Final Report . . . as an Intern, that is.

How the winds of change are blowing! For everyone on the team, this is a new beginning, yet God is using the experiences He has already led us through to equip us for our next steps. We go from living in Japan as missionaries to; reporting in Canada and America, entering graduate school, finding jobs, receiving training and helping with church planting in other Asian countries. Lord, your light is our life. As you have led us before, lead us now. You have shaped us according to your purpose and called us to serve you in places where there are people that need to know your love. In your goodness, Father, please continue to grow our faith, increase our strength and desire with which to serve you, and allow people everywhere that don't know you to see your glory.

Asia Missions Forum: The yearly forum was in Bali, Indonesia in early August this year. It was incredible! We were a group of about 100, missionaries from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, New Zealand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia and India. Joel, Jon, and Ben all worked very hard on organizing and leading the forum this year. They did a great job! The main speakers this year were Kerry Holton (professor at York College) and Steve Sikes (full time minister and former YC professor). The theme was from 2 Chronicles 7: "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from thier wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." We spent time in worship, time meditating and relfecting together about the meaning of seeking God's face and the significance of our identity as his people. It was an amazingly rewarding and uplifting time!

Saying Goodbye: Watching Joel, Ben, Erica, and the Straker family pack up and prepare to leave Sendai for a while has been a very emotionally intense experience. Although there are many different feelings present at transitional moments like this, the strongest by far have been a deep appreciation for my team and overflowing thankfulness for the Lord Jesus, our Hope and Guide. Seeing groups of people come to the church and share about their experiences with each member of the team has been a really welcome opportinity to thank God again for all of the Bible studies, parties, cooking classes, singing classes, soccer games, volleyball games, sewing sessions, devotionals, one-on-one reading sessions, coffee shop conversations, cell group gatherings, meals shared in the Life Center at the church building and meals shared around the table at home. So many connections, so many memories, so many impressions left on peoples' lives by God's mighty hand. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to reflect on your accomplishments and displays of power in Sendai over the past few years. What an outpouring of love and well-wishes this team has received! Continue to nurture and grow our relationships. Thank you for watching over Ben, Joel, Erica and the Strakers as they make adjustments to their next "phase" of ministry. Continue to lead them and bring them closer and closer to your heart everyday.

Cell Group: a new season: We began again last week, meeting with both the members from the cell group Erica and I were leading and two of the members of Ben and Joel's group. We ate, worhipped, shared about our lives recently and read from Luke together. I was good to gather again! I think we had all missed it. Lord, thank you for the opportiniy for Japanese Christians to minister to Japanese non-Christians through this small group.

Kindergarten: I love my job! I love the kids! I'm learning a lot everyday. Joel got to come in and share about Canada for culture day before he left, and Ben and Erica also got to come in the meet the kids. Please pray that I can be a light for them, that I can have courage to take advantage of ministry opportunities with my coworkers as well. Thank you, Great Provider, for this blessing and remind me that I am to take what you give me and return it for your purposes.

Sasha is coming!!! She'll be here in about two weeks and I can hardly WAIT! I'm really excited for her to begin her year-long internship here, knowing that her giftedness will bless many people in the course of her time here. Please be praying for her; her transition to living in Japan, the start-up process for her ministries, for her financial support, and for the hearts of the people she'll be working with.

Thank you again, everyone, for your support in prayer and in funds. God has smiled on us! Thank you for being with me through this experience and for your continued prayer support. Please continue to check this blog for updates about Sasha, cell group, and the kindergarten.