary speaker. Please pray that all the details will flow and that we will be able to raise awareness that evening.
In the meantime, Vicente continues at his job and Break Free ministry opportunities. And I am taking care of little Rosalyn and tutoring in Spanish and ESL on the side.
We are so excited to get to Japan. We keep thinking and talking and praying about it (of course). But now that the time is approaching we are ready to get to the details of getting over there! Well, I am more of the detailed person of the two of us, but we both are thinking about what all will need to be done and coordinating everything to be able to launch out.
We can't wait to see what God is going to do in Japan. We pray He uses us to glorify Him and to expand His kingdom in Japan. Just as a reminder of what we'll be doing, we're going to be working with PAZ Japan Mission in Noborito (a suburb of Tokyo) in evangelism and discipleship. We will be working with a small young church, seeking to help build it up and see more churches planted. Only 0.4% of Japan's population has heard the Gospel and believed. But we believe through loving patience, God will show us the way to speak to His lost Japanese children's hearts. Japanese are very committed people once a decision is made-- and because of the group mentality in Japan, they need a strong community of believers to surround them to "go against the flow". But we believe the Lord will change the tide of Japan. We want to see a vibrant community emerge to effectively influence their culture and win Japan for Christ!
According to JoshuaProject.net, a people group isn't considered reached until 2% of the population are believers. At that point, the church is considered strong enough to be really self-sustaining and grow themselves. Still, that's a very small percentage! But Jesus said in Matthew 24 that the Gospel would be preached in every nation (people group) and then the end would come.
We are so anticipating every people group hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ. And for the Japanese, we are praying fervently and believing for more than just the 2%.
Ok, sorry for the cheese fest, but I can't help it: we want to give our 100% for their 100%.
Let's hasten the day of Christ's return!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Counting the Cost
"Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." Luke 14:25-33
It was September 4, 2006, around 10:30pm and I was in our dining room writing an email to some dear friends of mine to request that in the next few weeks, they'd send emails or give calls to my mom. I knew it was going to be hard on her. From where I was sitting, I could hear her crying in my parents' bedroom.
I was leaving for Mexico the next day. Not just for a short trip. I was moving there.
My heart broke for her. It was of course sad for me too, but I knew it was going to be hard on my mom (and my whole family too-- but especially for her)-- and that was harder for me than my own sadness of leaving. I finished my email and then spent some time with my mom comforting her and trying to make it easier.
It was at that point that I began learning the lesson that the Lord will give you grace for whatever He has called you to.
He did give me grace. I remember arriving in the Mexico City airport the next night. I was going through customs, getting ready to meet the training missionaries waiting for me. And I thought, Oh goodness, what have I done?
I laugh now. But it was a big leap of faith for me! My family came to visit me 4 months after I moved to Mexico and I think that trip gave us all peace to move on. It never became "easy" to say goodbyes, but we learned how to process through the emotions of the hard times of being away.
Anywho, where's this coming from? Well, more than a year ago, I went for coffee with a good friend of mine. As we were walking there, she mentioned that counting the cost for moving overseas would be high for her, as she had a little one she was taking away from the grandparents. I agreed with her, imagining what it must be like, but honestly-- not really understanding.
I've been thinking a lot about that conversation the last few weeks.
Because now I understand. Even now, having my little one be so far away from her grandparents is hard. And we're only states away! We try to keep them involved, sending them pictures and videos of what's going on, skyping to let them coo at her. I know that it's difficult for them. The excitement of getting my little one's passport in the mail is bittersweet for them.
Again, the Lord will give grace for whatever He has called you to. For us, He will give us the grace to transition to a foreign land and patiently learn how to share His love with a people who do not speak our language. For my parents, I know He has a different type of grace for them to accept their dear ones being taken away. It's a good thing the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter.
When we were taking the Perspectives Course, during the History Section, I was continually amazed at the fervor and tenacity of the missionaries of two and three centuries ago. Man, they were the real deal. They left and didn't come back. They didn't have Skype. They didn't have telephones or Priority Mail. They didn't have hospitals or even translation dictionaries. They often packed their belongings in coffins they purchased. There was no turning back.
They counted the cost. They caught the vision of a passionate, saving God who wanted His Rescue and Redemption broadcast to the very ends of the earth. They knew their Savior who was the Greatest Missionary ever, who sacrificed His life to give them life. And they knew it was all worth it. The pain of leaving home. The difficult journey. The hours of study to be able to communicate. Sickness. Loneliness. Death.
They heard their Savior calling them from distant lands where He wanted His Kingdom to go. And they followed.
Honestly, my plight doesn't seem so terrible when I consider them. In fact, I usually feel like a wuss. The ache of only being able to see each other via Skype makes me thankful that we have the privilege and comfort to be able to see each other via Skype.
But, nonetheless, I must consider: is it worth it? Do I have what it takes to finish the call? It's unwise to just jump into it, like the parable Jesus told. We must consider-- is it worth it? And if it is: am I willing?
Well. If I want to be a disciple of Christ, then I must be willing to give up all. If I am to be His child, I must recognize that all is my Father's anyhow. My call (and yours as well) as His follower is to be a disciple maker, and if I am to obey, then I must take my assignment sheet and find out where it is I am assigned. I really can't be His disciple if I won't obey Him in all.
Our assignment happens to be in a different location than my parents' and siblings'. For them, the cost (in this situation) is submitting to God's will and releasing us with grace to be obedient to the Lord's call.
The wonderful thing though is that it's not something we go about in our own strength. The Lord goes with us, gives us power, gives us grace. He sustains us, encourages us, pushes us further. And for whatever "sacrifice" we are called to make, He is always generous and gracious with us.
So, after zig-zagging across the mountain a few times, it comes down to the fact that we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is so worth it all. It's hard, yes. But if we love Jesus, we must obey Him. And when we obey Him, He is pleased.
Those are my thoughts lately. The truth of it gives me peace, but it doesn't take away the emotions. Still, I'm thankful for Skype.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." Luke 14:25-33
It was September 4, 2006, around 10:30pm and I was in our dining room writing an email to some dear friends of mine to request that in the next few weeks, they'd send emails or give calls to my mom. I knew it was going to be hard on her. From where I was sitting, I could hear her crying in my parents' bedroom.
I was leaving for Mexico the next day. Not just for a short trip. I was moving there.
My heart broke for her. It was of course sad for me too, but I knew it was going to be hard on my mom (and my whole family too-- but especially for her)-- and that was harder for me than my own sadness of leaving. I finished my email and then spent some time with my mom comforting her and trying to make it easier.
It was at that point that I began learning the lesson that the Lord will give you grace for whatever He has called you to.
He did give me grace. I remember arriving in the Mexico City airport the next night. I was going through customs, getting ready to meet the training missionaries waiting for me. And I thought, Oh goodness, what have I done?
I laugh now. But it was a big leap of faith for me! My family came to visit me 4 months after I moved to Mexico and I think that trip gave us all peace to move on. It never became "easy" to say goodbyes, but we learned how to process through the emotions of the hard times of being away.
Anywho, where's this coming from? Well, more than a year ago, I went for coffee with a good friend of mine. As we were walking there, she mentioned that counting the cost for moving overseas would be high for her, as she had a little one she was taking away from the grandparents. I agreed with her, imagining what it must be like, but honestly-- not really understanding.
I've been thinking a lot about that conversation the last few weeks.
Because now I understand. Even now, having my little one be so far away from her grandparents is hard. And we're only states away! We try to keep them involved, sending them pictures and videos of what's going on, skyping to let them coo at her. I know that it's difficult for them. The excitement of getting my little one's passport in the mail is bittersweet for them.
Again, the Lord will give grace for whatever He has called you to. For us, He will give us the grace to transition to a foreign land and patiently learn how to share His love with a people who do not speak our language. For my parents, I know He has a different type of grace for them to accept their dear ones being taken away. It's a good thing the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter.
When we were taking the Perspectives Course, during the History Section, I was continually amazed at the fervor and tenacity of the missionaries of two and three centuries ago. Man, they were the real deal. They left and didn't come back. They didn't have Skype. They didn't have telephones or Priority Mail. They didn't have hospitals or even translation dictionaries. They often packed their belongings in coffins they purchased. There was no turning back.
They counted the cost. They caught the vision of a passionate, saving God who wanted His Rescue and Redemption broadcast to the very ends of the earth. They knew their Savior who was the Greatest Missionary ever, who sacrificed His life to give them life. And they knew it was all worth it. The pain of leaving home. The difficult journey. The hours of study to be able to communicate. Sickness. Loneliness. Death.
They heard their Savior calling them from distant lands where He wanted His Kingdom to go. And they followed.
Honestly, my plight doesn't seem so terrible when I consider them. In fact, I usually feel like a wuss. The ache of only being able to see each other via Skype makes me thankful that we have the privilege and comfort to be able to see each other via Skype.
But, nonetheless, I must consider: is it worth it? Do I have what it takes to finish the call? It's unwise to just jump into it, like the parable Jesus told. We must consider-- is it worth it? And if it is: am I willing?
Well. If I want to be a disciple of Christ, then I must be willing to give up all. If I am to be His child, I must recognize that all is my Father's anyhow. My call (and yours as well) as His follower is to be a disciple maker, and if I am to obey, then I must take my assignment sheet and find out where it is I am assigned. I really can't be His disciple if I won't obey Him in all.
Our assignment happens to be in a different location than my parents' and siblings'. For them, the cost (in this situation) is submitting to God's will and releasing us with grace to be obedient to the Lord's call.
The wonderful thing though is that it's not something we go about in our own strength. The Lord goes with us, gives us power, gives us grace. He sustains us, encourages us, pushes us further. And for whatever "sacrifice" we are called to make, He is always generous and gracious with us.
So, after zig-zagging across the mountain a few times, it comes down to the fact that we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is so worth it all. It's hard, yes. But if we love Jesus, we must obey Him. And when we obey Him, He is pleased.
Those are my thoughts lately. The truth of it gives me peace, but it doesn't take away the emotions. Still, I'm thankful for Skype.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Draising
In 2000, I took my first mission trip with Teen Mania to India. Rewind about 6.5 months. I felt SOOO compelled that I had to go on a missions trip that summer (cool story, perhaps for another day). I had a catalog of the trips available through Teen Mania and I had spent about a week trying to get my mom to take a look at it. Finally, the moment had come and we were sitting in the living room and I was a bit nervous.
I showed her a couple of options I was interested in. She looked at me and said, "Janine, we don't have the money." I said, "I know, but I feel like I'm supposed to go. Can I go?" She said, with a hint of frustration and unbelief in her voice, "You can go if God provides the money."
That was all I needed to hear. I got her to sign the parental consent on the application, got my recommendations from people and sent it in. I spent the next month dreaming every night of what it would be like and was elated when I got my acceptance packet. I had from February till May to raise about $3000. God miraculously provided in unexpected ways. My whole family grew during the process and in June, my mom tearfully kissed me goodbye as she sent her little 15 year old off across the world.
God did amazing things that summer. People got saved as we went out and evangelized. Crippled people walked, the blind and deaf were healed. I prayed for a little 6 year old boy who had never walked and after a prodding from the Holy Spirit, I prayed for him a second time and he walked. At that site, people now responded to the call to believe in Jesus.
Fast forward 6 years later. I'm 21, it's January 2 and I'm sitting in my pastor's living room telling him I feel called to move to Mexico. He said-- Janine, if you feel God is calling you to go, you need to obey Him. He later encouraged me in what were some next steps I needed to take.
The most daunting part of the process for me was raising support. This time it wasn't a "one-time amount" but monthly support. It was more of a commitment from people. It was a bit awkward for me now.
I remember telling someone that I called it "draising"... because there was no fun in it. It was hard to ask for support, but "unfortunately" it was how I was going to be able to minister in Mexico and follow God where He was calling.
But through the encouragement and sometimes pushing from senior missionaries who had walked the same path, I learned a few things about support:
-You don't have to feel guilty about support raising.
-Support raising is ultimately the Lord's responsibility. There are people that He is calling to participate, to join their hearts in the vision. So, really, my responsibility is "vision casting", not support raising.
-Just because there are manipulative people out there doesn't mean that support raising is manipulative.
-Support raising means that you can give your time freely.
-If you don't have enough support, it can really affect you-- your health, your longevity as a missionary, your ability to minister, the reputation you show for the Kingdom of God.
In the last post, I talked about a conversation that was going on in Facebook. Here are some more comments from that:
I showed her a couple of options I was interested in. She looked at me and said, "Janine, we don't have the money." I said, "I know, but I feel like I'm supposed to go. Can I go?" She said, with a hint of frustration and unbelief in her voice, "You can go if God provides the money."
That was all I needed to hear. I got her to sign the parental consent on the application, got my recommendations from people and sent it in. I spent the next month dreaming every night of what it would be like and was elated when I got my acceptance packet. I had from February till May to raise about $3000. God miraculously provided in unexpected ways. My whole family grew during the process and in June, my mom tearfully kissed me goodbye as she sent her little 15 year old off across the world.
God did amazing things that summer. People got saved as we went out and evangelized. Crippled people walked, the blind and deaf were healed. I prayed for a little 6 year old boy who had never walked and after a prodding from the Holy Spirit, I prayed for him a second time and he walked. At that site, people now responded to the call to believe in Jesus.
Fast forward 6 years later. I'm 21, it's January 2 and I'm sitting in my pastor's living room telling him I feel called to move to Mexico. He said-- Janine, if you feel God is calling you to go, you need to obey Him. He later encouraged me in what were some next steps I needed to take.
The most daunting part of the process for me was raising support. This time it wasn't a "one-time amount" but monthly support. It was more of a commitment from people. It was a bit awkward for me now.
I remember telling someone that I called it "draising"... because there was no fun in it. It was hard to ask for support, but "unfortunately" it was how I was going to be able to minister in Mexico and follow God where He was calling.
But through the encouragement and sometimes pushing from senior missionaries who had walked the same path, I learned a few things about support:
-You don't have to feel guilty about support raising.
-Support raising is ultimately the Lord's responsibility. There are people that He is calling to participate, to join their hearts in the vision. So, really, my responsibility is "vision casting", not support raising.
-Just because there are manipulative people out there doesn't mean that support raising is manipulative.
-Support raising means that you can give your time freely.
-If you don't have enough support, it can really affect you-- your health, your longevity as a missionary, your ability to minister, the reputation you show for the Kingdom of God.
In the last post, I talked about a conversation that was going on in Facebook. Here are some more comments from that:
First off, I'd just like to say that I know a missionary who was given an iPhone as a gift from a supporter who thought it would be a blessing to their ministry. It is. So, it's really hardly fair to judge someone when you don't personally know them.
I guess what I want to communicate here is that it seems in this post that has provoked so much thought from me, it seems like people think asking for support is easy. That we take the opportunity to dream up everything we want, add it to our budget and expect you to pay for it.
Nothing could be further from the truth. It's not easy to ask for support to do a hard job. Most missionaries whittle their budget down to the bare minimum just so they can go. We don't "expect" money from anyone. We humbly consider it a blessing when people want to financially partner with the mission. We realize that we cannot do it without the help of others.
Contrary to what impression some apparently have, most missionaries aren't money-hungry individuals who want to live a high lifestyle in another country. Most are hard-working individuals who do indeed give up a lot to do what God is calling them to do. And they have to be humble enough to ask for support.
But in fin, I think it might be a good idea to take a look at the example given to us in the book of Acts. The believers often contributed money so that ministry could happen, needs could be met (See Acts 2:45; 5 and 6). It just seemed to be a mark of the believers to contribute so that God's work could be done. They didn't view what was "theirs" as their own, but as the Lord's. And as a result, all took part in the good that was done for the glory of God's name.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
And then I read this post...
Friday night, while feeding the baby, I was browsing Facebook on my iTouch. I came across the above post and turned a nice shade of red. For me, I felt a bit humiliated on behalf of all missionaries-- sort of like when you see the videos of "Christians" holding those "you're going to hell signs" outside of porn conventions, etc. You know that's never gonna work-- never gonna convey the love of Christ. And you want to shout at them: "Stop it!!!!"
Well, to begin with, smack my forehead at the thought of people sending support letters to people they don't know. Please don't ever do that!
But beyond that... there was a lot of subjects that seemed to come up in this post and the following comments. Those weren't all the comments, by the way. I, of course commented too, but that'll be for another day.
First, I thought-- gee, a lot of people seem to have these thoughts! All of a sudden, I felt really vulnerable. Wow, is this the impression people have of me?? Honestly, I was a bit hurt. Not offended, but hurt. But I also realized that this post provided a great opportunity. More on that later.
No one likes generalizations. While I have heard stories of unfaithful missionaries, there are countless others I know personally who gave up great jobs to go on the field, who lived a minimalistic lifestyle, who suffered lack on the field...yet who were faithful.
While a missionary should absolutely live simplistically, I'd like to add: so should the person at home. I know personally, I used to have the idea that missionaries live dirt poor lifestyles, and that's just the way that it is. But I think it has become synonymous that missions means poverty. So with that mindset, the idea of a missionary looking stylish seems wrong. The idea of a missionary with an iPhone seems shameful. The idea of a missionary providing something nice for their child seems wrong....
Wait, what?
Right. Before we judge others, we may want to take a look at our own lifestyles and see if it reflects a lifestyle that is advancing the kingdom of God (and there are many of those here in America who are living that lifestyle, I just wanna say). We shouldn't hold others to a lifestyle that we ourselves aren't willing to live with. But I'll not touch this subject any further for the time being.
In later blogs (because this has brought up a LOT of conversation between my husband and I), I will share personal testimonies of being on the field with lack, my own struggle with the idea of support raising, and things I learned on the field from missionaries.
We also realized that usually, people don't realize the costs that go into being on the field-- things you don't even think of-- like self-employment tax. Did you know that to be a missionary, you usually have to pay self-employment tax? Mine came out to about $800 a year. Anyway, we felt it was important for people to see the breakdown of budgets, as originally commented on in the initial post. So, we want people to have access to our budget-- and if you have questions about it, you can feel free to ask. Because what seems perhaps like an unnecessary expense to you may in fact be necessary on the field. So, if you want to see it, please email us or meet with us. We'd love to dialogue.
There are many more blogs coming and perhaps even a video blog from my husband, as he has his own story to share. So stay tuned!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Care Team
I first heard about Care Teams when I came to CCEA. Wow!! They really love their missionaries! was what I thought. I wasn't entirely sure what all a care team entailed, but the concept alone showed me how much CCEA believed it was important to support their missionaries.
Being on the field, it's easy to be "out of sight, out of mind"... It's natural-- you're not involved in people's daily lives and life does indeed go on. It's not really anyone's fault. When I was on the field, I only regularly heard from a hand full of people, most of those my family members. While my life went on as I adapted to a new way of living, eating, talking, relating and even thinking-- I still had moments where I just wanted something familiar.
It's not easy. I don't say that for pity but for understanding. I've heard from a lot of missionaries who get homesick, who struggle. Can they be blamed? Is it weakness? No. It's normal and natural. It comes with the job. The Lord does give grace, but that doesn't mean that everything is always peachy-keen and top-of-the-roller-coaster exciting in a different country. Losing touch with friendships that were once close hurts... there's a melancholy feeling every time you see a couple getting engaged (to someone you haven't met), married or experiencing the joy of a new baby. Especially when you're a week or month behind on the news! Words posted on a Facebook wall can only go so far.
I digress. Care Teams. As we've been moving forward toward Japan, we've had this grand opportunity to establish a Care Team. The Lord has brought people around us and has shown both them and us how we can work together to forward the Kingdom Cause.
Here are some things that the Care Team does (as we've discovered!):
-Helps raise support and awareness for the mission-- they're advocates!
-Offers prayer and encouragement, both of which are VITAL
-Becomes a connection and voice between our home "body of Christ" and the field
-Communicates with the body of Christ what's going on so that we don't become out of sight, out of mind
-Offers logistical help with records, sending out newsletters, prayer requests, needs awareness, etc.
There's a LOT of things that the missionary has to do-- learn a new language and culture, raise support to provide for real daily needs, maintain communication, send out lots of mailings, keep an online presence in order to minister to those at home, etc., keep financial records (we don't get a break on taxes! It's more complicated for us!) and a myriad of other logistical things that take place on the field (try paying your rent on a multi-step ATM in Japanese only or trying to fill out paperwork at a doctor's office in a foreign language). So, to have a team that helps with that means that we can focus our time on ministry and be more effective with it.
We feel SO blessed to have such a great Care Team-- who really get behind the vision for reaching Japan with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Honestly, it takes off SO much pressure of things that we have to do. Not only that, they are full of great ideas, are pretty funny and are hard workers, so it's a joy to have such a partnership.
Partnership-- it's really an opportunity for people to get their hand in on the work of foreign missions from their own living room. There are logistical things that YOU can do that will have an impact not only on your missionary's life, but really on the ministry that's being done in another country. It's a way to serve internationally while staying placed locally.
So join a Care Team and find a way to serve. If there aren't any care teams established already at your church, start one! The book "Serving as Senders" by Neil Pirolo is really where the concept comes from. If that's a bit much to begin with, commit to sending your missionary a weekly email or monthly email to encourage them and maintain communication. I guarantee you'll be a bigger blessing than you can imagine.
Being on the field, it's easy to be "out of sight, out of mind"... It's natural-- you're not involved in people's daily lives and life does indeed go on. It's not really anyone's fault. When I was on the field, I only regularly heard from a hand full of people, most of those my family members. While my life went on as I adapted to a new way of living, eating, talking, relating and even thinking-- I still had moments where I just wanted something familiar.
It's not easy. I don't say that for pity but for understanding. I've heard from a lot of missionaries who get homesick, who struggle. Can they be blamed? Is it weakness? No. It's normal and natural. It comes with the job. The Lord does give grace, but that doesn't mean that everything is always peachy-keen and top-of-the-roller-coaster exciting in a different country. Losing touch with friendships that were once close hurts... there's a melancholy feeling every time you see a couple getting engaged (to someone you haven't met), married or experiencing the joy of a new baby. Especially when you're a week or month behind on the news! Words posted on a Facebook wall can only go so far.
I digress. Care Teams. As we've been moving forward toward Japan, we've had this grand opportunity to establish a Care Team. The Lord has brought people around us and has shown both them and us how we can work together to forward the Kingdom Cause.
Here are some things that the Care Team does (as we've discovered!):
-Helps raise support and awareness for the mission-- they're advocates!
-Offers prayer and encouragement, both of which are VITAL
-Becomes a connection and voice between our home "body of Christ" and the field
-Communicates with the body of Christ what's going on so that we don't become out of sight, out of mind
-Offers logistical help with records, sending out newsletters, prayer requests, needs awareness, etc.
There's a LOT of things that the missionary has to do-- learn a new language and culture, raise support to provide for real daily needs, maintain communication, send out lots of mailings, keep an online presence in order to minister to those at home, etc., keep financial records (we don't get a break on taxes! It's more complicated for us!) and a myriad of other logistical things that take place on the field (try paying your rent on a multi-step ATM in Japanese only or trying to fill out paperwork at a doctor's office in a foreign language). So, to have a team that helps with that means that we can focus our time on ministry and be more effective with it.
We feel SO blessed to have such a great Care Team-- who really get behind the vision for reaching Japan with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Honestly, it takes off SO much pressure of things that we have to do. Not only that, they are full of great ideas, are pretty funny and are hard workers, so it's a joy to have such a partnership.
Partnership-- it's really an opportunity for people to get their hand in on the work of foreign missions from their own living room. There are logistical things that YOU can do that will have an impact not only on your missionary's life, but really on the ministry that's being done in another country. It's a way to serve internationally while staying placed locally.
So join a Care Team and find a way to serve. If there aren't any care teams established already at your church, start one! The book "Serving as Senders" by Neil Pirolo is really where the concept comes from. If that's a bit much to begin with, commit to sending your missionary a weekly email or monthly email to encourage them and maintain communication. I guarantee you'll be a bigger blessing than you can imagine.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Late Night Conversations
A follow up to the last post about positively glorifying God in negative circumstances...
I read a book years ago called Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. She quotes something in the book that I was trying to describe to Vicente as we were headed to bed. It stemmed from the conversation of how we view what it means to glorify God.
I tried my best to remember how it was stated, and I think I succeeded... but I only got muffled "uh-huhs" and "yeah, I got it"s with big yawns for a response.
As he faded off to sleep, I decided I couldn't let it wait and did multiple google searches to get the quote I was looking for. Given my recent lapses in memory (the baby is stealing my brain), I was thankful I could remember the name Lilias Trotter.
Because I thought this was that good, here it is:
"The fair, new petals must fall, and for no visible reason. No one seems enriched by the stripping. And the first step into the realm of giving is a like surrender, not man-ward, but God-ward, an utter yielding of our best. So long as our idea of surrender is limited to the renouncing of unlawful things, we have never grasped its true meaning. That is not worthy of the name, for no polluted thing can be offered." -Lilias Trotter, Parables of the Cross
Elliot's follow up:
"Here is the crux of the matter: Until the will and affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone accept, His lordship." Elisabeth Elliot
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1
I hope that I can glorify God in my life and present to Him something holy and acceptable. May I not just seek to "stop sinning", but to offer Him my best as I obey following Him where He leads.
I read a book years ago called Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. She quotes something in the book that I was trying to describe to Vicente as we were headed to bed. It stemmed from the conversation of how we view what it means to glorify God.
I tried my best to remember how it was stated, and I think I succeeded... but I only got muffled "uh-huhs" and "yeah, I got it"s with big yawns for a response.
As he faded off to sleep, I decided I couldn't let it wait and did multiple google searches to get the quote I was looking for. Given my recent lapses in memory (the baby is stealing my brain), I was thankful I could remember the name Lilias Trotter.
Because I thought this was that good, here it is:
"The fair, new petals must fall, and for no visible reason. No one seems enriched by the stripping. And the first step into the realm of giving is a like surrender, not man-ward, but God-ward, an utter yielding of our best. So long as our idea of surrender is limited to the renouncing of unlawful things, we have never grasped its true meaning. That is not worthy of the name, for no polluted thing can be offered." -Lilias Trotter, Parables of the Cross
Elliot's follow up:
"Here is the crux of the matter: Until the will and affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone accept, His lordship." Elisabeth Elliot
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1
I hope that I can glorify God in my life and present to Him something holy and acceptable. May I not just seek to "stop sinning", but to offer Him my best as I obey following Him where He leads.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Didja know...
that it's illegal to ride a bike while holding an open umbrella in Japan?
(Although I've seen it done many times in Japan... as well as texting and biking...)
(Although I've seen it done many times in Japan... as well as texting and biking...)
Friday, February 28, 2014
Positively Glorifying God in Negative Circumstances
Some time ago we are at a meeting for the young adults and were listening to the last message on the book of John from Sean Christensen.
It was a great message, and had all to do with following God and not being competitive.
This was the situation with Peter in John 21:18-25, as he questioned Jesus about John’s future—no doubt to measure it against his own God-given calling. I really like verse 25, but that's beside the point for today.
What really stuck out to me while listening in the message was verses 18-19.
"Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!"
Peter was martyred, being crucified upside down. What really grabbed my attention was the phrase "to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God". I guess we, at least according to our western culture, tend to think of glorifying God in terms of positive things. I don't know-- things like giving praise to God, doing the right thing, leading someone into a relationship with God. And those things certainly do give glory to God.
But maybe because of the history and values of our country's founding, we tend to see persecution and things like martyrdom as a shame. We may sometimes see it as honorable, but do we think of it as something that does indeed bring glory to God? After all, someone was loyal to the point of death, and faithful in the proclamation of His name.
There's a man right now who is imprisoned in the middle east for his faith. We here demand justice, demand his release and safety. I agree. But through his trial and persecutions, the Gospel has gone forth. Hundreds of thousands have been preached to, and have heard the Gospel where otherwise they wouldn't have had the opportunity. This has brought forth fruit for the Gospel. It has brought glory to God. Did it have to be this way? Yes, he has been losing his life for the sake of the Gospel.
I certainly wish martyrdom on no one. I'm not saying go set out to make yourself one. That would be foolish-- and perhaps the motivation would be glory for oneself than for God. But what I'm saying is that it's important not to see situations in the context of "our life" but rather, what will give glory to God.
After the Triumphal Entry of Jesus in Jerusalem, it says in John 12:24-28a:
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify Your name."
We ought not to pray to be saved from difficult hours but to bring glory to God in them.
v. 28b: "Then a voice came from heaven: "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."
May it be so.
It was a great message, and had all to do with following God and not being competitive.
This was the situation with Peter in John 21:18-25, as he questioned Jesus about John’s future—no doubt to measure it against his own God-given calling. I really like verse 25, but that's beside the point for today.
What really stuck out to me while listening in the message was verses 18-19.
"Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!"
Peter was martyred, being crucified upside down. What really grabbed my attention was the phrase "to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God". I guess we, at least according to our western culture, tend to think of glorifying God in terms of positive things. I don't know-- things like giving praise to God, doing the right thing, leading someone into a relationship with God. And those things certainly do give glory to God.
But maybe because of the history and values of our country's founding, we tend to see persecution and things like martyrdom as a shame. We may sometimes see it as honorable, but do we think of it as something that does indeed bring glory to God? After all, someone was loyal to the point of death, and faithful in the proclamation of His name.
There's a man right now who is imprisoned in the middle east for his faith. We here demand justice, demand his release and safety. I agree. But through his trial and persecutions, the Gospel has gone forth. Hundreds of thousands have been preached to, and have heard the Gospel where otherwise they wouldn't have had the opportunity. This has brought forth fruit for the Gospel. It has brought glory to God. Did it have to be this way? Yes, he has been losing his life for the sake of the Gospel.
I certainly wish martyrdom on no one. I'm not saying go set out to make yourself one. That would be foolish-- and perhaps the motivation would be glory for oneself than for God. But what I'm saying is that it's important not to see situations in the context of "our life" but rather, what will give glory to God.
After the Triumphal Entry of Jesus in Jerusalem, it says in John 12:24-28a:
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify Your name."
We ought not to pray to be saved from difficult hours but to bring glory to God in them.
v. 28b: "Then a voice came from heaven: "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."
May it be so.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Prayer and Purpose
Recently I've been slowly making my way through Luke, very slowly mind you.
But I read something last week from Luke 4 that has been on my mind quite often. It's a pretty big chapter-- a lot happens. In the beginning there's the story of the temptation of Jesus and His time in prayer and fasting over 40 days. Then you see Him at the Temple, reading from the scroll in Isaiah where He basically states His mission, then a lot of miracles and then His moving on.
Ok? So...?
WELL. It's interesting how at the beginning of the chapter in the temptation, Jesus is tempted to use His position and authority for His own benefit. He's even tempted to show off or prove to "another" His own identity. I wonder how many of us have been in the same situation. For example, the devil says, "If you are the Son of God," (italics mine)... I remember those kinds of situations as a kid-- "well, if you really are the best, then show me!" It's a dare to prove ourselves and secure the pride of our position. It becomes more subtle as an adult. But Jesus didn't give in.
How was Jesus tempted exactly? Mind you that I can’t fully take credit for everything that I am about to share with you, as I learned much of it from a message. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy right? Temptation is an attempt to do just that to you. In each of these cases, it would have been a stolen opportunity that God had planned to fulfil in a bigger way later; and ultimately it would have destroyed the plan of God for Jesus. I learned how Jesus was tempted to provide bread for Himself when He would later become “the Bread of Life." He was tempted to take the authority of the nations for Him, when He would later become the Ruler of the Nations-- it would be given to Him as the Son. He was tempted to go out and recklessly "prove God's Word". This time, the devil used Scripture in his temptation-- so it sounded more legit maybe (he includes Jesus' identity again).
But Jesus had stored up God's Word in His heart, that He might not sin against Him (Ps. 119:11). It says in verse 13, "And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." This last temptation would later be echoed at the crucifixion, where they challenged Jesus to save Himself if He was indeed the Messiah (Luke 23:35). But Jesus did not use His glory, power, position or identity for Himself-- He saved others.
Then we have Jesus at the Temple. Here He basically states His mission as He reads from Isaiah:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
He later proceeds to do exactly what He told them His purpose was: heal and set free others as He moves along.
Finally, in verses 42-44, we see Jesus out praying again. The people are searching for Him-- He's had a very successful ministry in Capernaum and Galilee. The people loved Him. They didn't want to go, they wanted to keep Him for themselves. That's a tendency of ours, isn't it? To keep the blessings for ourselves, to want more of it, and not to share it with others....
But Jesus remembered His purpose, and He was guided by God, who reminded Him of His purpose. Jesus replied to them in verse 43: "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose."
It's easy and for me, extremely tempting, to become comfortable where I find myself. Successful ministry can easily lend to that. But we must hold onto the purpose that God has given us. Is that ministry where God is calling us to remain? Then we must stay. But perhaps it's easy not to bother to pray about further direction and if we should be moving along-- because after all, the people love us and we're being successful where we are.
There have been times for me that I've found myself lulled by the beautiful valleys God has placed me in. I remember last year reflecting on that and sharing it with Vicente. I was comfortable in southern California-- I enjoyed my job; I had established friends and relationships at my home church where I was being fed; I had a home with my husband in a state with wonderful weather year round!
Those things may sound silly, but I recognized the precarious position of my heart. I knew God was calling us to move toward Japan. I would, of course, move forward. But I didn't want to have any sense of... regret... in doing so. It was a heart condition. These things could easily become a hindrance for me fulfilling the purpose of God in my life, and having joy while doing so.
I am so impressed in this chapter to see Jesus choosing not to use anything about His identity and calling for Himself. It enabled Him to fulfill it in God's bigger better way later. I am inspired by His purpose and mission which He was clear to state. And He didn't let success, love from people or circumstances keep Him from moving forward to accomplish that purpose and mission.
It all came from direction from God. It's important to keep seeking God so that we can effectively follow Him. We are to glorify God, and He has purposes that are different for each of us.
"If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26
But I read something last week from Luke 4 that has been on my mind quite often. It's a pretty big chapter-- a lot happens. In the beginning there's the story of the temptation of Jesus and His time in prayer and fasting over 40 days. Then you see Him at the Temple, reading from the scroll in Isaiah where He basically states His mission, then a lot of miracles and then His moving on.
Ok? So...?
WELL. It's interesting how at the beginning of the chapter in the temptation, Jesus is tempted to use His position and authority for His own benefit. He's even tempted to show off or prove to "another" His own identity. I wonder how many of us have been in the same situation. For example, the devil says, "If you are the Son of God," (italics mine)... I remember those kinds of situations as a kid-- "well, if you really are the best, then show me!" It's a dare to prove ourselves and secure the pride of our position. It becomes more subtle as an adult. But Jesus didn't give in.
How was Jesus tempted exactly? Mind you that I can’t fully take credit for everything that I am about to share with you, as I learned much of it from a message. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy right? Temptation is an attempt to do just that to you. In each of these cases, it would have been a stolen opportunity that God had planned to fulfil in a bigger way later; and ultimately it would have destroyed the plan of God for Jesus. I learned how Jesus was tempted to provide bread for Himself when He would later become “the Bread of Life." He was tempted to take the authority of the nations for Him, when He would later become the Ruler of the Nations-- it would be given to Him as the Son. He was tempted to go out and recklessly "prove God's Word". This time, the devil used Scripture in his temptation-- so it sounded more legit maybe (he includes Jesus' identity again).
But Jesus had stored up God's Word in His heart, that He might not sin against Him (Ps. 119:11). It says in verse 13, "And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." This last temptation would later be echoed at the crucifixion, where they challenged Jesus to save Himself if He was indeed the Messiah (Luke 23:35). But Jesus did not use His glory, power, position or identity for Himself-- He saved others.
Then we have Jesus at the Temple. Here He basically states His mission as He reads from Isaiah:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
He later proceeds to do exactly what He told them His purpose was: heal and set free others as He moves along.
Finally, in verses 42-44, we see Jesus out praying again. The people are searching for Him-- He's had a very successful ministry in Capernaum and Galilee. The people loved Him. They didn't want to go, they wanted to keep Him for themselves. That's a tendency of ours, isn't it? To keep the blessings for ourselves, to want more of it, and not to share it with others....
But Jesus remembered His purpose, and He was guided by God, who reminded Him of His purpose. Jesus replied to them in verse 43: "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose."
It's easy and for me, extremely tempting, to become comfortable where I find myself. Successful ministry can easily lend to that. But we must hold onto the purpose that God has given us. Is that ministry where God is calling us to remain? Then we must stay. But perhaps it's easy not to bother to pray about further direction and if we should be moving along-- because after all, the people love us and we're being successful where we are.
There have been times for me that I've found myself lulled by the beautiful valleys God has placed me in. I remember last year reflecting on that and sharing it with Vicente. I was comfortable in southern California-- I enjoyed my job; I had established friends and relationships at my home church where I was being fed; I had a home with my husband in a state with wonderful weather year round!
Those things may sound silly, but I recognized the precarious position of my heart. I knew God was calling us to move toward Japan. I would, of course, move forward. But I didn't want to have any sense of... regret... in doing so. It was a heart condition. These things could easily become a hindrance for me fulfilling the purpose of God in my life, and having joy while doing so.
I am so impressed in this chapter to see Jesus choosing not to use anything about His identity and calling for Himself. It enabled Him to fulfill it in God's bigger better way later. I am inspired by His purpose and mission which He was clear to state. And He didn't let success, love from people or circumstances keep Him from moving forward to accomplish that purpose and mission.
It all came from direction from God. It's important to keep seeking God so that we can effectively follow Him. We are to glorify God, and He has purposes that are different for each of us.
"If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26
Friday, February 21, 2014
Perceptions
http://mentalfloss.com/article/55140/10-japanese-travel-tips-visiting-America
This was a very interesting article that we found for Japanese people travelling to America. It's a bit amusing to see how others perceive us.
It wasn't until I began living in other countries that I really realized how different cultures can be. Of course, we all know that generally about cultures, that they're different. It's easier to spot differences when we see them in other cultures than to note the nuances of our own culture. Typically it's because that's all we've ever known-- and that's "just the way things are!"
When I lived in Mexico, I remember getting that answer a lot. Sometimes I answer that sometimes too.
Being in an cross-cultural marriage, I see more differences as well between cultures and it's made me be able to pinpoint them a little better. It's also taught me to really appreciate the value of the differences-- learning to adjust to some of them have made my life better!
Anyway, that's a rant. I learned more about American culture reading this article-- particularly the part about laughter. Makes me wonder what people may have thought about me when I was there!
This was a very interesting article that we found for Japanese people travelling to America. It's a bit amusing to see how others perceive us.
It wasn't until I began living in other countries that I really realized how different cultures can be. Of course, we all know that generally about cultures, that they're different. It's easier to spot differences when we see them in other cultures than to note the nuances of our own culture. Typically it's because that's all we've ever known-- and that's "just the way things are!"
When I lived in Mexico, I remember getting that answer a lot. Sometimes I answer that sometimes too.
Being in an cross-cultural marriage, I see more differences as well between cultures and it's made me be able to pinpoint them a little better. It's also taught me to really appreciate the value of the differences-- learning to adjust to some of them have made my life better!
Anyway, that's a rant. I learned more about American culture reading this article-- particularly the part about laughter. Makes me wonder what people may have thought about me when I was there!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
And February
So, in the interval between the last blog and now, so much has happened.
A couple weeks ago, my doctor put me on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy. It really drives me nuts not to have anything to do. Luckily in December, I knew upcoming projects and wrote them in the months of my 2014 planner. January was so busy that though it was constantly on my mind, I was unable to get to my January Project.
End of January rolls around, I'm on bedrest and within two weeks, both January and February's projects are done (Japanese visa paperwork has been organized and sent to Japan to begin translation. Don't be fooled, this is only part one of the process-- but at least it's done!). Taxes are also ready to be filed.
Bedrest thought it could conquer me-- but I can get stuff done from the couch/bed too!
In December we finished the marathon Perspectives Course, ending in a 10 page paper about Japan. That took me back a few years-- I haven't written a paper with proper citations since college! At any rate, it was a great experience for Vicente and I. We learned a lot about missions through the course, grew together as we learned and researched a lot about Japan.
But it was nice not to have so much homework. We have a few books to read for organizations that we'll be working with, but other than that, we're done with a big bulk of the work.
Stay tuned for further articles on Japan. I hope to get back on track in time for the baby to throw off the blog again! Our apologies, but know that we are making efforts!
Blessings friends!
A couple weeks ago, my doctor put me on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy. It really drives me nuts not to have anything to do. Luckily in December, I knew upcoming projects and wrote them in the months of my 2014 planner. January was so busy that though it was constantly on my mind, I was unable to get to my January Project.
End of January rolls around, I'm on bedrest and within two weeks, both January and February's projects are done (Japanese visa paperwork has been organized and sent to Japan to begin translation. Don't be fooled, this is only part one of the process-- but at least it's done!). Taxes are also ready to be filed.
Bedrest thought it could conquer me-- but I can get stuff done from the couch/bed too!
In December we finished the marathon Perspectives Course, ending in a 10 page paper about Japan. That took me back a few years-- I haven't written a paper with proper citations since college! At any rate, it was a great experience for Vicente and I. We learned a lot about missions through the course, grew together as we learned and researched a lot about Japan.
But it was nice not to have so much homework. We have a few books to read for organizations that we'll be working with, but other than that, we're done with a big bulk of the work.
Stay tuned for further articles on Japan. I hope to get back on track in time for the baby to throw off the blog again! Our apologies, but know that we are making efforts!
Blessings friends!
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