Fall for Japan

A few weekends ago, I had the absolute pleasure of attending an event called Fall for Japan. It was put on by the MTW Japan Partnership, which I didn't know existed prior to the event! Apparently this was the first event to be put on by them, and due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback received, they are hoping to do more in the future.

To sum up the event in one sentence, it was a chance for people to meet missionaries to Japan and to learn about the ministries and need there. I was incredibly encouraged by the time I was able to spend meeting other missionaries to Japan, reconnecting with friends, connecting with those I'd only ever heard about from my friends in Japan, and sharing with others about what I will be doing in Chiba. I had some wonderful conversations as I met prayer warriors and supporters of the work being done. (I'm beginning to realize that attending events like this will mean meeting many friends-of-friends, as so often I was asked, “Oh, do you know so-and-so?!”)

I can't begin to explain the joy I had in that room, surrounded by brothers and sisters, each with a desire to talk about the needy land that makes my heart sing and break at the same moment. I was blessed and moved to tears by the prayers said for those of us there who were in the process of support raising. I laughed as we swapped stories about Japan, funny foreigner moments and general Japanese oddities. It was refreshing to talk to those support raising, as we are sharing in the same struggles and lessons learned, but also to encourage one another.

Overall, the event left me feeling blessed and encouraged beyond measure. As I drove home, I reflected on all I had heard and learned, and was eager to continue support raising with new excitement. Please join me in praying that I would remain with this attitude!

Now, on to support raising updates: 

• I recently got over a nasty sickness that knocked my energy out for 4 weeks, so I am praising God for my current health and ability to get back in the swing of support raising!

• Praise the Lord for providing 3 new supporters just within the past few days!! (I just hit 16% of my needed monthly support!)

• Some of you may know that there is a month of training I will need to complete in Belgium some time next year. The training is offered twice a year, in January and July. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it in January, but I can see many positive reasons for going in July. Please pray that I will be able to make it in July!

As always, I am grateful for the support and encouragement I've received! The Lord has blessed me greatly. 

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”- Philippians 4:19-20