On December 1st I returned from my second furlough since I moved to Japan, just over three years ago. I spent most of October and all of November gathering about 12,000 frequent flyer miles, driving another 4,000 miles across 9 states,and seeing the sweet faces of my supporters (i.e. my family and friends). I am not sure how to report about this except to say that there were some really good parts -- like all the kind, generous people who invited me into their homes and let me spend a night or two or several on their couches, air mattress and guest beds -- and there were some difficult parts -- like my grandpa passing away the week before Thanksgiving. But overall I feel like God gave me many opportunities to share about the work that he is doing in Japan, and I pray that he will provide the support that I need through the chances that I had to share with people about the financial challenges of my work.
Here are some highlights from my travels:
An excellent afternoon with Grandma Hazel and Grandpa Jim before he passed away
Thank you, Jesus, for the sweet gift of that time together.
A very encouraging time with the Holtons
Bonus: a mini-tour of the city for my first time to Chicago
A little time with Saprina, my friend, supporter and former roommate
Some time to be silly with my little sister
And some really wonderful time to be with my Mama
There were, of course, many more good things that I forgot to take pictures of or that simple won't fit in the report. I am so thankful for my time to reconnect with my supporters. Thanks to everyone who listened to my stories of the Holy Spirit moving in Japan! And thank you to those of you who took time out of your busy lives to encourage me and refresh my spirit.
One of the other huge blessings that I have received since the last time I sent out an update was the establishment of an official relationship between me and the Mito Church of Christ just before I left in October. I moved to Mito as Joel's apprentice this year in the spring, and I have now been invited to stay and continue working as a member of the Mito church's staff with a commitment until March of 2012. However, I am hoping to stay for at least three years from now. Please pray that God will make that a possibility.
Please pray with me . . .
~a praise for the opportunity God has given me to continue to serve him in Japan.
~a praise for the safe travels that God gave me over the last two months.
~that God will continue to bless the English outreach ministry at Mito church, and that he will give me wisdom and guidance as I try to work towards growing the ministry and the ways that the foreign and Japanese church members can find a place to serve in this evangelistic outreach.
~that God will grant safe travels to Joel and the group that he has taken to do mission work in Cambodia this month -- and that God will move through them and their service.
~that the Holy Spirit will be working in all of the unique opportunities we have to reach out and share during the holiday season.
