Walking in Faith
Over the last two months, many conversations have been had, and many prayers offered -- thank YOU for your prayers -- regarding the future of the Genesis team in the wake of the rejection of our named new leader. Is there a way forward, or has the time come to dissolve the Genesis team?
Our decision is to dissolve the Genesis team. As excited as we have been about the vision God gave us, and as painful as it is to give up on that vision, we believe God has made it clear that he is not leading us in that direction. Although he certainly did lead us to Osaka, it was not ultimately to establish a school. We are not yet able to see what God's purposes were for us, but we can see the following in ministry results:
- 11 long-term missionaries moved to Osaka to serve with Genesis. Of these, 10 will continue to serve in Japan with different teams.
- 2 interns are currently with Genesis. While they will both return to the States at the end of their terms this summer, they both desire to return to Japan long-term.
- Over 200 Japanese (and a few other nationalities) attended Genesis Cafe, as well as our other periodic events. Relationships were built, the gospel was shared, many gospel seeds sown. A number of students accepted invitations to attend worship services, some continuing to attend and hear the gospel.
- Our team members were all involved in various local churches, including three small PCJ congregations and a larger bilingual church in the heart of the city. Each person was involved in various ministries of these churches.
- Individual team members built relationships toward the gospel in various places such as language school, neighborhood cafes, bars, coffee shops, their children's schools, neighborhood parks, etc.
How can gospel work really be quantified? I personally led one young man in prayer, accepting Christ, and saw him baptized. His worship attendance was sporadic at best after that, and he later moved out of the country. I've walked with Christian brothers through their dark days, and was encouraged by them in my own dark days. Ultimately, we can only entrust these souls to their Creator God.
Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Verse 11 goes on to say
"My word...shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
God is not defeated, nor his plans thwarted.
From Here . . . .
Following God is not always easy, and we don't usually even know where he is leading us. He reveals enough of his will for our next step, and uses our experiences to prepare us for the steps after that. While we work to discern the path God has for us, we are called to continue to take the next step, walking in faith, that God will direct our paths. In my own search for that path, I've talked with team leaders in two different countries, and with MTW home office staff about opportunities to serve there as well.
For now, I will continue to serve on "home missions assignment" (furlough), reporting to my supporters on what God has done, and where he is leading. Your prayers are greatly appreciated in this time of discernment.
