I am Moving to Japan
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A forest of tall trees surrounded me on all sides. Light passing through the canopy, and the smell of crisp fallen leaves created a serene ambiance as our squad trekked the mountainside. I could not have been in a more perfect place in that moment. I had expected Japan to be a city full of neon lights that would overwhelm me, and parts of it are, but we spent our first day in Japan on a forested mountain. My favorite space to sit with God.
While there, God shared with me a story of his love for Japan. We had been told that Japan was a graveyard for missionaries, because it was essentially a graveyard for Christianity. Yet, on that mountaintop, at the edge of a temple overlooking the city, God proclaimed that where many saw a graveyard he saw a lush garden.
My former Squad leaders, Zach and Hailey - the ones you have been praying for over the past two years – moved to Osaka last year to begin Aganai (Redemption) Ministries. The reality is my passions could take me anywhere, but I could go nowhere without community. God knew that, thus he gave me the community, before he gave our community the resources to make our vision a reality.
So, What will we be doing?
The River House
The River House will be a discipleship training school, to equip and empower people to serve the nations through following the visions the Lord has given them. The home will exist to create community in Japan, as well as the world, that will allow for family and discipleship to develop organically. We seek to always remain outward focused and not insulated.
The already established preschool will move into the River House. We will also be developing a garden at this home to help us become self-sustainable while teaching others how to take the same principals into their future ministries and communities.
The Hotel
The first community style living home in Japan is being constructed in an old hotel near our home in Osaka. We will have Christian living in the building to promote community life and organic discipleship.
Hospital Building
On top of the mountain next to our home there is a half vacant hospital. We seek to use this half of the hospital to create a safe place for women to come and seek healing and meet with their Father. Medical attention near by will provide the ability to care for them and take them through Christ centered healing and community. The number statistics and social implications of prostitution in Japan would surprise you. This home will provide a space for these women to heal and find freedom in Christ.
The Children
God has put the children of Japan on my heart. Japan has the highest production of child pornography, and with the cultural focus on identity being found in a job title children transition into adulthood before they are given a chance to dream. It is on my heart to empower the children of Japan in dreaming big dreams and knowing the beauty of their identity in Christ. I am praying about the specifics of this side of our ministry, but I do believe that the children of Japan will redefine the heart of their nation.
Teaching English
I will also be teaching English beginning in November. This will help pay off my student loans, cover living expense, and allow me to begin pouring into the children.
When:
I will be returning to the states at the end of June and moving to Japan in October.
Prayer:
Finishing strong here at G42. Taking the DNA of this community to Japan.
The children of Japan and direction for what our role will be in loving them.
Language study
Funding for Sustainalbe Agirculture Online Certification
The River House – Wisdom in moving forward. Students.
The Hotel – people willing to live and create community there
The Hospital – Finances. Women to live day-to-day with women coming in
Fundraising:
More information coming soon. Until then, all photos on my site are for sale. Simply message me if you are intersted in purchasing a print.
For over a year now, God has been declaring the promises of Isaiah 61 over my future ministry. Isaiah 61:3 proclaims, “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. “ I recently learned that Oak trees take 150 years to reach maturity. 150 years ago a French priest lead the Japanese church out of hiding. This is the year of their maturity. This is the year of truth, authority, inheritance, promise, vision, joy, community and freedom for Japan. The story of God’s pursuit of humanity began with a tree, my love for Japan began on a forested mountaintop, and the oaks of Japan have reached maturity and are ready to proclaim the splendor of their creator as they plant their own seeds. Would you like to join us as we plant, nurture and sustain the vision God has for Japan?
For as the soil makes the sprouts come up, and a garden causes seeds to grow so the sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. ~Isaiah 61:1
