I’m finally going back to Japan! (June – August 2023)
Hi friends,
I’m so excited to finally announce the details of my trip to Japan this summer!
Since high school, Japan has been a place that captured my heart. My family had Japanese friends, I studied Japanese in high school, and felt God telling me that Japan would be in my future. Since then, I’ve taken 3 trips to Japan. Every time I’m there, it feels like home; I feel a connection with the people and culture. I feel drawn to this country that is among the least reached in the world, with only 1% Christians.
In 2017, I spent 3 months with missionary friends in Sanda, Japan (outside of Osaka). This is where I felt God confirm the calling to live in Japan long-term. My missionary friends then recommended Eternity Bible College to get more Biblical training in preparation for ministry. So, I moved to California for school. Fast forward 6 years, and here I am graduating from EBC in May! And leaving for Japan in June!
Trip Details:
Location: Osaka, Japan
Organization: Encompass World Partners (encompassworldpartners.org)
Dates: June 19-August 6 (ending date is flexible – 6-8 weeks total)
Cost: $8,000
Purpose: vision trip, to see if this is the right team/location for long term ministry
For those of you who received my last update where I said the trip would only be 3 weeks – yes, it changed again! I am thankful that Encompass was willing to work with me to extend the trip!!
I have a full itinerary while I'm there. For the first two weeks, I'll stay one week each with the Malaraes and then the Higby's (families on the Encompass team). Then for two weeks I’ll stay in a nearby rented apartment, to get a feel for what it would be like living on my own if I move there. I’ll spend lots of time with the team, experience Japanese culture, participate in any ministry opportunities, as well as discuss things like team dynamics, long-term housing options, and language school. Then for the fifth week, I get to take a week to visit my friends in Sanda, where I spent time 6 years ago! I’m so excited to see them again and catch up after so long! My final 1-2 weeks of the trip will be spent back in Osaka with the team, along with an Encompass staff member who will be visiting. At the end of my trip I’ll travel with her up to Tokyo for a few days before flying out!
As a side note, I also have plans to stop in Southeast Asia and visit friends on my way back to the U.S.! I'm excited to see them and also check another Asian country off my bucket list at the same time :) This part of the trip is through my church (Cornerstone) and separate from the trip with Encompass.
The total trip cost of $8,000 will cover everything: travel, housing, food, ministry/cultural experiences, cell phone, Covid testing (for entering the country), insurance, and even a few language tutoring sessions! The goal is to be funded as soon as possible, so Encompass can book my flight. I’ve already received $1,000 toward my trip (thank you so much to those who have already given!).
If you would like to help toward my current goal of $7,000, you can donate here: https://give.encompassworldpartners.org/person/allana
Checks can also be mailed to:
Encompass World Partners
P.O. Box 64528
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-4528
Make checks payable to “Encompass World Partners,” and include a *separate* note with my name and account number (don't write it on the check): Allana Drianis, #3142.
All donations are non-refundable due to IRS regulations. If I end up going over my total goal, it will stay in my account with Encompass for future use. If you have any questions, let me know :)
I am so excited! And thankful to get to share this with all of you. God’s faithfulness has been so evident in my life these past several years. Being in Bible college has been a really long (and good!) season, and it feels like things are finally coming full circle with graduation and getting to go back to Japan… Thank you for partnering with me and joining me in the excitement! I would love prayer as I finish this season of school and transition to Japan.
Thank you friends. I pray you are all doing well,
Allana
