Japan? I questioned. I was going to college to be a missionary and teacher in Kenya. For years, this had been my dream. Growing up, I was fascinated by the stories of missionaries, and God started to place a desire for missions in my own heart. In junior high and high school, I went on any short-term opportunity I could, traveling to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Mexico. In college, I thought I would finally have the chance to serve in Kenya. But God had other plans. I was placed on a team going to Japan!
“This is something God would do, take your plans and change them a little.” These were the words of my mentor after I found out I was placed on the Japan team. Through wise counsel, I decided to take a step of faith and go to Japan. During my time there, God showed me how much the people needed to see his love in a way I would have never thought or imagined. He gave me a love for the people and country and has continued to place the call on my heart to serve in a long term capacity there.
Japan is a beautiful country from the stunning mountains to the fleeting cherry blossoms. It’s technologically advanced and the Japanese are known for being moral people. However, the Japanese are the second largest unreached people group in the world with many adhering to Buddhist and Shinto practices (joshuaproject.net). They are desperately in need of the good news of Jesus’ love and the hope and freedom He gives.
As I take this step toward full-time ministry there, I invite you to partner with me and the work God is doing in Japan in whatever way(s) He leads you, as we labor to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Thank you for letting me share about my journey!
In Christ,
Allison
