Thursday, 3/17/11, on "God Mountain!"

The pictures loaded in the opposite order that I have written about below. So as you read, please look at the pictures from bottom to top rather than top to bottom. Sorry!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Yes, it is Thursday, March 17th, but I won't be celebrating St. Patty's Day today. Of course, I never really did when I was in the States either. I have decided to stay home today for several reasons, the biggest is that I do not have a need to travel, so I want to help my not using the trains today. Speaking of using trains, the a couple of the pictures I have included with this post are from Shinjuku Station. This was yesterday around 10AM on the Chuo Line platform. Those of you who have been to Tokyo will really understand the significance of these pictures. The Chuo Line is the train that as a volunteer you traveled on from Shinjuku to Mitaka, Kichijoji, Kokubunji, and Tachikawa. For those of you not familiar with the trains in Tokyo, Shinjuku is one of the busiest (if not the busiest) stations in the world!!! The Chuo Line is one of the busiest in Tokyo, and at 10AM there are typically a lot of people on this platform waiting for the next train. Of course 10AM is not the working rush hour, so what I usually see are people out shopping, college students traveling to class, the older population out running errands, but not yesterday. When I showed these pictures to K-san, she was even very surprised! I am assuming that people are doing what the government is asking us to do, and that is restrict unnecessary train travel in order to help conserve electricity.

You will also notice a couple of pictures of people lined up waiting. One is a line which formed outside of the basement store at the Shinjuku station. I am sure they are waiting to go down and get basic groceries. Stores here do not really open until 10AM on a normal day. I have seen that some of the bread stores have large crowds early in the morning. K-san mentioned that yesterday she was at her grocery store very early to get some items. We are finding that after lunch most things are gone for the day. In Japan, the people don't shop for groceries like we do in the States. What I mean is that many go to the store every day, or every couple of days. The reason is because their apartments/homes are quite small and they don't have space to store a lot of extra food. Also their refrigerators are smaller. Now, for me, I am in an apartment built for Americans. So, I have an American refrigerator, and plenty of cabinets, and therefore, I am stocked up well with food. As long as we have electricity I am good. I have been picking up items each day which do not required cooking, just in case, but right now I am good as far as food is concerned.

The other picture of people lined up is outside of a Starbucks in Kokubunji just before 2PM. I have never seen this store closed but right now they are not opening until 2PM and closing at 6PM. Again, they are trying to help conserve electricity. Many stores are opening and closing at hours different from normal operating hours.

Again, for those of you who have been to Kokubunji, the next picture is of an arcade which one of you (Jared A.) played the drum video game at during our '07 trip. Also in the picture is the entrance to the karaoke place where we use to have our Sunday evening Bible study/church. Jackson Way folks, this is where you went during your trip in '09. Both of these "stores" are usually open at this time, so it was strange to not hear the sounds of the games being played and the voices of students talking and laughing on the street outside.

The next picture is of a convenience store I stop in regularly. The shelves in every store look like these pictures. Doesn't mean we can't get things. I took these pictures late in the afternoon, so the daily supply was just gone for that day. We are NOT starving!!!!

I am reading on American news sites some headlines are saying there is panic in Tokyo. That could NOT be further from the truth. Is there deep concern, yes. But panic like we see in America or the other countries, absolutely NOT! There is a difference in the "air" here. Meaning that although the people are usually quiet anyway, there is a more somber silence now. But, people are not running around screaming and crying. They are very calm and steady, which is typical of the Japanese. They form single file, orderly lines and wait patiently until it is their turn. I have heard that some people up north are waiting 2 - 4 hours to get fresh water, or gas for their cars. But again, there is not "panic" like we as Americans are use to seeing. Is there serious concern? Definitely. I have yet to meet with a person who does not talk about the scare of the nuclear situation. But everyone seems to be trying to take necessary precautions while going about life as normal as possible.

We are still having big aftershocks. Tuesday morning at 5AM I woke up to a shake different than any I had felt so far in Tokyo. It did not last long, but instead of moving side to side, it moved up and down. I literally was bounced (not very far) up from my bed. I have been told that this kind of quake is what is typical for the Kanto area, which is where Tokyo is located. My Japanese friends, later that day, confirmed that it was the Kanto type quake. Then Tuesday night we had another "big" shake. It registered here at a 3 on the Japanese scale. I realize that compared to the 9 quake from Friday a 3 is minor, but these days anything over a 1 gets the adrenaline pumping. I confess that one shook me up a little bit. I am really ok now, but the shake happened around 10:30pm and I just couldn't get to sleep until 2:30-3:00AM. Was SO thankful for God's Word, which I opened soon after, and some wonderful praise music, and harp music I have downloaded on my phone. Still amazed at how music can be very calming for the spirit. We had another good shake last night (Wednesday), again around 10:45pm. I was actually already in bed asleep, but woke up and began praying. Again, we are all ok. I don't want to "sugar coat" things, or make anything out to be worse than it really is, so will be honest and say that the number and magnitude of these tremors/quakes does begin to ware on you. I have wished several times that I could go to the shoes in my closet and find a pair of ruby slippers to put on so I could click my heels three times.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

This is some of the latest news from the mission family in Sendai: "On an amazingly upbeat note, Kevin Qualls, whose family's safety you prayed for writes, "As we have continued to check on friends, today by phone because of the rain and snow, we found out that my friend, whom I made when I joined the cooking class last term and whom we have been witnessing to and praying for, accepted Christ on the 13th. His wife is a believer and we are all praising the Lord for this new brother in the Lord." Lord, You continue to amaze us! (Our leadership is currently putting together a temporary relocation plan for the Qualls.)" Praise God for this awesome news of a new believer. I am sure there are other stories like this happening throughout this country.

Thanks for "holding the ropes" for us through your prayers! God is to be praised at ALL times!

The Latest News From Kamiyama ("God Mountain")

(A little explanation of the title - Yes, I live in Tokyo. But Tokyo is kind of like a state in the USA. The "city" I live in is Shibuya, and the "district" I am in is Kamiyama. So, the literal translation of Kamiyama is "God Mountatin." Kami=God; yama=mountain.)

Well, it is Wednesday morning, and just like you, we wake up to the latest news from the events happening just to our north. Each time I turn on the tv or go online it is to find out what the "bad news" is they will tell us today. BUT, you know what else comes each morning? God's mercies (compassions)!!!! "Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail, they are new every morning; great is YOUR faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'" Lamentations 3:22-24 These words from DADDY are my "ace of spades." They "trump" anything else I read or hear. So thankful for His love, mercy, grace, comfort, peace, faithfulness...and the list goes on and on.

I also find it interesting that these verses are found in the book of Lamentations!!! In a chapter titled, "Hope in the midst of affliction!" Happenstance? I think NOT!!!!!

Heading out today for my weekly Bible study with K-san and N-san. God's Word is going out during this time!!!! I pray that as each person who hears about God's love, they will open the doors of their heart to let in our loving and almighty Savior!

Until next time...

Here in Tokyo, today (March 14th) was White Day! A holiday where you give a gift of white chocolate. It is sort of like the other bookend of Valentine's Day where you usually give milk/dark chocolate. There is a bit more to the tradition of this holiday than that, but that is not why I am writing to you. I am sure you can "Google" it to find out the details if you really want to know more.

Well anyway, from what I have heard the rolling blackouts didn't happen as much as planned today. People conserved energy enough so service wasn't stopped in most areas! Here in Shibuya we were told that we would not lose any electricity as the 23 wards of central Tokyo needed power for the companies, and government offices to run today. So, as of now I have power, gas, and water. Very thankful for it, but am trying to do my part and use each as little as necessary. Many train lines were/are not working, also to save power. Many stores/small businesses/restaurants are closed, or open but close by 6PM-7PM. Just like in HSV when snow has been predicted, the stores were sold out of bread and milk, and also toilet paper and batteries. Interesting that it doesn't matter where you are from, the basic necessities of life are the same. As I was out in the city today, it appeared on the outside that life was somewhat back to "normal." But you could feel it in the air that this was a different day. While I was sitting in the waiting room of my doctor's office another tremor hit. I must confess that it was more than a bit unnerving to hear the glass wall of windows rattle. There were two separate parents wit their children also in the room. The three of us (adults) all made eye contact, and they both immediately went back to reading with their children to help keep them calm. It was nothing like on Friday, but enough to get the adrenaline pumping, especially because this time I was not at home. I am so thankful for the hope I have been given through Jesus Christ. Praying for many opportunities to share His love and hope with these incredibly resilient people.

One of my Japanese Christian FB friends had this to say, "The situation is really bad here but we Japanese are strong enough to get through this horrible situation...Please keep praying for Japan." I pray that as she has found strength in Christ, the Japanese people will realize that they need His salvation and strength too.

I was reminded today by a colleague of Romans 8:38-39. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." How precious yet powerful are the words of those two verses. How comforting it is to know that nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God through Christ Jesus!!!! For those of us with control issues, (hehehehe) Paul even covers the fact that the future won't even separate us from God's love. The future that we have little if any control over. But we know and should trust the One who does have control over it!

We have finally received another message from the mission family who lives in Sendai (the missionaries closest to the epicenter). They are all doing well, and electricity has just been restored. Their neighbors have been good to be sure they know what is being announced and what they should be doing. They have decided at this time to stay where they are to continue to minister to those God brings to them. Please continue to lift this family to DADDY.

I too have a couple of friends who are emailing me with current announcements to be sure I am aware of what is being shared by the leaders. Are you friends or neighbors with any internationals in your area? When there is emergency news being broadcast, have you thought about contacting them to be sure they know what is going on? I confess that thought never occurred to me before this situation. I encourage you to think about your "neighbors" the next time you hear that newscast, it really means a lot when you are not 100% sure what they are saying on the TV.

I know you are hearing all sorts of news reports about the condition of things here. Honestly, in Tokyo, we really are ok. As for the nuclear reactor concerns, we are also fine. We have not become "glow in the dark missionaries" yet, and don't think we will any time soon. Don't mean to make light of the situation, but finding humor does help a person work through the process. So, we really are doing well. We are waiting for the initial recovery to be complete so we can assess how we as a mission can "hit the ground" to help. We are not equipped to help with what is truly needed at this point in time, so we will wait until God opens the opportunities for which He has equipped us to help. Please pray specifically for the missionaries: wisdom, discernment, and connection with God during this time of waiting and seeking His direction. And that we will seize the moments given to us now to minister to those here in Tokyo who are also figuring out how to live through this tragic event.

P.S. The picture is one I captured from the Japan Meteorological Agency. It is a graphic of the earthquake on Friday. Amazing that almost the entire country is covered!

God's Still Making the Impossible Possible!!!!

I have a great God Story to share with you! So, when you have a few minutes, because this is long, grab a cup of your favorite coffee/tea and read about how God is still in the business of making the "impossible," possible!

"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." Isaiah 25:1

This past summer we had a group of 33 high school and college interns serving with us here in Tokyo. Part of this group used a phrase all summer that really struck a chord with me, "God's ancient work." We are all a part of God's ancient work! Think about that for a minute. What God is doing in and through you, He has been doing for years in and through His servants who are willing and obedient to Him. In the verse above, Isaiah even referred to God's ancient work with the phrase, "...things planned long ago." Well, I want to share how God is continuing His ancient work in/through me here in Tokyo, and how He continues to make what seems impossible to the human eye, possible!

Most of you have been partnered with me on this God journey from the beginning, back in March/April 2009. And most of you know that from the time God called me to come to Japan, I believed He was calling me here for 3 years, and then possibly to return as a career missionary. You also know those plans seemed to have changed this time last year when I was told that I could only stay for 2 years, and that a 3rd year was not possible because it would take a "slot" away from someone wanting to come for 2 years. Each time someone in leadership (from my local leadership all the way up the "chain" to Richmond, VA) told me that I would not be allowed to stay beyond 2 years, I told them (and myself), "I am not to trust in horses or chariots, but only in the name of the Lord my God." I didn't know how it would happen but I believed so strongly in my God and the knowledge of what He had called me to do that I tried to keep pressing onward and upward.

Well, as time kept marching on, and with each month that passed, the news from the company did not change. Then I got the news that I was given a three month extension! This put my departure at July 17th instead of April 19th. I was so thrilled that things had changed enough to at least allow me a few more months in the place I have come to love and that I know God has called me to. As I have mentioned in past prayer updates, even with this new departure date, I still couldn't see what was to come beginning July 18th. I knew God was in control, so I never really worried, but I just couldn't "figure out" why God had called me here for three years, but was only allowing me to stay for two.

In the fall, I began to accept that things with the company were not going to change and that I needed to begin preparing myself to return to the States in July. All the time thinking I might could come back to Japan through a different company/job. In fact, I had begun asking about the process of renting an apartment here in the city, thinking that maybe I was suppose to be here a third year, just not with the IMB (International Mission Board). I have had a couple of possible job offers outside of the Board. Although I was staying "open minded" about them, I just was not able to get His perfect peace either.

The weekend of January 8th, the missionaries from Tokyo and north of Tokyo met for our yearly meeting, and our Sub-cluster leader was there too. I have talked with him several times over the past year about my situation, and was able to sit down with him again during this weekend meeting. He again said that as far as he knew things had not changed, and advised me to contact the office in Richmond to see what possible career positions were available for me throughout East Asia, or in other affinity groups (countries/people groups). So, I sent an email to the person responsible for assigning candidates to open positions and asked him what I needed to do to begin the process of applying for a career position. Now, here is where this story gets interesting...

In his reply to me, he asked if I was interested in staying for a third year. He said that there are currently no career jobs on the books for Japan that I qualify for, but staying here a third year might put me in a better position down the road. All that needed to happen was for my supervisor to make an appeal to our affinity leader on my behalf. WHAT?!?!?!?!? I sent the email to my supervisor who was as shocked as I was to read his reply. Come to find out, the concern of a "slot" being taken away from someone else is, for some reason, no longer an issue. Things have somehow changed, and my staying a third year no longer creates that issue. So, the wrestling in my heart began at this point. I knew God had called me here, but I had already begun to accept that I was going "home" in July. I had let my mind shift to returning to the States, which created a challenge for me. What should I do? Where was God in the middle of all of this?

I asked my supervisor to make the appeal and see what our affinity leader's answer would be. If you know anything about a Southern Baptist organization, you know decisions don't always happen quickly! So, I was thinking it would take a month or two for everyone involved to make this decision, and I would have a little more time to process it myself. Well, nope! Less than two days later we got word that I had been approved for a third year of service! On top of that, my supervisor had not even had time to make the official appeal before I was given the approval! What a God thing!!!! Of course I was still struggling with what I should do. I mean, my parents and my friends were all getting ready for me to come "home" in 6 months. How could I come back now I say, "Nope, just kiddin'. I'm staying for another year." Some of you have shared your concerns about how much my parents have missed me, and that was also a part of my struggle. But, once I shared this news with Mom and Dad, their immediate reaction was that of excitement and joy. There was not one second of hesitation on their part, they knew immediately that this was from God and were praising Him for it! I am SO grateful to have parents who are not just supportive of me, and I want to brag on them just a little. They are 110% behind me, and have let me know that even though they do miss me, I can not let that cause me to not follow God's leading and call! I am just too blessed beyond what I deserve! So, those of you concerned about my parents, thank you for caring, and thank you for loving on them in my absence. They need your love, support, prayers, shoulders, and ears. But please understand, they are ok with my being here, because it is where God wants me to be!

Then, God took me to the story of Zechariah and Elisabeth in the book of Luke. In the footnotes from Luke 1:20 of my Bible was the following:

"Zechariah thought it incredible that he and his wife, at their old age, could conceive a child. But what God promises, he delivers. And God delivers on time! You can have complete confidence that God will keep his promises. Their fulfillment may not be the next day, but they will be "at their proper time." If you are waiting for God to answer some request or to fill some need, remain patient. No matter how impossible God's promises may seem, what he has said in his Word will come true at the right time."

Then He took me to the verse at the top of this God story, Isaiah 25:1:

"O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago."

How could I deny God was confirming that He was smack in the middle of my staying in Japan for another year! So, saying all the above to share with you, I have accepted the extension, and will be in Tokyo until April 2012 to continue "God's ancient work" in me, and in Japan! "To God be the glory, great things He hath done!" Thank you so much for being on the journey of faith with me!!! My prayer is that this story from God will be an encouragement, and faith strengthener for you too. If God has called you to something, or promised something that seems impossible in your eyes (or in the eyes of those around you), don't forget what the angel Gabriel said to Mary, "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

Thank you for taking a few minutes of your precious time to read this God story. And again, I thank you for praying for/with me and the people of Japan. God is at work in this incredible country, and He is obviously not finished with me here either. As you pray for me and the Japanese, I challenge you to pray the same prayers for yourselves and the people in your neighborhood, work office, or school. In Acts 1:8, Jesus commanded us to begin missions in our "Jerusalem." Whatever city you live in is your "Jerusalem," and that is where missions for you begins. As much as the people in Japan need to hear about Jesus, the people in your city need to hear about Him too. Will you be His hands and feet today in the place where He has planted you? That is what I pray for you!

Until next time, know that I love you and miss you, and am deeply grateful for you!

FROG,

Sharon

"I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:17b-18

Christmas Bells

Christmas Songs!!! Which one just came to your mind? Do you have a favorite? I know one of my Mom's favorites is "Carol of the Bells." Can't you hear the voices singing it? "Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells..." A favorite of mine has always been "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" in large part because for as many years as I can remember, my Mom has sung it at our church's Christmas Eve service. In fact last year, a good friend worked his magic and made it possible for me to watch my Mom sing live through the incredible technology of skype!

Well, out of all the incredible Christmas songs there are to choose from, one has rung anew in my heart this year. It is "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Casting Crowns. Have you listened to this new version of the traditional carol? Here are the lyrics: (You can watch a YouTube video of them performing this song by clicking the first picture link at the top of this blog page.)

"I heard the bells on Christmas day, their old familiar carols play, and mild and sweet their songs repeat, of peace on earth goodwill to man.

And the bells are ringing (Peace on Earth)

Like a choir their singing (Peace on Earth)

In my heart I hear them (Peace on Earth)

Peace on earth good will to man.

And in despair I bow my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said. "For hate is strong and mocks the song," of peace on earth goodwill to man.

But the bells are ringing (Peace on Earth)

Like a choir singing (Peace on Earth)

Does anyone hear them? (Peace on Earth)

Peace on earth goodwill to man.

Then rang the bells more loud and deep; God is not dead nor does He sleep.

(Peace on earth, peace on earth)

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail; with peace on earth goodwill to man

(Goodwill to man)

Then ringing singing on it's way, the world revolved from night to day

A voice, a chime, a chain sublime, with peace on earth goodwill to man.

And the bells they're ringing (Peace on Earth)

Like a choir singing (Peace on Earth)

With our hearts we hear them (Peace on Earth)

Peace on earth goodwill to man.

Do you hear the bells, they're ringing (Peace on Earth)

Like an angel singing (Peace on Earth)

Open your hearts and hear them (Peace on Earth, goodwill to man)

Peace on earth, peace on earth

Peace on earth, goodwill to man."

Every time I listen to this song, I am struck with the question, "Am I ringing my bell for Christ?" Have you every listened to a hand bell choir perform? The skill and precision create such a beautiful sound to the audience listening. As Christ followers we are the "bells" in His eternal handbell choir. He has designed you specially for His glory and to sound His love to the world around you.

Do you hear the bells ringing? Do the people in your office, neighborhood, grocery store, school halls, or church hear His amazing song ringing through your life? In this world it is easy to get discouraged because there doesn't seem to be peace on earth, and it seems that hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth goodwill to man. But be strong because the bells are ringing loud and deep, "God is not dead nor does He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail; with peace on earth goodwill to man."

Have you laid your "bell" in the hand of the Master Conductor so He can create the master piece which will draw the lost to Himself? Ring aloud for Him. Ring out His sweet melody to everyone you see and meet. This dark world needs the melody of our Saviour, and He has designed you to be a part of His choir. Let Him ring true through you!

Counting the Cost

"As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.' Still another said, ' I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service to the kingdom of God.'" Luke 9:57-58, 61-62.

"What does Jesus want from us? Total dedication, not half-hearted commitment. We can't pick and choose among Jesus' ideas and follow him selectively; we have to accept the cross along with the crown, judgment as well as mercy. We must count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else that has given us security. With our focus on Jesus, we should allow nothing to distract us from the manner of living that he calls good and true." Life Application Bible, p.1820; Luke 9:62

In the American Christian Church we often speak of "counting the cost" of following Jesus. But, do we really understand what that phrase means? Do we really understand what it means to "pay it all" for Him? I am realizing that we need to be very careful using some of the phrases we use in the church today, because I am not sure we really understand the depth of what they mean.

18 months ago I worked alongside some very dear friends as we packed up my belongings in order for me to move out of my house, as I was preparing to follow my Jesus to the ends of the earth. I joked at that time that I had a better understanding of why the rich young ruler had such a hard time deciding to sell his belongings in order to follow Jesus. Last year I stored, gave away, threw away, or sold all of my earthly belongings. Little did I know then that the counting of the cost was not over! Oh no, not by a long shot! I am learning that it is not a one time deal, but a daily process followers of Christ must go through.

What do you hold most dear to your heart? Think about that just a second. Honestly, what is the one thing, or few things that are the most important to you? Those things that you think to yourself, "I would follow Jesus anywhere as long as he doesn't ask me to give this up..." We can not serve two masters at one time! We just can't do it! God is a jealous god. If we really want to follow Him, we must be willing to hold everything/person in the palm of our hands, with our fingers stretched out wide! That's right, not clutching them tightly in our fists. When we clutch them tightly, it just hurts more when God asks us to let go of them. If we hold them in an open palm, we are acknowledging that they are not really ours, and He is free to do with them as He sees best.

When we put anything higher than Him, we are loving the creation more than the Creator. What does abandoning all for Him mean to you? Well, I thought I had that phrase all figured out last year. Oh how wrong I was! Choosing to follow Jesus is a daily choosing to sacrifice yourself and everything outside of Him that gives us security. Jesus wants total dedication. Will you let Him show you what that means in your life? I haven't figured it all out yet in my own life, but I choose today to let Him have His way. I choose to have open palms, and when He asks me to let go of the precious "things" in my life, I choose to crawl in His lap and let Him love me through the hurt. No one understands better than Him what sacrifice really means!

What does abandoning all for Him mean for you?

My Life as a Rubber Band!

Well, a lot can happen to a girl from HSV, AL in 2 months!!!! Since the last time I posted something here, I made it through Christmas and New Year's Eve/Day. My Christmas box did not arrive until January 4th! So it was different to wake up Christmas morning with no presents to open. Gave me time to think deeply about what celebrating Christmas really is. I spent the afternoon at my mentor's house with her family. It was a lot of fun and her husband is an excellent cook! New Year's Eve I joined two of my team mates for dinner at Outback! The steak was delicious!!!! After dinner I was off to ring in the new year with two other missionary families. It was a fun night of playing games and watching interesting Japanese TV. Not quite the same as watching the ball drop in Times Square (which I did watch by the way, but it was New Year's morning for me!) Then at 1AM on January 2nd, I watched my Auburn Tigers win the first bowl game of the year, the Outback Bowl. WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!! 2010 is the year of the TIGER!!!!!

The Tokyo mission team went a couple of hours north to Kairuzawa for our AGM (annual general mtg). This is the city that hosted the curling events during the Nagano Olympics. So, there was plenty of snow on the ground while we were there. It was a good time of fellowship, meetings, and worship. We do not attend American style churches here in Tokyo. We have church in places like peoples' homes/apartments, restaurants, or karaoke rooms, so to worship in a large group, and in English was quite a blessing for us.

At the end of January I flew to Hong Kong for a week of R&R. I met up with Malorie Smith (missionary in HK) and she took care of me for the week!!! Thanks again Mal!!! It was a lot of fun. I have posted some pics from the trip. The Jade Market was quite the experience!!! BUT, HK Disney was one of the highlights of the trip. I have now been to 3 of the 5 Disney parks (WDW, Tokyo Disney, HK Disney). Only two to go - DisneyLand CA & Paris!!!! "You gotta have a goal? Do you have a goal?"

As much fun as my trip was, I really did miss Japan. Actually on the bus ride to the airport in Tokyo, my heart hurt to think I was leaving this country. As difficult as the past few months have been for me, God has called me here, turned my heart to the people and their culture, and I realized this is becoming "home" for me! The day I left HK is was hot and humid, even at 6AM. BUT, when I arrived in Tokyo it was freezing and raining!!! It actually snowed 2-3 inches that night. It was the most snow Tokyo has had in a long time!

While on my trip I received an email from our "big" boss here in Tokyo informing our team of an IMB change that was being put into action immediately. My supervisor changed over night. So, the stretching (now do you get the rubber band reference in the title?) continued!!! It seems that just the time you begin to think things are settling down, someone yells, "fruit basket turnover!" So for the next couple of weeks my team went through changes in leadership, which in turn created some changes in strategy and vision!

Now, all during this time I had been praying about what I needed to be doing to put myself in the best position to eventually turn around and come back as a career missionary because the possibility of this is not looking as promising as it did this time last year. Those of you who are Southern Baptist know the situation with the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Although the amount of offering given was incredible for the economy to be as bad as it was, it fell short of the amount needed for the 2010 projections. Therefore, the IMB has made major cuts in order to live within the "means" we have been blessed with.

What does this mean? Well one of the cuts made was the number of missionaries to be sent overseas. So, now there are not as many open slots, which means that fewer people will be appointed for full time mission service. I found out in January at our AGM that there will be very few added to Japan over the next few years. When I heard this news I really struggled to not get discouraged. God and I spoke many times about how I stepped away from a ministry I loved, a city I loved, and friends and family I love and who love me, to follow Him here, for what I believed was career. Each time I "reminded" Him of these facts, He lovingly REMINDED me that what He has called me to, HE and HE alone will make happen. I began to have a peace about what I knew needed to happen to help me be in the best position to possibly transition to career in a couple of years, but I also knew I could not let my hand orchestrate the details. It had to be God at work, or it would not work at all!

Each time God has moved me in ministry He has first prepared my heart for the change/move, then the "call" to the new position literally came out of the blue. Not one of my ministry/missions positions came about because I pursued the position. Well, this time is no different. Have you ever noticed that God tends to work the same way in your life? Interesting isn't it? Anyway, as I prayed for His peace and direction, He gave me His peace and told me to be patient. Then on Tuesday (2/16) around lunch time I just knew that a change needed to be made sooner rather than later, but I could not see how it could happen. So, I just decided to wait on God and see what He had up His sleeve. At 3:45PM I received a call from my supervisor saying that our Tokyo mission team was making a major change in our structure, and the leadership decided to move me to a new team to better position me for the future possibility of coming back in a career position!!!! WOW!!!! I had no idea they had even been discussing details about me. God was at work, and once again knocked my socks off!!!!! So, in August I will move to a new team and begin a new ministry here in Tokyo. Not sure yet what this new ministry will look like, but I have a "feeling" that it may involve children somehow. :) It does not guarantee me a career position, but it will help me a great deal when that time actually comes.

So, at 10 months with the IMB, and almost 8 months in Japan, A LOT has changed!!!! Those of you who traveled with me on mission trips know that I always gave you a rubber band to wear on your wrist, or carry in your pocket. It was to remind us during the trip that being stretched is a good thing. It may feel bad at the time, but it means we are being used. A rubber band is ONLY useful while it is being stretched. If it isn't being stretched, then it isn't being used!!!! There have been moments when I thought I was being stretched beyond what I could bare. But, God was faithful each time to give me strength and encouragement through His Word and His people.

I ask you, are you allowing God to stretch you? Or are you playing it safe and staying in the box so you don't have to feel the pain of the stretching? Please hear me when I say, that although it does hurt, the joy you receive from following God far out weighs the discomfort!!!! It is scary to stand on the "line" and think, "I don't know if I want to leave this comfortable place to go someplace I have never been before." But once you take that first step your whole life changes. No it won't always be easy, but God did not create you to live on the mountain top right now. No, you were made to walk through the valley, and He has promised He will never leave you and He will never forsake you! In Psalm 23 it says, "Though I WALK through the valley of the shadow of death." Notice it does not say, "though I sit/lie down in the valley." No, it says WALK. So, keep walking with Jesus through the pain of the stretching in the valley!!!!! I challenge you to get out of the "box" and join the "rubber bands" who are being stretched for the Glory of God!!!