Oh where to even begin?!? Before we arrived in Japan, we heard that it was a graveyard for missionaries. That it was so deep-rooted in culture that no one wanted Christianity, and that the churches that were here have been here for years with really nothing to show for it. We heard about how Japan has one of the highest suicide rates of all the world. Especially for young adults who don’t make it into college with such great pressure from their families or adults who lose their jobs and can’t bear to let their families feel disappointed in them. But we have been nothing but blessed. The culture is centered in honor. Bring honor to your family, honor your community, honor your country, and for us as guests of Japan that honor has turned in to an incredible hospitality. We are blown away by the giving hearts of the Japanese people and their generosity to us. In just a few days, our month already has the title of “incredible”.
We are staying in and working with a local church here in Nishinomiya. Our host is a hilarious and wonderful woman who is blessing our socks off. We keep asking her how we can ever repay her or bless her and she just says “Pray, pray, pray. Pray for Japan.” Having us here to help pray for them is all they ask for. So far God had moved in incredible ways and used us to heal a heart condition, eyesight, and even colds. My own faith has been blown away. I never thought I would witness a miracle but here I am. In Japan. Healing people with my team. It’s incredible.
I’ve also met a friend today after praying specifically to meet one person today who’s heart was ready to hear about Jesus so please be praying for my relationship with her! Her name is Amana and I randomly met her in 7-11 asking if a specific pack of sushi was crab or not :)! God you amaze me!
I just can’t even describe the feeling here. The atmosphere of Japan is… Indescribable. I’m in a city and I’m enjoying it! Who could have even guessed that was possible?! But God is filling my heart, blessing my soul, and increasing my faith.
PRAYER
-Please be in prayer for our squad leader Zach as he has moved in to his house here in Osaka to start his ministry of discipleship! I’m so excited for him and to see what God will do through his time here!
-Pray for my new friend! We have a coffee date on Saturday to chat and help each other with English/Japanese
-Pray for the church we are working with for boldness. They are such incredible people, but the Japanese custom isn’t really to share your faith. So pray that they would be bold to share the gospel with strangers even!
-Last, pray for our team that we would continue to grow closer to God and to each other as we are almost to the halfway mark of our journey together!
I love you all! Thank you for your prayers!
Kari 🙂
