Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead - 6/12/2019

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! Follow on Facebook Forward to a Friend Calendar June 11-18    Sydney, Australia June 19-24    Osaka, Japan June 24-28    Jackson, MS June 30    First PCA    Biloxi, MS July 14    Chattanooga Valley PCA    Flintstone, GA July 15-20    MTW Summer Conference    Brevard, NC July 20-22    Greenville, SC July 26 . . . .    Inwood, IA Prayer Points Pray for discernment in where God is guiding me in my next ministry field. Three most likely options: Chiba; back to my original Japan ministry location, but a new neighborhood doing mostly university ministry, and other outreach events, in support of a proposed new church plant, with a new team. Nagoya: working primarily with a well-established team and a well-established university ministry. Sydney: primarily working with a post-university ministry called "City Sanctum" as well as university ministry. Pray for the other Genesis members as they work out their next steps as well. Pray for the 200+ students who attended our English events over the last several years -- that God will continue drawing them to himself. Pray for a good housing option for me for about two weeks in Jackson, MS.

On the Road & In the Skies - 4/8/2019

On the Road & In the Skies After spending the last couple of months in Jackson, MS, I'll be traveling extensively over the next few months. On April 19, I'll begin a road trip through the Southwest and West Coast, visiting supporters and attending the MTW West Coast Missions Conference in the Sacramento area. After a couple of weeks on the road, I'll fly out of Dallas on May 9 for Osaka in order to wrap up the business of the Genesis missionary team. (If you missed last month's announcement of the dissolution of our team, click here.) A big part of that will be liquidating the office & classroom furniture and various supplies. It is our hope to be a blessing to various Christian ministries in Osaka, including several PCJ churches and other Christian churches and ministries with whom we've been associated. Looking Forward During my time in Japan, I will visit other MTW teams there and in Australia regarding potential ministry opportunities. I've also had conversations with MTW teams in a couple other countries, as well as ministries here in the States. Your prayers are appreciated! Upon returning to the States on June 24, I'll be attending the PCA's General Assembly in Dallas, and then return to Jackson, MS. Please Pray: For safety on the road and in the skies For wisdom in discerning God's direction for future ministry For grace in wrapping up Genesis business in Osaka Follow on Facebook Forward to a Friend Calendar April 21    Bryce Avenue PCA    Los Alamos, NM April 24    Los Angeles, CA April 25-28    West Coast Missions Conf    Roseville, CA May 4-5    Phoenix, AZ May 7-8    Houston, TX May 9-June 24    Japan June 11-18    Australia June 25-28    PCA General Assembly    Dallas, TX June 30    First PCA    Biloxi, MS

Walking in Faith - 3/14/2019

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. Follow on Facebook Forward to a Friend Prayer Points Pray for the 200+ souls with whom the Genesis team has connected over the last years -- that God will continue to nurture and draw them to himself. Pray for each of the Genesis missionaries as we seek God's direction for our continued ministries. Pray for Japan, and that God will bring about a great spiritual revolution in the hearts of the people. Calendar March 29-31 Trinity PCA Missions Conference;  Jackson, MS April 21 Bryce Avenue PCA Los Alamos, NM April 25-27 MTW West Coast Missions Conference; Roseville, CA Email Change If you have my Genesis email address in your contacts, please delete it. It will no longer work in just a few weeks. My Gmail address (brentkooi@gmail.com) is the best way to reach me electronically. I can also be reached by telephone at 712-400-0327. Final Osaka Trip I anticipate a trip to Osaka in May or June in order to liquidate the Genesis office furnishings. I am hopeful that we can be a blessing to various churches and ministries in this way. I also will need to sell my own furniture, currently in storage, and arrange to ship personal things back to the States.

When God Answers "No" - 1/24/2019

When God Answers "No" In the last newsletter, I was so excited to announce that we had finally named a new leader for Genesis International College. But this was all contingent upon approval from MTW's vetting process. Our named leader and his wife participated in "Readiness Evaluation" last week, and the MTW assessors were not able to approve them. This is very disappointing to me and our entire team. But I do trust the assessors, and accept their decision. They spoke with me twice during the assessment period to get my perspective on their observations. They fully involved me, and I'm so thankful for their wisdom and discernment. What are the implications of this decision? That remains to be determined. It has been a long, long process. We have spoken with a number of potential leaders over the last three years. For various reasons, God has not called any of them to serve as our leader. At a certain point, we must consider that perhaps God is not leading us to move forward with our vision for Genesis College. Over the next weeks, perhaps months, I will be having conversations with many people about the future of Genesis. Possible options include: continuing to work toward our goal of a new college to reach young men and women with the hope of the gospel; scrapping our vision for a college and going in another direction; dissolving our existing team (hopefully each missionary would be incorporated into another team in Japan); something else that none of us have yet considered. Personally, this has been a difficult process for me. I never expected or wanted to serve as the leader of the Genesis team. Some have encouraged me to assume permanent leadership of GIC, but my time as interim leader has confirmed to me that God has not equipped me to be the number one leader of an organization; supporting that leader is more in line with my abilities. I've been tired, and somedays I've wanted it all to end. But I was confident that if we had a new leader, he would bring fresh air and new excitement to me and our team. In some ways, this is a relief; but mostly it is painful. My future is very unknown. But it is certainly not the first time I've been clueless about my future. Each time, I have seen God working in unexpected ways. God called me to Chiba, Japan where he equipped me for my time with Genesis. And I'm confident he will use my time with Genesis for whatever is next -- whether that is in Osaka with MTW, or something completely new. I do ask for your continued prayers in the next weeks and months. I will be driving to Atlanta on Friday & Saturday of this week, then attending an MTW "Reconnect" retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (This is a retreat for MTW missionaries who have returned from the field for their furlough.) I expect a good time of reflection and conversations there. Following the retreat, I will settle into Jackson, MS for some months where I'll get reacquainted with my home church, and have time for many more conversations and personal reflection. Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend Prayer Points Praise God for giving wisdom & discernment to the MTW assessors. Although their decision is disappointing, I believe it to be the right one. Pray for the Genesis missionary team and MTW leadership as we seek how God would have us proceed. Pray for my travels in the next couple of weeks, and for God to be my focus. Calendar January 28-31 MTW Reconnect Retreat Dillard, GA February 14-16 Reaching Japanese for Christ conference Kirkland, WA February 17 Westminster PCA Everett, WA February 20-24 Highlands PCA Missions Conference; Ridgeland, MS February 22-24 Redeemer PCA Missions Conference; Jackson, MS March 1-3 Bay Street PCA Missions Conference; Hattiesburg, MS March 29-31 Trinity PCA Missions Conference; Jackson, MS April 21 Bryce Avenue PCA Los Alamos, NM "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence." - Hebrews 5:7

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!! - 12/2/2018

GIC President It is with much excitement, and thankfulness to God, that I can announce a new leader for our Genesis team! Dr. Bruce Macdonald, from Williamsburg, VA, has been officially invited to join our Genesis team! Our Genesis team lost our original leader in 2016 due to health issues. Since then, we have prayed to God and talked with many people in our efforts to recruit a suitable new leader. Bruce Macdonald first contacted MTW in March 2017, interested in serving with us. He visited our team in September 2017, and again in October 2018. A great amount of effort and prayer has been devoted to finding the person God wanted in this key role. Bruce has a very unique story that make him especially qualified to lead this venture of starting up a college targeting "the forgotten youth of Japan." Raised in Saginaw, MI, Bruce became a Christian at the age of nine. He quit school during 9th grade, with just a 3rd grade reading level. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy, spending much of his time in Okinawa, Japan. During his Navy years, he was discipled by a mature Christian who also taught him to read, and Bruce earned his GED. While stationed in Okinawa, he also was a part-time associate pastor at an off-base military community church. After eight years in the Navy, Bruce and his wife returned to the States. Bruce struggled to earn a college degree, learning in his senior year that he had dyslexia. This explained why studying had always been so difficult for him, and allowed him to develop strategies to facilitate his learning. Bruce went on to complete a master's degree in Christian Doctrine & History, and later a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership from Regent University. Bruce's work experience includes stints at Christian Broadcasting Network, the US Postal Service, and Strayer University where he served as president of the faculty senate. He currently operates a consulting business and does some university teaching. Bruce has retained his connections to Japan over the years, traveling annually as a guest lecturer at several churches and a Bible school in northern Japan, and symposiums at various venues throughout Japan. Bruce's wife, Marilyn, also brings much needed expertise to our Genesis team, having a master's degree from the College of William and Mary in Education with a teaching license endorsement in PreK-6 and TESOL PreK-12. The Macdonalds have two grown sons, and three grandchildren. They are both very excited to be used by God in Osaka, and have a great desire to bring educational opportunities to young people in Japan who otherwise would not be able to attend a college. But more importantly, they desire to be used by God to bring life-changing hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Before Bruce can officially assume the title of team leader and president of our college, he and Marilyn must complete a vetting process with MTW. They are scheduled to attend Readiness Evaluation in January, and "Launch" in March. Upon approval from MTW, they will then need to raise up their support as well. Please pray for the Macdonalds; it has been a long road, and the journey is far from complete. But we are so thankful for this significant step in the development of our missionary team! HMA Thus Far What is "HMA"? MTW's terminology for missionary furlough -- Home Missionary Assignment. It's not vacation, but full-time work dedicated to reporting back to supporters on the work God is doing in Japan, and raising up any additional supporters as needed. Since returning to the States on October 26, I've been living with my Mom in Inwood, IA. There are no subways here, so I quickly bought a car, which is fun after four carless years in Japan! Just a week after returning to the States, I was the main speaker at the missions conference of Hospers PCA; Hospers, IA. I've also attended the Iowa Presbytery meeting and spoke briefly at One Ancient Hope PCA in Iowa City. I'm also doing all the standard health checks -- physical, dental, and vision. My mom and I flew to Washington state to spend Thanksgiving (and my 50th birthday -- that's a typo) with my brother's family. End of Year Giving With the recruitment of a new Genesis leader, I am now in full-forward movement. That includes supplementing my support account, which needs about $1,000 in monthly pledges before I can return to Osaka. Would you pray about joining my support team with an annual or monthly pledge? One-time gifts are also important in meeting this goal. The easiest way to contribute is online by clicking here. You can make a one-time contribution, or pledge a recurring gift -- monthly, quarterly, or annually. If you'd prefer to send a check, be sure to make it out to MTW, but designate it to my account number (Kooi -- 14009). Then send it to: MTW P.O. Box 744165 Atlanta, GA  30374-4165 If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this email or contact me at brentkooi@gmail.com. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and financial partnership this past year! Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend Prayer Points Praise God for providing a new leader for our college! Pray for Bruce & Marilyn Macdonald. There are many unknowns in their future. And MTW's vetting process will also test them, to assure that they are able to handle the stresses of ministry overseas. Praise God for a good transition back to the US. I've been staying with my mother in NW Iowa, speaking at nearby churches, and preparing for extensive travel starting at the end of January. I will be reporting to my supporters and also working with Bruce to actively recruit teachers and support staff for our college. Pray for the Genesis team in Osaka during my HMA absence from them. Some are in language school, and others in internships to prepare for future ministry in Osaka. Pray for me as I try to give some form of leadership from afar to the team in Osaka. Calendar December 2     Grace PCA     Sioux Falls, SD December 9     Sanborn CRC     Sanborn, IA January 6     Cornerstone PCA     Ackley, IA January 13     Inwood CRC     Inwood, IA January 28-31     MTW Reconnect     Conference     Dillard, GA February 14-16     Reaching Japanese for     Christ Conference     Seattle, WA February 22-24     Redeemer PCA     Missions Conference     Jackson, MS February 22-24     Highlands PCA     Missions Conference     Ridgeland, MS March 1-3     Bay Street PCA     Missions Conference     Hattiesburg, MS March 29-31     Trinity PCA     Missions Conference     Jackson, MS April 22-25     Twin Lakes Fellowship     Pastors' Conference     Florence, MS April 26-28     MTW West Coast Missions     Conference     Roseville, CA Culture Corner "Is Christmas celebrated in Japan?" Well, it's not a public holiday. But it is a popular event for many people. More lights and trees are decorated each year, and parents often give gifts to their children. But that's where the similarities end! For young adults, Christmas is a "must have a date" night. And families often have a reservation for KFC take-out to eat along with a Christmas cake. 99.5% of Japanese people don't know that Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus. They don't know that Jesus is God. They don't know that Jesus suffered and died for our sins, and that He conquered death so that we can have eternal life. They've never heard -- not once. Many Christian churches have special Christmas events to share the news of the gospel. Please pray that God will bless these efforts and that many people will find the true hope of the gospel.

Prospective College President - 10/3/2018

Prospective College President If you've been following our Genesis project, you know we have been looking for several years for a new leader to take the helm in guiding our vision for Genesis College. One prospective leader has risen to the top, and will be visiting Osaka next week, along with his wife. Please be in prayer for them, and for us, as we meet with them and seek the Lord's leading whether this is the person God has chosen to lead us in the development of a college for the purpose of reaching young people with the hope of the gospel. It has been a long and arduous journey, serving in Osaka following the departure of our original leader and visionary. Many people questioned whether it was time to give up on the vision for Genesis College; I had my doubts occasionally as well. In many ways, the "college" has been in hibernation mode these last years. During that time, we've had seven missionaries join our team, occupying themselves for future ministry through language study or church planting internships. Now that we are beginning to see some proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, we are sensing renewed hope for this vision that God has given us to reach young people with the hope of the gospel! Coming to America As of August 31, I have been in Osaka for four years! That means it's time for my HMA, or "Home Missionary Assignment" (sometimes known as "missionary furlough"). What is HMA? It is: Reporting to my supporters on the work that God is doing in Osaka. Advocating for the work of missions around the world. Recruiting new missionaries. Raising up any additional financial supporters as needed. Rest & Relaxation from life overseas (although most missionaries would tell you that HMA can be exhausting due to extensive travel, speaking engagements, and the lack of a "permanent" home that is our's). Reconnecting with family and friends. Required by the US government, as I would lose my Social Security benefits due to living full-time overseas. I will be basing myself primarily in Iowa, this HMA, staying with my mom. However I will be doing a lot of travel, reporting to my supporters and recruiting teachers and staff for Genesis College. I will spend the winter/spring missions conference season in Jackson, MS. I have a number of church visits scheduled already, in Iowa and Mississippi. If your church would like to hear about what God is doing in Osaka through Genesis International College, please let me know; I'd love to schedule a visit! Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support -- partnering with me in bringing the hope of the gospel to the people of Japan! Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend Events/Travel: October 26 Return to the States for "Home Missionary Assignment" November 4 Hospers PCA Missions Conference; Hospers, IA February 17-24, 2019 Highlands PCA Missions Festival; Ridgeland, MS February 22-24, 2019 Redeemer PCA Missions Conference; Jackson, MS March 1-3, 2019 Bay Street PCA Missions Conference; Hattiesburg, MS March 29-31, 2019 Trinity PCA Missions Conference; Jackson, MS Prayer Points Pray for our visit with our prospective Genesis College leader. Pray that God will guide us in this critical decision. Pray for all the work I must do before leaving for the States at the end of October. Pray that I leave well, have prepared people well for my absence, and pray for my HMA time in the States. Praise God for a good trip to Thailand recently. I had MTW leadership meetings in Bangkok, so I took a few extra days before and after to visit both the Thai mountains and the Thai beaches. The meetings were very helpful, and the extra days were good for me as well.