こんにちは！ (Kon-nichi-wa - hello),
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9 NKJV)
We have been interested in missions in Asia for many years but have not had the opportunity to go ourselves. Instead, we have devoted ourselves to supporting those who serve cross-culturally in Asia. Two years ago, Doug felt called to seminary, which has blossomed into a desire to serve full-time in ministry. Because of our passion for missions, Doug began praying and seeking opportunities to serve in Asia. While discussing this desire with our church's Director of Missions, we were introduced to the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF). With this information, we contacted OMF in May of 2022. Over the past year, we have continued getting to know OMF as an organization and learning about Japan's people, culture, and spiritual needs. As a result of our discussions with OMF, we were invited to apply for a ten-day vision trip to Hirosaki, Japan.
At this time, we have completed the application process and have been accepted to go on a vision trip (August 28 - September 8) with Serve Asia (the short-term branch of OMF). During this trip, we will learn the Japanese language and learn how to minister in the Japanese context by serving at a local church. Our goal for the trip is to see what God is doing in Japan and whether or not He's calling us to join, long-term, in His work there. Ultimately, if the Lord makes it clear He wants us in Japan with OMF, we will continue the application process, leading to long-term ministry in Northern Japan.
How do our children feel about the possibility of moving overseas? After spending almost a year studying Japanese, praying for Japan, and learning about Japan, our oldest kids are excited to go. Chara is excited to practice speaking Japanese with people and hopes to share the Bible with friends at school. Eoin says he will say "Konnichiwa!" to everyone he meets.
As we seek the Lord's will for our family in Japan, we would appreciate your partnership (Phil. 1:5-7).
Prayer Requests:
- That Japan would have a thriving church in every community.
- That God's calling to this ministry would be clarified.
- That the Lord will provide for all our needs for the trip.
- Safety for our entire family while traveling.
- Boldness to practice speaking a foreign language.
- Positive Relationships with other Serve Asia workers we'll be traveling with.
The budget breakdown is approximate and includes all five us:
- $7,800 - round trip travel expenses
- $2,780 - food and lodging for ten days
“Then He [Jesus] said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2 NKJV)
