Why Japan?

Hey there!

I wanted to share my heart about how Dan and I have come to make the life changing decision in moving to Japan. With the reality of leaving in a few weeks on a one way flight, nerves have begun to hit and speedy plans are being made. This has been an exciting/nerve racking adventure thus far!When we attended Christ for the Nations Inst. In Dallas, TX, we were sure we would attend the Leadership & Pastoral major. We would get our degree, work and serve in a church, become young pastors and live in a character home with a white picket fence (maybe a dog). The ‘Christian’ American Dream – win those to the Lord while making a huge success of yourself. We interned at YFN (CFNI’s Youth Camp). We were sure we would actually become youth pastors then later become pastors and capture all teenagers hearts with our testimonies about overcoming pornography and broken hearts. Once it was time to actually pick a major we decided we would pray about it. God led us to attend ‘Global Missions Major.’ My view of missions was wearing a grass skirt and living in a mud hut (I had no idea missions can be done in our own backyard!). We soon found I was pregnant with our first child and knew it would be too complicated to complete the second semester of GMM on the field with a four month old. After graduating, Dan worked at a financial company while we raised our son in his infant stage. Dan began dreading day after day staring at a computer screen. He knew he was to quit his job and we would continue in faith for the next step. That’s exactly what we did! He quit, we sold a lot and moved back in with Dan’s parents from Dallas to Houston, TX. Needless to say, it has been quite the transition with pros and cons. We found out my mother in law had breast cancer and thankfully we were here for any help she needed during her intense recovery. We had applied to go to a school called ACTS associated with IHOP (International House of Prayer) in Georgia. It would be three months state side training then three months on the field and after evaluation, we would make a two year commitment. We had everything paid for, money raised, plane tickets booked and items packed. On moving day we received a call that the school semester had been cancelled. Now what?! We were so confused on if we were hearing God right. In God’s plans, we are not the only ones that follow through… others need to as well for His will to happen. It ended up being a blessing for us! We truly did not need state side training and surprise, pregnant with second baby! (Not sure how it would have worked out in constant transition). We went back to the drawing board (prayer closet). By this time Japan was already on our hearts.

Japan: I am a dreamer. I have many dreams with lots of meaning and sometimes bring direction. One morning (November 2014), I woke up with *Tokyo* on my mind/heart. I thought maybe it was to pray for Japan. Then I started seeing Tokyo/Japan everywhere! That following day during one of Caellum’s baby shows, a ‘monster band’ started singing about Tokyo, Japan. Later I watched ‘Four Weddings’ (which I had not seen in years) during his nap. The winner gets a honeymoon to a romantic destination. Guess where this couple won?! Yup, Tokyo Japan! Every episode I have seen is all to Islands in the Caribbean… not an Asian country! Those are just two occurrences. Dan encountered a few people… one returned from a business trip in Japan, one was born in Japan, and one’s aunt was in Japan. We had things like this happen consistently for a few months. Then it all stopped. We knew we had to go. More so Dan did. God gave me the ‘vision’ and Dan has laid it out for us. I have gone back and forth with the idea but knowing it is the right thing in the end. I have felt I have let family members down or constantly hearing poor Caellum and next baby will not see his grandparents. Regardless, I answer to God and one day I will stand before Him and hold account to everything He asked me to do. I also refuse to alter my children’s destiny… especially if it is there for them in Japan.

Where are we going in Japan and through what church/ministry?
We will be in the most Northern island (the coldest!) called Hokkaido, in the city of Asahikawa. We will be under Dan’s parent’s ministry (Freedom Today Ministries) as our covering. One day Dan was at CFNI revisiting some friends of ours. He mentioned to them about our plans to go to Japan. His friend said you have to get together with this couple I know! Come to find out, they had lived two doors down from us most of our time at CFNI! They are a wonderful couple with two children and one on the way from Japan. They learned English and came to Dallas, TX to attend CFNI. After graduation, they would be moving back to their hometown of Asahikawa. Dan met with them and instantly connected. They had asked God to send an American family to come to Japan and partner with them. It was a true connection and we felt peace about moving forward. They will be our host family and help us as we get accommodated in Japan. Once settled in, we will all begin seeking God on His ministry for us to implement to His Japanese people.

As of now we are unsure of how long we will be in Japan. God does not always give the HUGE picture. He has given us a step at a time ‘plan’ and we are following the best we know to do. Dan is in Japan right now preparing the ground for us. He is finding housing, transportation, gathering pricing for our budget, building relationships and studying the culture. (That way we do not go in stressed or blind-sided). It has been extremely beneficial for our family!

Once arriving, Dan and I will be continuing to learn the language, explore around us, and learn as much about the culture as we can. We plan to have our second child in February in Japan. The father of the wife of our host family is the pastor of a church in Asahikawa. We will serve and be attending his church. Dan plans to also teach English and work any side jobs he can. God has given us both a heart to evangelize the Japanese people and bring salvation to many around us. In Japan, the gospel is accessible but most do not know this. They do not know the name of Jesus and that He died for them. Most are stuck in false religious acts trying to pay their way, cleanse their sins and be accepted into the after-life for being a good person. We want to help bring Kingdom culture to those around us and shed light with the hope and love of Christ.

Be encouraged that YOU can do whatever God has for you. Do not allow excuses or time to hold you back from His voice and destiny. We only have this time on earth to reach lost souls and bring His hope to others.