I love working with Friends Network! I have a unique opportunity to share my faith with both children and adults who have never heard God's Word before. I also get to live in an amazing country full of delicious food, interesting culture and wonderful people. I have wanted to travel and do mission work since I was little, and it is amazing that with Friends Network I can do both. I am excited for the future of Friends Network in Japan and seeing God's work in action.
I have a new appreciation and respect for people from different cultures. We often hear and learn about different cultural practices and beliefs, but it doesn't compare to experiencing them in person. I have learned a lot about how different communication is here in Japan, and how to ask and answer in a culturally appropriate and indirect way. It is also fascinating to have conversations about religion or Christianity and hear a completely different perspective than what I am used to.
Please pray for our mission here and the people of Japan. While there is freedom of religion here in Japan, many people face persecution from their own communities when they convert to Christianity or even learn about Chrisitianity. Community is such an important part of life and culture here so people are often swayed away from Christianity because their family or community would not approve. Please pray that God would help these people in their faith and take away the fear of persecution. Please also pray for the students in our English programs. We are so blessed to be able to share a Bible lesson with our students after each class. We pray that God Word will grow in their hearts and minds and lead them to faith in Him.
