Hearing the Call

[kaji]

Hi every one,

My wife and I have been hearing the call to the missions’ field for some time. My wife has always had a passion/ desire for it, but I have been the dead leg.

Satan has trapped me in this world of securities, a place where I know (think) I’m safe, but where I have become so dependent on these securities that I have, in a sense, become afraid to step out side this box and do Gods work.

Sorry if that was confusing, let me give you an example of what I mean.

I have never been out of this country, my wife and I live in our home, in a quiet part of New Hampshire (where nothing ever happens). It’s quiet and safe. The thought of going to a foreign country for any reason, has always paralyzed me. A fear, I believe, that is based on insecurity (planted by Satan). In a way, I have always suspected that God (wanting me to grow closer to Him, by forcing me to rely completely on Him) would one day send me to a mission field some place where I would be forced to give EVERYTHING to Him to survive, where every thing I do is really for Him.

Making any sense? (I hope so. )

Take those ideas, and the fact that my job (which I do not enjoy at all) has become increasingly tedious and unbearable. Add in the interest I have developed in Japan over the last 3 years. Not just their anime, but their culture, customs, language and people. Toss on the practice God has been giving me through work with the youth in my area, and it seams so evident that we should not be where we are.

Anyway, on to the point here.

After much prayer and searching, my wife and I have decided to begin doing some research on various Christian Organizations that do missions in Japan. I was wondering if any one here has done missions work in Japan? Or if any one here is a Christian working/has previously worked in Japan?

Sorry if this question seams intrusive, I would be happy to respond with any individuals that do not wish to post here, via PM.

I would appreciate any suggestions or feedback that would help us as we begin our search for Gods possible Will for our lives in the missions’ field.

Thanks all,

-kaji

[Retten]

W00t! way to go kaji! Its nice to get out of our comfort zones sometimes because as you said it make us rely totally God which we should all do more often Unfortunately I cant offer much advice on the mission trip it self considering the fact that I haven't ever been to Japan but I wish you the best of times and Godspeed. I'll be praying for you and I cant wait to hear how it turns out

[TheSeaAndStars]

Kaji,
I'm not too familiar with the mission field groups but I just want to say that it is an excellent choice to serve God and leave all comforts and familiarity behind. May God bless u for serving Him. Always be in prayer. Expect that bringing God's Word to the world will always be bittersweet and, in time, rewarding.

[Jman]

I'd say go for it man, if its where god wants you...everything will work out fine.

[ZiP]

I'd have to say go.
If God wants you (points finger), to go on a mission, he will protect you.

[true_noir_chloe]

Kaji, have you and your wife been doing missions work within your community, your church? I'm honestly not trying to be negative when I say just be sure that you're BOTH in this together. Your fear of traveling could also be that God wants you to wait for something else - you are the heaad of your household, not the boss; but, the HEAD and God will lead your family through you. Aren't you glad you have such awesome responsibility? ^__^

What is great, is that you are without children (I think) and everything is open for the two of you right now. Again, I think its wonderful you both want to serve in this way - just be sure it is how God wants you to serve. You and your wife can serve hundreds of ways where you are right now.

Also, what church are you affiliated with? Our church sends out missionaries to various countries and maybe your church does the same thing. I'd go to your home church FIRST and ask around. I'd also seek counseling from the Pastor or youth minister, whomever you're close with and discuss your options and any advice he/she could give you.

Spend mucho time with God in prayer with your wife, also. Its important you're all on the same page.

May God richly bless you both. I think its wonderful you all want to serve the Lord.

[Ashley]

Speaking of missions work, I'll drop this little bombshell here: I'm seriously considering a missions trip this summer. There's one to Mexico I'm applying for, but I'm still praying about the funding and such for it. I've always had a heart for missionary work, and I've missed several opportunities in the past. However, it's my lifetime goal to go on at least one before I graduate college, so I'm hoping this'll be the one *crosses fingers* If you guys could pray for me too, I'd appriciate it.

[agasfas]

That'as cool Kaji, I hope you go for it. That would be a event an unforgettable event in your life. I really hope it works out adn God gives you the comfort needed to go forward. You too Ashley, I really hope you get the opportunity to do so as well. That'll be awesome.
I'll pray for the both of y'all. Good luck.

[Zedian]

That is an awesome oppurtunity Kaji, you know you can almost feel it in your gut when the Lord has something He wants you to do, and I don't think you should pass on this chance. I pray that you make the wisest, most beneficial for you two decision.

And even though it may seem a little odd being away from home, just remember God is watching over you two. Look at this as a great way to network to others.

[GhostontheNet]

Good choice. Also, remember Jonah; staying away from carrying out YHWH's plan is also insecure. Obviously, I have not myself done missions to the area, though I think ultimately that may be YHWH's game plan for me. However, I should mention that although their name escapes me, one of the regulars at the old Shiroi Hikari graffiti.net chatroom had experience there. Also, if I can pin their e-mail adress again, perhaps I could put you in touch with one of the missionaries of my church there. Finally, due to the reasons for closing the "pray for Japan" thread, I should make it clear that I intended no animosity there to anyone and I did not intend to be a factor in the thread being closed.

[mitsuki lover]

I think it's great that your even thinking of going as a missionary to Japan.
Japan is unfortunately one of those countries that seems to get overlooked
when it comes to missions just because it's one of the most modern countries in the world.
Whatever you decide good luck and God bless!

[Azier the Swordsman]

Well, if you are going to be a missionary, Japan is the place I'd choose.

Anyways, just from I've read about Japan, it sounds like a very nice country. I believe it's cleaner and the crime rate is way lower than the US.

At least it's not in the middle of a random jungle in Africa, you're still going to be in civilization.

Anyways, good luck and Godspeed.

[kaji]

Thanks to all of you for the prayer and encouragement.
Double thanks to GhostontheNet for following up with me.

Just to answer a few questions.

Kaji, have you and your wife been doing missions work within your community, your church? I'm honestly not trying to be negative when I say just be sure that you're BOTH in this together.

Hey True, my wife and I currently Co-Lead our churches Youth Group. We do not have a youth pastor, so we were more then happy to accept the job. Working with Youth for God makes me so excited. Though we only met most the kids 1.5 months ago, they have been great. The young girls especially love my wife (a wonderfully Godly woman). The church we go to is primarily old people and they have never had a leader that could meet them on their level. Out side of working with Youth, I have never done any type of missions work. NEVER.
In my selfish mind, I would never even consider it, but that’s part of why I believe this call is from God. Besides, everyone has to start somewhere.

Second part of the question: Yes. My wife and I do everything together, and by much supplication. I would NEVER drag her around behind me, we are always side-by-side and generally with out much effort. God has definitely blessed us in our marriage. ] Your fear of traveling could also be that God wants you to wait for something else - you are the heaad of your household, not the boss; but, the HEAD and God will lead your family through you. Aren't you glad you have such awesome responsibility? ^__^ [/quote] That is a possibility, but my fear does not really come so much from traveling its self as it does giving up my own security. But don’t worry, we are not blindly jumping overboard. However, this path will require both my wife and I to step out of the boat.
Yeah! It sure is a big responsibility (being the head of the house and all). Definitely one I could not do on my own. ^_^

Also, what church are you affiliated with? Our church sends out missionaries to various countries and maybe your church does the same thing. I'd go to your home church FIRST and ask around. I'd also seek counseling from the Pastor or youth minister, whomever you're close with and discuss your options and any advice he/she could give you.

We talked with our Pastor and his wife (another great pair from Maine) for a while just yesterday, though they are happy with our work with the Youth, they were both totally supportive in helping us find Gods will for our lives. Get this, (This is the best part!) during our discussion we found out that our church supports two groups of Missionaries in Japan. One of which is in the Tsugaru Peninsula in Western Aomori Prefecture. And they are always asking for people who want to come and help for a few weeks!!! It gets better! They are actually coming to visit just after Christmas!!!
We are both bubbly with excitement, but it feels so good when the excitement is for God. We are ready either way, but it sure feels like God is beginning to open new doors in our life.

Thanks again every one.
Please keep us in your prayers.

-kaji

[true_noir_chloe]

Kaji, I love your answers. ^____^ I'm sorry I played devil's advocate. I do that a lot with people. I'd say you all have it very together. Your wife does sound like a godly woman. You are truly blessed.

We talked with our Pastor and his wife (another great pair from Maine) for a while just yesterday, though they are happy with our work with the Youth, they were both totally supportive in helping us find Gods will for our lives. Get this, (This is the best part!) during our discussion we found out that our church supports two groups of Missionaries in Japan. One of which is in the Tsugaru Peninsula in Western Aomori Prefecture. And they are always asking for people who want to come and help for a few weeks!!! It gets better! They are actually coming to visit just after Christmas!!!

It's great how God works things out. ^______^

Off Topic: btw, you left your sig on at Darklight again. *hehe*

[Mangafanatic]

Speaking of missions work, I'll drop this little bombshell here: I'm seriously considering a missions trip this summer. There's one to Mexico I'm applying for, but I'm still praying about the funding and such for it. I've always had a heart for missionary work, and I've missed several opportunities in the past. However, it's my lifetime goal to go on at least one before I graduate college, so I'm hoping this'll be the one *crosses fingers* If you guys could pray for me too, I'd appriciate it.

Wow, me too. I've sat out on three trips organized by my church, but I'm serious considering doing one this summer to the Dominican Republic (on the same island as Haiti, if that helps anyone). I too would appreciate prayer concerning this matter.

And I'll be praying for both Ashley and Kaji.

[kaji]

Kaji, I love your answers. ^____^ I'm sorry I played devil's advocate. I do that a lot with people. I'd say you all have it very together. Your wife does sound like a godly woman. You are truly blessed.

No problem True, I’m happy that you do. It helps people really think.
Thanks, I just love my wife, she’s sooooo cool. ^_^

Off Topic: btw, you left your sig on at Darklight again. *hehe*

OH-NO!!! *hurries to fix before LB sends another reminder* Thanks True!!!

[Rev. Doc]

I certianly will be praying for all of you as you seek God's direction in regard to career missions and volunteer works. Both are truly life changing experiences. We had a meeting last week with our association's Romanian Task Force and it looks like I'll be leading a group back to Romania this coming June. We are organizing a group of pastors for March but the trip I will be leading will involve medical and children's work. I would appreciate your prayers as we organize these.

[kaji]

Absolutely Rev.Doc! It sounds like quite an operation, you have my prayers.

BTW, why are you a 'Hot Air Specialist?'

[Rev. Doc]

BTW, why are you a 'Hot Air Specialist?'

Most ministers are known to be full of hot air.

[kaji]

Hi every one.
Dont mind me, Im just a little excited.
I found the website for the church in Japan where the missonaries I mentioned work.

Check it out if you want.

-kaji

[kaji]

*Update*

WOW, super praises to God and thanks sooooo much to all of you who prayed for my wife and I over our missions to Japan.

As I posted in another thread, my wife and I had our Preliminary interview with OMF a few weeks ago. It seamed to go well, and we were scheduled for an official interview later in May… However just this morning we received an email from OMF International accepting my wife and I to their Serve Asia program for ministry in Japan!!!

I’m so excited I could cry. It feels so good to be in Gods will, and I am once again reassured that we are both following the path He has laid out for us!!!

Thanks again to all of you for your prayers, but please don’t stop.

You guys are great!

-kaji

[kaji]

*Update*

WOW, super praises to God and thanks sooooo much to all of you who prayed for my wife and I over our missions to Japan.

As I posted in another thread, my wife and I had our Preliminary interview with OMF a few weeks ago. It seamed to go well, and we were scheduled for an official interview later in May… However just this morning we received an email from OMF International accepting my wife and I to their Serve Asia program for ministry in Japan!!!

I’m so excited I could cry. It feels so good to be in Gods will, and I am once again reassured that we are both following the path He has laid out for us!!!

Thanks again to all of you for your prayers, but please don’t stop.

You guys are great!

-kaji

[CobaltAngel]

Wow! I'm so proud of you. Sometimes its hard to break through our fears and follow God. *highfives* Rock out... I will continue to pray. :3

[GhostontheNet]

*Update*

WOW, super praises to God and thanks sooooo much to all of you who prayed for my wife and I over our missions to Japan.

As I posted in another thread, my wife and I had our Preliminary interview with OMF a few weeks ago. It seamed to go well, and we were scheduled for an official interview later in May…] That's excellent to hear, though on the flip side I must say that it seems you have a lot of work ahead of you; be ready. And remember the proverb, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Or as Paul says of his missions protocol,

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

As J.P. Holding writes of the passage]Is Paul being a chameleon and a charlatan? No more so than the teacher who learns the dialect of a student in order to be more effective teachers to them. Is it being a "chameleon" and being "opportunistic" to absorb local customs and behaviors for the sake of viable communication? Not at all. This was especially so in the ancient world. As Malina and Neyrey note in Portraits of Paul, it was natural and expected for persons to submit themselves to and for the good of the group by meeting their expectations for behavior [190]. The "chameleon" insult is a product of anachronism by a Western mindset and in no way reflects any idea that Paul would lie or make up stories.

Edit: Oh, and you might find this article helpful; http://web.archive.org/web/20021228233928/http://business.baylor.edu/Phil_VanAuken/jcul.htm .

[Mr. SmartyPants]

AWESOME!!!! dude youre gonna rock man! Let God's work be done!

[Jeikobu]

Go for it kaji! I think it's great that God wants to use you and your wife in Japan. I also feel that that's where the Lord will want me to go. He has given me a real heart for Japan and I would love nothing more than to see them saved. So once I get through college I will also be on my way. But I am still searching to see exactly how God wants to use me there (I'm thinking missionary, but I'm not certain yet), so please everyone, could you pray for me also, that God would show me how He wants to use me there and that He would help me serve Him to the fullest? Arigatou. ^^

[kaji]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. (and the link GhostontheNet)

I will also pray that God will reveal His will for your life as well Jeikobu. Remember that there isn’t a need to wait until later to use the gifts he has given you. If you can feel His call now, perhaps there is something you can do now. I’m 23 and just a few months ago I could have never dreamed that God would use me to minister to people in another country. I have a good job, a great house in a little town, nice cars, and a comfortable role in my local church (leading youth). I was all set to just ride out the rest of my life, until I heard Gods call… and I remembered that my plan is not necessarily His plan.

If you are blessed enough to hear Gods direction in your life, don’t wait, and don’t worry. God will provide for you everything you need. Just keep following Him.

-kaji

[GhostontheNet]

Go for it kaji! I think it's great that God wants to use you and your wife in Japan. I also feel that that's where the Lord will want me to go. He has given me a real heart for Japan and I would love nothing more than to see them saved. So once I get through college I will also be on my way. But I am still searching to see exactly how God wants to use me there (I'm thinking missionary, but I'm not certain yet), so please everyone, could you pray for me also, that God would show me how He wants to use me there and that He would help me serve Him to the fullest? Arigatou. ^^

I'm in very much the same situation as you are, I know I swore to serve YHWH all the days of my life, and I have no intention of going back on that promise. I'm no Calvinist, but I think there are individuals YHWH set apart for particular tasks, and called them in a fully Calvinist sense; I strongly suspect I am one of those. At any rate, please pray for me as well.

[Jeikobu]

I will also pray that God will reveal His will for your life as well Jeikobu. Remember that there isn’t a need to wait until later to use the gifts he has given you. If you can feel His call now, perhaps there is something you can do now. I’m 23 and just a few months ago I could have never dreamed that God would use me to minister to people in another country. I have a good job, a great house in a little town, nice cars, and a comfortable role in my local church (leading youth). I was all set to just ride out the rest of my life, until I heard Gods call… and I remembered that my plan is not necessarily His plan.

If you are blessed enough to hear Gods direction in your life, don’t wait, and don’t worry. God will provide for you everything you need. Just keep following Him.

Well, right now, as I said, I am not sure exactly how God wants to use me in Japan. And right now, I'm in no position to go. I must finish high school and then college beforehand. But I am confident that God will reveal the exact details to me in due time. But I think you're right, there are probably things I can do now before I go. I'll pray about it. ^^

[GhostontheNet]

A couple of other tips for kaji that I forgot to mention. First of all, do not underestimate the linguistic importance of honorifics like san and kun, in fact, I read lack of honorifics after a name is either an insult or an indication of intimacy with the person in question. Therefore, you might want to learn the honorifics. Second of all, many Japanese names seem to us to be hard to pronounce, but this seems to me to be more of a case of our own minds confounding ourselves. Two helpful tips on this is that Japanese in fact only has 5 vowels; a pronounced like aloha, i pronounced like eating, u pronounced like uber, e pronounced like elevator, and o pronounced like oasis. Furthermore, Japanese is a very syllabic language, and its alphabet is in fact also quite sylabic. An example of this can be found in the katakana characters you see on the boards here, which read ke (or is that ku, these fonts throw me off) - li - s[u] - chya - n a - ni - me a - lai - a - n - s[u]. Third suggestion is that I seem to have learned that contrary to common romanization, there are no r's in Japanese evidently, only l's. Every r is an l in translation, and every l is an l.