Fi's First F(P)ost

Well, it was almost there with the alliteration.

So I'm here on our Japan team blog to let you know why I'm on the team, how I'm finding things and what you can be praying for me in the leadup to our trip.

I guess I'll start with the first one - why I'm on the trip. I went to Japan in summer of 04/05, when it was winter there - a cold, snowy, fascinating winter. Japan is one of the few places I've been overseas where I've felt isolated. Language and being able to communicate for me is a big thing, and when I can't say what I mean, I struggle.

Thinking back to the two weeks I was there, I remember what Jesus said when he sees the masses of people who are harassed and helpless, in need of a shepherd, and a saviour. I saw so many people in Japan, and knowing the statistics, I know that hardly any of them have ever heard Jesus' name, let alone responded to his claim on their lives.

But why me? Someone told me while I was in Japan that I had a gift for language. I'd never thought of it that way, as a gift, that was given for a purpose, only as a talent that I had worked hard to earn. Paul tells us that our gifts are meant to be used for building up the church. I've been studying Japanese for about 2 years all up now, and its very hard! But not as hard as others find it.

I also have been blessed with resources: time, (some) money, and the support of my church. Why not go? As I prayed and waited for opposition and reasons not to go, none came. I'm not sure for what future-looking reason I'm on the team, but I trust that God has a plan for my life, one that will bring him glory and give me great joy in being able to serve him.

Well that's enough for now. I figure more of that will work itself out as the trip goes on.

How I'm finding preparation and prayer points go hand in hand. They kindof explain themselves.

Please pray for:

• energy and building fitness, so that I will be able to cope with the stress of a new situation when we get to Japan
• wisdom until we leave, to know what is important and what can be left for later. I struggle to make decisions about priorities and say 'no' to doing things. pray that I would work on not piling more responsibilities and tasks on my to-do list, which is already considerable
• pray for good rest, health and sleep until we leave. particularly pray for my hands, that I might be able to see a physio and have some exercises to do in Japan to prevent pain that will stop me from being 100%.
• motivation to keep up with uni and work and finish the semester well, both with credo and my church youth group
• for our financial support as a team, that God would provide through his people the exact amount of money we need to do his work
• for patience and love for my family and friends, that I wouldn't be consumed by worry and preparation for the trip but that I would be able to love and serve them in the time left before I go.

I think that's just about enough to be getting on with.

Hope you'll keep reading and praying for us, and that this blog will help you to be seeing God at work in Japan just as we will.