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
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