Last Day in Japan! Final thoughts

It’s my last night in Japan (sad emoji), part of me is excited to come back home though the other part wants to stay here. Coming back as you know I haven’t been writing daily and mainly it is because our last few days were literally packed- how packed you say? Let me say that we’ve walked around 16,000 steps maybe more each day. 

While the other half wants me to stay here. Here are my thoughts about what has been happening and why there is a conviction to stay in Japan. I was involved and part of my university ministry about 9 years ago(can’t believe it’s almost 10 years since I started uni). I’ve always been interested in mission, just the idea to live and serve in another country always intrigued me. However, I never had the chance to go or see what is was like. I’ve been involved in many Christian events and conferences but never lived or experienced being a Christian in a foreign country. Now after 10 years I have had that chance and who knew it would be Japan. 

I never really had any interest in Japan, the culture, maybe the food, but never gave a hard look why I ever wanted to go and probably live there. 

Coming here wasn’t the same feeling as I felt back at university. I believed back then I felt I wasn’t ready. I felt I didn’t know what I do if I left Australia, I felt incompetent in my work if I wanted to do something related to my work.. however, now coming to this vision trip helped me discern if it was possible or not to live here.

All of the missionaries we met were part of an organisation called MTW (mission to the world) based in the US. This really helped me figure what the missionaries were doing in Japan and how were they serving in their respective areas. This was the first time witnessing firsthand missionaries that were sent and working in the field. Most of the time I support the different missionaries I never get the chance to see what they do- unless they updated us via email or when they return for home mission. Anyways I really admired the team and how each of them had a story and why they chose to serve in Japan. 

Long story short, the reason why I think Japan is probably the most viable option if I chose to be a missionary in Japan is because of the need but also that Japan welcomes mission workers into the country without persecution. As you know Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, you can imagine the pressure and stress they face everyday and only God can free this nation and provide them true peace. Without speaking the truth to these people they will never get the chance to hear the good news. In addition, another reason is because English teachers even primary teachers are needed. You can even get a visa in Japan for English speaking. 

To end I thought I’d share what we did today. We went to visit a Christian school that had been planted by a missionary from the US. We went to observe what God was doing and even take part of a lesson about Australia. But to keep it short our team leader who served a couple years back heard that the school had grown from 20 students to 52 students today.  We spoke to the headmaster and she talked about the different struggles about the ongoing need for teachers, as alot of them are temporary interns or short term missionaries. But here I was convicted because I believe this is where God may be calling me to be. I definitely feel God had finally equiped me in terms of my work and seeing the need not just for teachers but the need for the people to hear the gospel- which bids the question. What now? 

As I return back to Sydney I pray that God will use this trip and reveal what he wants to be do. Please partner me in prayer as well or even chat to me my experience in Japan. Would love to chat! 

Anyways this is me signing out and hope you were encouraged along my trip in Japan!