Year 3 (My time in Japan *Nagoya and Tokyo* Summer 2016)

Hello everyone. Well it is unfortunate that this is the time that I am getting to my blog update but at least it is happening. And I have my prayer Facebook page. I am now on my way to Narita airport. It is safe to say that this trip was my best experience with Japan. What a blessed trip! During the short four weeks I was really encourage with what God is doing in my life and also how He is working with the Japanese as well. When in Nagoya we had many opportunities to meet students on campuses. One particular place that we went to was super open to us. The students were warm and friendly and we were able to make friends that would hang outside of campus. This year we did things differently. We did not share the gospel on campus because of some of the backlash of last year. So this year we waited until we hung out with students outside. But God still really blessed us. There were four people who accepted Christ and one guy that is really close. We thought that he had made the discussion but later after talking to another Japanese Christian, she found out he was not yet ready. So please pray for Y-san. During my time I actually had some difficulty making my own contacts but the Lord still aloud me to go with other teammates and help with theirs. It was a humbling experience as I felt more like a supporter of the group than anything else but the Lord really blessed our team. One of the things that I got to do that was different on this trip was that I got to do a lot more singing. We were asked to perform on campus and there were some songs that i got to have a main role. Also we sang at some Wednesday and Sunday services. My favorite was getting to do a duet with Insun, one of our teammates. It was a really special time for me because it has been a long time since I have had an opportunity to sing like that. I love doing music and it was so great to have teammates that are musical as well. I hope it blessed the congregation. 

A highlight for me in Nagoya was on a Saturday Ines, Venessa, Brit and I were with four students. We got aka Kara hot pot to eat. So we each ended up each sitting next to a friend by accident but that really worked well because during the dinner each of us got to talk about the gospel with a student. The guy that I was sitting next to apparently had been talking with our missionary friend already and was at least interested in Christianity. I gave him a manga that goes through the gospel . Actually that was one of the nights that one girl accepted Jesus as Lord over her life. It was so amazing to hear about it after all the students left. After my time in Nagoya I was able to go to Tokyo for a few days. There I got to meet up with friends and even had an opportunity to share the gospel in a classroon setting. Thank you all for your prayers. God gave me peace through the speech and I was so thankful that one guy seemed to really consider our message and even took a tract from me. He was so eager, my heart was moved. I hope he comes to know the Lord! Please be praying for our baby Christians and those that are so close! Japan can only be moved by God but I know that He is more than able!

If you would like to know more about the trip just ask me! =D

Part 2 Tokyo!

It seems like I just got on the plane here and now I am already going back. There is so much that I would like to do here but for now the time has ended. I feel like God has been so gracious to me through these past weeks. He has been changing my heart in a lot of matters and I just hope that once the dust settles I will see clearly to make the right decisions.

I will say this. God cares deeply for the Japanese people and has instilled in my heart a longing that many would worship and glorify Christ in this nation. I believe in many ways God is stirring up His followers and that wonderful things will be happening in Japan. The world may seem like it is getting darker but that is just the perfect time for the light to shine. God's power and might are still very present we just have to be willing to focus on where He is moving and not be overwhelmed by all the uncertainties. This is something that my own heart longs for and God, through my time in Japan, has given me a renewed hope and vision.

I love working with international students. The second part of my trip consisted of working with International Christian Fellowship. What that basically meant was that I was to go on campus make friends and invite them to ICF events and Bible studies. Weseda University and Asia University were the two locations where I would go out and meet students. At Asia University I had the pleasure of working with Maggie, one of the few Christians on campus. During our time working together, we met a new friend (M) who stated that she wanted to accept Christ. Please be praying for (M). She has a supper busy schedule so I don't know if Maggie will get to disciple her.

Between the meeting with students on campus and at ICF I would also meet with contacts that I had made during my last trip to Japan and also with new friends met along the way of this trip. Many people gave me a warm welcome back and I feel so blessed that I got to work and hang out with those from my last stay in Tokyo.

During my time with Japanese/International believers, my hope was that I could encourage them in ways that I saw God moving in their lives. One thing that I have realized is that Christians should be encouraging one another more often. I think too many times we are so concerned with what is going on in our own lives that we forget those around us. So God has been telling me to pay more attention.

There is so much that went on during this trip. Let me know if you would like to know more about my time in Japan!

From Japan 2015 Part 1

First off I am sorry that this is way past over due. I have been in Japan almost two months and yet the time just flew by. And... I am just now getting around to writing. I have never been much of a blogger (I really only do blogging for mission trips) so this is not something that I am real great with but I want my supporters and friends to know what has been happing. If you feel this is not enough information or just want to chat with me about my trip message or email me. (courtney.dusenbury@email.swbts.edu)

The trip began with some growing pains when I was not able to make my first flight. The flight was delayed because of engine trouble and so I knew that I would miss my connecting flight in California. I got off the plane and then was able transfer to another flight that went directly to Narita airport and from there was able to take my flight to Nagoya. My luggage took a few more days to come in but everything was eventually present and accounted for and I was very thankful to have more clothes! =)

Jetlag did not last long and I was able to flow into the routine of class in the morning and mission work in the afternoon pretty quickly (other than the waking up part ^_^') Most days we would go down to two different campuses and met with students, either in an english class or just in the cafeteria area. We would grab lunch or a snack and ask students if they spoke English. If they seemed receptive to us we would sit down with them and eat together. This was a great time to build relationships and oftentimes we were able to share the gospel. The relationships we made gave us opportunity to spend more time with some of the students outside the schools.

It was really great to do this type of ministry. I loved being a part of a team and getting to see how campus ministry is played out in Japan. Evangelism was one of our main goals and I thought that while it was a bit out of my comfort zone, that being with another person really helped with being able to help each other in a conversation.

Our goals were to share the gospel with students, to build relationships but to also help our contacts meet and get involved with long term missionaries. I was really thankful that we were partnering with some missionaries from the IMB. My hope is that the friendships we made will continue with those we partnered with.

I would like to share a small part of what happen one day before I was to pick up some students and take them to our house to have dinner. I was returning from some shopping and I realized that while walking home I had gotten lost. I knew that our house was only a few minutes from the grocery store but I was completely turned around. My first course of action was to just try a few directions and see if the scenery looked familiar. I was disappointed to find that nothing seemed familiar and as time ticked by I realized that I was going to be late to pick up my friends at the train. I had no internet and no cellphone... So I was a bit worried. I knew that I could go to the station and find my friends but with no way of getting back we would just all be lost, which would be embarrassing and not very effective. I guess looking back now I could have used one of their internet connections on their phones.

Well, anyway I was complaining to God when I just got to the point where I prayed "Please Lord let me find my way home so that I do not hinder this opportunity with my new friends. If you want me continue being lost, so be it." I realized that this is God's ministry and that I am just playing my part. God knew I was lost if He wanted me to get out of this problem well, He would guide me. So for some reason I went to the grocery store to try to talk to a worker about internet connection... which is like a shot in the dark.... but I was desperate. When trying to talk to a clerk I glanced up and saw out the window two of my teammates also coming back home. I immediately left the grocery store and told them of how I was frantically searching for home. Basically I just needed to go in one direction for a little while (few minutes) and I would have seen our house.

I learned/relearned a few things through this instance. One - Cell phones or internet are a lovely thing. Two - God was in complete control of my situation and not only did I get back home I was able to get to the station without being really late. Three - It was a good reminder that everything I do for the Glory of God is still God's ministry, not mine. I realized that when things go South, I tend to be like "What are you doing God? Don't you know I am working for you?" But I realized this is a selfish and incorrect way of looking at ministry. Whenever we work for the glory of God we are working by the enabling of God's Spirit, not our own merits. Sanctification is the same process as our salvation. It is an act of God that is simply through us, not by us. What a hard concept to grasp, but oh, so important!

So that was an exciting occurrence of His provision!

My trip to Nagoya was pretty jam packed with going on campus and hanging out with students. I feel like it was worth seeing a different part of Japan and I would love to go on another trip with Southwestern.

Part 2 of Japan Later but for now pictures!

Group shot at an international party!

Door Signs that Megan and I designed for Grace House.

Group shot with the newly opened Hale Lani Cafe!

Our Mission Team

Japan 2015 Nagoya and Tokyo

Hello again. This will be my blog for updates on my short term mission trip to Japan 2015. Please note that posts previous to this date are from my trip in 2013. The Lord has given me another chance to go to Japan this summer. I am very thankful that I get to be a part of what He is doing in Japan! =) Thank you for visiting this page and feel welcome to leave comments or questions.

What I am Learning

"Why try to resurrect an eye for eye when we crave love as our deepest cry?
If forgiveness is our deepest need why press the wounds to bleed?
Are we brave enough to give?
Are we dead enough to live beyond ourselves and to breath...
for something higher than this?"

Brave Enough by The Other Mark Miller


So here finally I post something about what I am learning from my experience from Japan. So much has been going on and I hope that if you want to know more details you will ask me for my prayer requests. (I just sent out the latest prayer requests so if you would like to receive them and have not for some reason contact me please) (email is courtney.dusenbury@mavs.uta.edu)


God is showing me how selfish I really am. Because I am in an environment where I am constantly poring out to others I have come to realize just how much I feel it should be all about me. I just simply didn't realize the huge issue and burden that comes when I think I need to be satisfied with how my day is going or I can't possibly be joyful. Reality is when you are serving Christ by serving others you may end up doing things you don't enjoy. You might even have days where it seems like nothing is going right. (Aka your way) Since Christ tells us to pick up our cross daily and follow Him then I think it's best to assume this is not sunshine and roses that we are walking into. It's hard and many times painful work, but oh, what joy can come from it!

Trust has also been such a huge thing on this trip for me. I have been asking God to help me trust Him for awhile now. I really upon my own abilities so much that I leave little room for Christ to empower me. It is hard for me to believe that He will always give me what I need and will not forsake me throughout my daily life. This trip is teaching me that I have very little actual control. 

Being taken away from your own "little world" can do that.

I have seen God be faithful it in the times I have witnessed to others, giving me words to teach and share. I have seen God be faithful with helping me get through difficult days. Days when I felt like I just did not have anything left. He has given Bible verses to encourage and strengthen me, love from others when I was in need, and enabled me to agape love.

Life here is very busy. But when the time comes for me to go home for the night I sometime have  a lot of time to think. It is good for me to once again realize that I need to submit myself over to God. That I can't possibly have control over all the situations going on in my own life as well as other people I encounter.

Being willing to say once again "Lord, whatever you have for my life, well... I want that."

And now I am having to trust God once again as I make my trip back home. Trust that he knows and understands my needs and wants better than I do. That He is my heavenly father who will love and keep me in His hands.

These beautiful pictures from the cafe are a reminder of God's faithfulness. He brought me here. He got me this far, of course He is going to take me to the finish line! Whatever direction my life ends up going, I know He will be with me.  If there is just one thing that I could take away from this trip it would be that God is trustworthy.

Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name. 
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30: 4-5


There has been much weeping, but also much joy. Thank you Jesus!

Picture Blog Update

My birthday breakfast for my 25th birthday. My sweet neighbors (Mr and Mrs. Sloan) made me breakfast and spent their early morning with me. She had the red plate! (My mom has served food with this plate for many of my birthdays.)

 My birthday cake from SonRise Cafe! I had a wonderful day with everyone. =D

These are pictures from my trip to Nikko to see Emi! What a great birthday present! (Emi's father grew up around this area) I went down to Nikko for a few days and then she came up to see me in Tokyo.

Emi and Me at the Cafe by our Jewelry!

Last ICF event with Liao. He finished his masters degree and will hopefully be going to America for his PHD soon. For now he is working in China.

Last dinner before Liao left for China. This was such a wonderful night! He is missed!

ICF Bible Study

These two pictures are from our nights going to David Platt and Francis Chan's event. We ate out together afterwards both nights.

Last Saturday we went to an International Student party at Tokyo University. It was so good to meet more international students! =D

*Just a disclaimer. I do not own a lot of these pictures. They were taken by others and I got them off Facebook or email.*

"I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good;

How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"

Psalm 34 1-8 NASB 

     So God got me through another airport experience. =D When I got to the airport in South Korea I was told that Japan might be upset that I did not have a printed ticket of when I would be going back the United States. I did have a ticket that I could show on my computer but it would still be a pain to have to deal with customs. However no one asked me about it and I was able to go on my way...

Then... I realized I lost my passport during my two hour hang out at the airport... 20 minutes before my bus was arriving to take me to Kichijoji. (the station that is next to Mitaka, where I currently live)

So I sprung to the information section and was told that the passport had been found. (Praise God!!!) I knew that I had little time but somehow, by God's grace I gathered my passport and made it with six minutes to spare by the bus stop.

 

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    I have to say that it has felt like a whirlwind since I got back to Japan. There seems to be so much that I want to do while I am still here and so many things happening. The day after I arrived we had a friday night live. This is an event we do at the cafe once a month. It was a really popular evening, and I enjoyed the rush of orders constantly coming through. I thought, why can't every day be as busy as this night? lol I don't think we have enough staff for it to be that busy every day... The music artist,

Tats Shioya, engaged his audience and was having people clapping and singing along through some of the songs. Here is a small clip. ^-^ I have about two seconds of stardom. (I am in the kitchen)

     I love Friday Night Live and the other events we have. There are some great opportunities to share the gospel through these events through Christian music and testimonies. =) Please pray that our next Friday Night will be full of people who will hear about Christ! Unfortunately I will not be working that night because I have another opportunity to go to a different event. Did you know that Francis Chan is going to be in Tokyo October 4th? Chan ( Oct. 4th) and David Platt (on Oct. 3rd) will be speaking at this free event! We will be taking *hopefully* a big group of people to these events! Please be in prayer for us as we try to work out details. I can't seem to get the link to work but you can copy it and past it if you want to see the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/197796980388989/

 

This is a picture from this past Saturday of Ken Totushek teaching guitar to our cafe worker Maiko and Chen, a singer who comes and plays at our cafe. It was not a friday night live but he still did a concert afterwords.


Basically a lot of events coming up and flying by!