Japan Update!
Hi friends,
I am writing to let you know about my upcoming summer trip to Osaka, Japan! I had hoped to send an update sooner, but there have been some changes and some things still up in the air. Here's what I know so far:
I'm going on a 3 week vision trip with Encompass World Partners! Originally I was planning for a 2-month internship, but some things have changed and now my trip will be shorter. The purpose is still the same: to spend time in Osaka with this specific team to determine if it's a good fit for long-term ministry in Japan.
The dates for my trip have not been confirmed yet; most likely I'll be leaving around the end of June. I'm also unsure of the total amount I need to raise. It will be less than I thought because of the shorter time frame, but I'm still waiting to find out the exact amount. Once I hear from Encompass on these things, I will send out a more official email/letter with all the details!
In the meantime, if you'd like to give toward my trip, you can do so here: https://give.encompassworldpartners.org/person/allana
(If you prefer to mail a check, let me know and I can get you the information)
Here's a quick testimony about a recent answered prayer!
Last month I found out I need a new place to live by the end of May. I was worried about it because this next year or two is going to be a transition season for me as I finish school, travel this summer, raise long-term support, and move to Japan. This time feels so uncertain to me, especially transitioning from being a college student and having a part time job to being financially supported by others. If I had family in California I would be living with them during this time, since I can't afford to rent my own place. As I prayed and invited others to pray with me, God has already answered this prayer! A family from my church invited me to stay in their extra bedroom, rent-free. Praise God! He has given me a home to live in with church family when I don't have biological family nearby - what a gift to experience the family of God in this way. I share this to give God all the glory, because I feel so cared for by Him. He knows exactly what I need for this next season. It reminds me of the truth of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-33: "Do not be anxious about your life... but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." God is caring for my daily needs as I seek to follow where he's calling me. He truly is a Good Shepherd.
Prayer Points:
Pray for patience and peace as I wait for all the details to come together for this trip.
Pray for my move to a new house and new city (Thousand Oaks). Moving is stressful and change is always hard for me. I will be moving on March 18th.
Pray for perseverance and focus in my final semester of school, especially as I work on research for my senior project/presentation in May (I will be researching and presenting on the Japanese people).
Pray for my heart as I approach this upcoming transition period in my life. As exciting as it is, it's also lonely, scary, and sad as I leave so many things behind and move forward toward long-term ministry in Japan.
Pray for the team I hope to join in Osaka.
Pray for Japan, for God's hope and light to go forth in a nation that is less than 1% Christian.
Thank you for partnering with me!
-Allana
