Last week I had the extreme pleasure of
joining 24 other missionaries for a week-long conference in Atlanta.
The conference (“Launch”) was held at the home office of Mission
to the World, the organization I will be serving alongside while in
Japan. I cannot say enough how much of a blessing the whole week was.
Thank you so much to those of you who prayed ever so faithfully for
me – your prayers were felt throughout the week!
I mentioned
briefly in my last update how excited I was that I would be meeting
new people with hearts to spread the gospel in so many different
parts of the world. Little did I know just how wonderful of an
experience meeting these people would be. “How beautiful upon the
mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes
peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'” (Isaiah 52:7) I want you all
to know, it isn't just the feet of these people that makes them so
beautiful. To see these hearts with a passion for the nations to call
on the name of our Savior; the love they have for those they have yet
to meet, for those who have yet to know our King; their desire and
earnestness to GO – how beautiful!
From day one, friendships were established and stories after stories
were told. (A majority of those at this event had previously been
involved in overseas missions.)
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| Out to dinner at a Greek restaurant with new friends! |
The
purpose of Launch was orientation for preparing to go on the mission
field. The talks, strategies, and exercises were challenging in the
best ways possible, and I am beyond thankful for the MTW staff that
dedicated so much time to bless us. I enjoyed getting to talk with
the staff over meals and break times and building relationships with
those who will be helping me specifically as I head to Japan. It was
really neat to see the gifts God has given each of these individuals
and how they use them in assisting missionaries far and near.
During
Launch, a Vision conference was taking place in the same building.
This was for those who felt called to missions, but weren't
particularly sure where God was calling them. Team leaders from
mission fields all over the world came together to give a better
vision of the work being done in the countries they are serving.
Thanks to these overlapping conferences, I was able to reconnect with
Dan Iverson, the team leader of Japan, who also happened to be my
host dad both times I served in Chiba, the city to which I will be
returning. It was such a blessing to catch up, laugh, and speak
Japanese together. It was encouraging to be so involved with Launch
and have someone there to remind me of the place and people I will be
serving.
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| Catching up with Dan |
Thanks
to the Vision conference, I also got to meet a couple that is
seriously considering becoming missionaries in Japan, maybe even in
Chiba! It was such a blast to talk with them and answer their
questions about Japan. (I'm all about getting people excited for
anything Japan related!) It would be neat to meet them in Chiba.
Here's praying!!
The
whole experience was truly remarkable, and I am thankful for the
abundance of friends and information I gained. (It's amazing all the
connections I made with friends of mutual friends. I long to see the
day when we all meet in the throne room and rejoice together in the
presence of the Ultimate Connection!) I am excited to share with you
all how you can be involved in my ministry to Japan, and how
important of a role you hold! For now, I continue to ask for your
prayers as God continues to lead me down this road. There are many
unforeseen struggles ahead, but I believe in a big God who will carry
me through and guide me in His steps! I pray I will continue to look
to Him for guidance, and that I would honor and glorify Him with my
life.
“But
you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him
who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter
2:9)
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| Last day of Launch - Introducing 25 newly approved MTW missionaries! |
