Japan Team Update - Day #30
HIGH:
- Bitter-Sweet! Lately, we've often been saying, it's the last time we _____. The last time going to this restuarant, the last time we're walking by that, the last class we're teaching, the last testimony we're sharing, the last debrief meeting we're having, etc. However, as sad as the "last time" is, it's because the preceding ones were so meaningful. Core memories made. The amount of things to be thankful to God for is countless- from the big things like our team financial support/ opportunity to invest into the kids of Japan/ directly connecting to the global church; to the small things like receiving surprise treats from church people, getting driven to the laundromat by Pr. Elijah, walking into an air conditioned room after a long & hot walk... More importantly, it's the new ways we've experienced God, that we couldn't have experienced Him at home. Missions is more than a trip, but a transformation... Thank you Jesus, always!
- Mr. Noguchi! One of our favorite people that we have met here in Japan is a church staff member, Mr. Noguchi. When we were first introduced to him, he was referred to as "Mr. Noguchi, faithful servant to the Lord".... and no lies told here... We have seen him heading the audio/visual/ lighting systems for all church services- large and small, fixing chairs in the multi-purpose room, changing air filters for the A/C, taking videos for school classes, driving all the students in a large shuttle bus, trimming the bushes, coordinating maintenance repairs, bringing us snacks & drinks on a hot day, and leading intercessory prayer meetings... Shoutout to our hero!
- Prayer & Worship Night!
- Matt closes out our series of testimonies with a personal story about his career path. The church staff has shown their gratitude to all who have shared on YouTube, as the stories have been so impactful to their congregation and all the Japanese people who watch.
- To view Matt's testimony and Mimo on worship team:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h7m5iYa_Nc
LOW:
- Farewell! Saying goodbye is often hard, especially to those as special as the people we've developed close relationships with here at the school & church. Please pray for farewells & transitions for all involved including both our teams, our students, and everyone who has developed connections with each other.
BUFFALO:
- Costco Pizza! Another sweet lady at the church dropped off Costco Pizza to us as a treat! Here's our review-- we were pleasantly surprised to have a combo flavor. Same size, same cheese, slightly different flavor profile on the crust, giant pepperoni, not sliced but whole mushrooms, large chunks of sausages... SUGOI! At home, pizza gets scored an 8... In Japan, pizza gets the score of 8.5!
Missing y'all!
Japan Missions Team 2025
