The Intro

I would first like to publicly commend those individuals, churches and others whom God has put on their hearts to support this mission team. I hope you agree with me in the thought that you're contribution is in the eyes of God and us on the team as equally important to the launch of this outreach as each 'team' member's physical presence.

Next! Why I am on the team......good question. Since the start of my Christian walk (which for happened at a definite point in 2005) I have been praying (although inconsistently) and asking for God to lead me to the next step. Becoming a Christian in the second last year of High school I hope His answer to my prayer back then was to continue my studies at university. My results in High school had gotten worse year by year but somehow I had just enough UAI to get into my current course Mathematics, Computing and International Studies (I chose Japan of course). So being a 4th year student of a 5 year course I am nearing the pinnacle life-altering moment once again and thus I am desperately asking once again where to go next. I come from a non-Christian home but my parents have over the years of my life been the most influential and loving people I have been blessed to have care for me. However, I do not want to wait idly for an answer to be transmitted to me from either God or parents. My participation in this team has personal significance because this is where I will be evaluating if I am suited to this calling. I intend to take the initiative in faith on this mission.

Why Japan? Since birth the country that I have been most interested in besides the country where I was born (Croatia) and the country in which I was raised (Australia), is Japan. As a child I was interested in Origami and Ninjas, which developed into an interest in Bushido, martial arts, written script and spoken language, anime, TV dramas, film. What drew to me Japan was being an Oriental country it was completely opposite to the western countries of my birth and upbringing. My superficial interest has over the years deepened into something I cannot put into words, but it has led me to study here in Tokyo for a year and to participate in this cross-cultural mission team.

I wanted to keep this brief, I hope it is. There is more to this story and I pray you would continue to read and support the team as we venture in God's name.

ybiC,

Alen