Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead
One month ago, I traveled back to Japan temporarily. Because the purpose of this trip is to close down the office and dissolve the team, upon landing in Osaka, I had a horrible "I don't want to be here" attitude. But within a few hours, I was enjoying interaction with a few unsaved young men at the home of one of our team members. It's bittersweet to be here, as I love the city (it really feels like home), and don't want to leave it. But I also know that God is good in all his plans; God’s plans never fail!
A few days after arriving in Japan, I spent a week visiting three other MTW teams in Japan regarding potential future ministry opportunities. I was able to eliminate Tokyo (the option in Japan that seemed the most likely), while the other two options, Chiba & Nagoya (which didn't seem very likely), became very attractive ministry options where I could be useful, even with my very limited Japanese language ability. Interesting how God works, isn't it?
Upon returning from that week-long vision trip, I got about the business of wrapping up our team business and liquidating the furniture and supplies from our office/classroom. Most of our things are now gone, and while it's a bit sad for me, even through this, God is allowing us to be a blessing to a number of small churches here who often struggle to furnish their facilities.
Genesis team members, past & present, celebrating what God has done through our team at TGI Friday's in Osaka.
Earlier today (June 11), I arrived in Sydney, Australia, to visit an MTW team here regarding potential ministry with them. I've joked that if I move here, I'm fairly confident I can be 90% fluent within a month or so. But honestly, working in a language that I know would be a welcome change. Yet I've been cautioned that just speaking English doesn't make one culturally proficient; Australian culture is different from America. With an evangelical population of just 6%, most Euro-Australians are quite resentful of the Christian church. However the Australian population is quickly changing as immigrants from all over Asia have been flooding in over the last 20 years or so. These people have been more open to Christianity, and are uniquely able to go back to their homelands with the gospel. In that way, Australia is a great launching pad for missions throughout the most populous nations of the world.
I'll return to Osaka on June 19, spending a few more days of liquidating final office things, and closing the office. Upon my return to the States on June 24, I'll attend the PCA General Assembly in Dallas. From there, it's back to Jackson, MS. for about two weeks. (See the "calendar on the right margin for more travel details.) It is my hope soon after returning to the States, God will affirm one of the opportunities in either Japan or Australia. Your prayers are highly appreciated.
Thank you for your prayers and continued partnership in the gospel!
