New phases , new faces
“do no despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” Zech.4:6
Hello world! Greetings from Hokkaido, Japan!
We spent a few months seeing family and friends in America and recently returned to our home in Niseko.
We’re excited to be back and to update you on the next phase of our lives!
In February of this year we went to a leadership gathering in Yokohama. During that event, the leaders encouraged the missionaries to recommit to making language learning a priority so we can share the gospel clearly. When we arrived in Japan that was our desire but we weren’t quite able to achieve it.
I’ve seen a lot of language growth from personal study and private lessons, but it hasn’t been consistent enough to get me out of the upper beginner level. I can have conversations in my daily life but I can’t share the gospel yet or go into more personal depth.
Now 5.5 years and two more babies, we are feeling like it’s high time.
That brings us to our next steps!
While we were in Okinawa last summer, we heard about a language school at a local university. We didn’t think much more about the school until several of us in Hokkaido were tossing around the idea of attending. After praying and thinking it over, us and one other family from Hokkaido have decided to make the move!
This move will be from the most Northern island of Japan — one of the snowiest places in the world — to an island in one of the most southern parts of Japan with a climate more like Florida!
We lived in Okinawa from 2014-16 when I taught at an international school there. Avila was born there and we have had this place on our hearts ever since we left. We went last summer to scout it out with hopes to pioneer a missions base there but, at that time, the door was closed for us.
As we planned our move to attend language school, we met a couple from Norway also planning to learn language and pioneer a missions team called Fire & Fragrance in Okinawa. They were even moving to the island around the same dates as us! We have decided to join forces with these missionaries and continue pursuing vision the Lord has given us.
Language classes will begin October 1st and will consist of morning or afternoon classes. Two years of dedicated language study will give us a solid platform to share the gospel and deepen our relationships with people.
Recently the Lord highlighted this verse from Matthew 24:14 to me “And the good news about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world… and then the end will come.” We have the opportunity to be a part of the very thing that causes His return to come — to preach throughout the whole world!
Japan is still just over 1 percent Christian, with 1 Protestant church for every 16,000 people. The population decreased by 1,000,000 people last year! This means that young singles need to marry and have babies! Two years ago Japan recorded 20,000 suicides which is significantly higher that many other nations. There are many who still need to hear about the hope of Jesus! There is a fruitfulness and restoration in hearing the truth! “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” Col 1:13
Steph had a dream about a year and a half ago about us moving to Okinawa and that the Lord specifically wanted to use street preaching as His net. We are praying for boldness to be obedient to that word. We know that language learning is another crucial step to see that take place and we know that the word of God always bears fruit.
In the past year we have seen a few churches in Japan take to street preaching and they are seeing many positive responses. This country has long been referred to as the missionary graveyard but we can see that we can see that the harvest is ripe — the laborers are few.
There is a great light shining on this nation right now for hope and healing. The Lord is drawing all people to himself because there is hope in no other name! We know the gospel has the ability to changes individuals and families, communities, cities and countries. We have seen it in our own lives especially after Steph’s health challenges! He has restored and grown our family — he has made us fruitful and we hope to bless Japan with the same word of the Lord which heals and restores.
“With God’s help we will do mighty things…” Ps 108
We are believing for provision for our move and for $1000 more monthly as we take this next step of faith. If you would like to partner with us you can do so by clicking the link below. We really appreciate your generosity and know that you will be richly blessed!
If you, our partners, also need healing or hope for any situations in life, please let us know and we can believe and pray with you!
We have confidence that the Lord will continue to supply all of your needs!
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Eph 3:20-1