Summaries and Takeaways- Japan 25'

Sunset in Takatsuki, Osaka

Almost 2 years have gone by since the day Johnson and I first landed in Japan, and in just 24 hours, this chapter, that my whole family prepared for, comes to a temporary close. It’s difficult to write this final update. It feels almost surreal, considering that so much thought and careful planning went into making this trip a reality, and now, we look to a future beyond Japan. 

Thinking back on the start of our trip until now, it’s easy to see how many different and diverse ways the Lord has used Angelina, my kids, and myself to show God’s love to those around us. 

Starting with Johnson and Cierra Tran: 

The main reason we felt called to Japan was to help our dear friends settle in, adjust to a new life in another country and support them as they navigate the starting of their ministry. We did just that. It turns out God was at work in this area long before we arrived and by the time the Trans arrived, all there was to do was look at the apartment, accept the monthly payment and furnish the space. The orchestration that God had done to place them in the perfect neighborhood, close to the church they’re called to, surrounded by people needing community and the love of Christ speaks for itself. God was, is and will be, in it. We were so blessed to have been able to pray, scrub down smoke smothered walls, clean bathrooms, and just live life with these two amazing and blessed servants of the Lord. 

YWAM Takatsuki:

Though Johnson and Cierra were the reason we felt called to Japan, I honestly believe serving YWAM Takatsuki was equally as important. I cannot express what a blessing it was to serve them and to live in community with these incredible believers.

One of many conversations in the main meeting room

As God would have it, they needed us and we needed them. We came in at a very crucial juncture for their campus as two schools were starting, sandwiched by a leaders gathering. People were scrambling to collect material for both an upcoming DTS and a nine month SBS… There was very little time for anyone to cook, let alone organize and take care of the kitchen as there was no permanent kitchen manager or staff. That’s where we came in. Not only were we able to reorganize, but we were able to prepare balanced and flavorful dishes for the laborers who were already tired from grinding tirelessly in preparation. We freed up hours for individuals to allow them rest or the extra time they desperately needed to finish other projects that had fallen by the wayside. On top of this, we were able to loosen even more staff to focus on the leaders gathering, preparing meals all week for 50+ people.

Japanese YWAM Campus leaders praying for one another during the gathering.

Beyond just cooking and food prep, we heard from staff and students that us, simply being around talking through our own experiences in leadership and our personal journey through SBS, spoke into their lives in ways we couldn’t fathom. In the end, we embraced a new family of believers and they embraced us. 

Our kids:

Heidi trying to make her biggest smile yet!

Yes, yes… It was hard. You know this because I always seemed to mention it in many of our past updates… and yet, they were such a light to the community. Our kids were rambunctious, but they loved well. Where YWAM Takatsuki was situated happened to be the same route many kids would travel to and from school. Both Milo and Heidi were always there to greet them with smiling faces and opulent waves. Though the students spoke little more than “hello”, they were equally as enthusiastic that these English speaking blonde haired children were trying to greet them. When we left our dorm room on campus to our current airbnb, we heard that the children wondered where they went and that they missed the two Americans in the window who seemed so enthusiastic to see them. The elderly also adored them. Japanese folks might be some of the warmest people I’ve ever met. To see their whole demeanor change because of a wave and grin from my children melted my heart. It is absolutely humbling to see how God can use a single smile to brighten the day of an individual. My children do not worry about being judged, they just want to make people happy, and they did. They were a light to many that needed it. 

Last reflections:

We have toiled, cried, rejoiced, laughed, yelled, ran, crawled, strolled, admired, learned, and loved. Unforgettable. We wouldn’t trade a single moment. As a first trip around the world, we gained a lot of wisdom both the easy and hard way. It was no easy undertaking to uproot our family and travel around the world to a country that doesn’t readily speak English, with the responsibility to continue to educate Milo while also commuting at least half the week over three hours. Though difficult, was it worth it in the end? Absolutely. And we’ll do it again and again. I have no doubt, this is the first of many endeavors. In the end, we were truly blessed. When times were rough, God made a way. When emotions were high, God made a way. When plans seemed to dissolve, He led us through new doors and, again, made a way. God consistently, without fail, always came through and carried us when we had little to give or our strength waned. 

This was my take away. If you come to God with an open mind and a willing heart, He will use you in countless scenarios, both expected and unexpected. This trip proved that fact. We will forever be changed, and cannot wait till He calls us back out to foreign soil again.  

Thank you to all who have supported us as we set out to Japan, your willingness to pray and provide financially made a huge difference in the lives of those we’ve touched in these past three months. From the Trans to the YWAM community, to the locals both young and old, you’ve played a vital role in the kingdom work God is doing and continues to do in and around the Osaka area. 

Now, as we transition back into full time ministry at YWAM Ozarks, we ask that you consider continuing to support our ministry in prayer and giving as we further our goal of fueling the kingdom one meal at a time in Ozark, the U.S., and internationally.