Hope for Japan

 Our final weeks as short-term missionaries (we are transitioning to long-term service and plan to go back to Japan next year) were an incredible end to these past two years. While a busy time, it was very satisfying and rewarding watching these Japanese feel loved by Highrock church members and enjoy their experience here. In the end, God brought all things together, whether housing issues or other details. We saw His hand at work all throughout this trip. Our group was able to watch a Red Sox game where Matsuzaka pitched (and won, 5-1!), visit the Mayflower and Plymouth Plantation, tour Harvard, and historic sites in Boston. Each morning, they studied English with a gifted ESL teacher who also taught them the Fruits of the Spirit in English. When they returned to Tsurumi Church, they surprised everyone by repeating these verses from Galatians!

One of the most meaningful reflections from the trip is their reports to the Japanese church upon return. Rather than focusing on what souvenirs they bought or sites they visited, each one expressed how nice and loving their host families were and what hospitality they felt from Highrock. Several families hosted BBQs, brought treats to their class, or guided us around Harvard. These relationships are what stuck, which is really the point 🙂 One teen was even brought to tears as she shared about her experience with her host family. They even talked about our church, since it is very different from the limited church exposure they have had. The music and band was great, while the preacher was very animated. Two participants even shared how they are now reading the Bible we gave them daily. Another teen also shared with Miho how she now believes there is a God, though she hasn’t experienced Him yet. These are the marks that we are proud to share, rather than just that the trip came together and nobody was hurt. 

Today one of our Homestay participants hosted a lunch for the whole group. As the seven Japanese are a mix of ages, this was a great time to build unity among the group. Miho shared from Phil. 2:3-5 about how we need to care for others, not just thinking about ourselves on this trip. She also explained how amazing it is that we thought about the Language Cafe and this Homestay trip over three years ago, not knowing what may happen in the future. This is the first time for the Tsurumi Church, Highrock Church (Boston), and us pulling something like this off. Yet, God brought us together in His providence. Five of the participants had never been to church before meeting us. Now, they have all come to our service and heard Grant preach. 

Before Miho shared a devotion, our church gave each person their own Bible. Together, it was powerful seeing all of these people read the Bible for likely their first time. At the end, each person also shared a prayer request and prayed for the person on their right. For some, this was their first time to pray, which was evident. Though their prayers may have been short and awkward, it was a beautiful experience. We also felt like this helped bond us as a team who cares for each other. 

Each person seems so excited about their time in Boston, which is less than three weeks away. Most everything is in place. However, we are still praying and talking with people about hosting our Japanese guests. We are still in need of two or three families to help out. Please pray for these host families and for all that God will do through this upcoming experience. May we have fun as a group, but also experience Christian love and hospitality through this trip.