Fought the good fight

Forgive me for not being as faithful this last week about posting as I should have been. It has been a crazy last couple weeks. As much as I hate to say this, I am returning to the States unexpectedly in two days. God has brought circumstances into my life at this time that make it best for me not to stay. I am praying that the time I was here, God will use what I did to be a blessing to those that I came in contact with. Please pray for me as I travel, it is going to be a LONG trip. I am going to returning to my home in CO for the remainder of the summer, and Lord willing will be back at Northland in September. Thank you for your prayers during this time. I will let you all know how the trip goes!!

Love from Japan,
Jenn

Praise the Lord for His provision!!

Just thought I would put up a quick update letting everyone know that I have had an offer of additional fund being sent on a weekly basis until I have what I need. I'm not completely sure how much will be sent per week, but I will have a little extra money coming in to provide for personal expenses!! God is SO good, I had just read the other day the story of Peter's imprisonment in Acts 12. Verses 5 and 16 really stood out to me: '...prayer was made without ceasing of the church...and when they opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.' Are we so faithless in our prayers that we are amazed when God answers? Do we pray, really expecting God to answer, or just hoping He will? When I read this passage I began praying again for the additional finances I needed, but I also began praying that God would help be to trust Him to provide and not be amazed when He did.

Below are some additional pictures that I didn't get posted in my last update that I thought you might enjoy!!

Sunset on the Teshio River. Just a couple of the many Seagulls here, we also see Osprey and Crows, among others.

My first Japanese Starbucks drink. It cost about $6, but it was worth every penny, er yen (Japanese money).

Charity & I with one of the missionary family's kids that we met the other day!!

'...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' James 5:16

Konichi-wa (Hello)

Teshio Baptist Church (minus Mr. Mansell) with Charity & I

It has been just over one week since I arrived here in Japan, and I feel like it has been so much longer. So much has happened this week, I can already see the changes God is making in my heart to conform me to his image, and to give me the courage, strength, and ability to do what needs to be done in my time here.


Saturday is basically a time of rest from the week, preparation for Sunday services.Physically, both in body, and cleaning and setup, and spiritual preparation for Sunday.
Sunday services consist of Mr. Mansell, and Christopher (a Canadian who is on contract in Japan teaching in a nearby town) working with Charity & I in learning Japanese. We did a Sword drill using the Japanese words for the books of the Bible. Then the morning service is in Japanese with no translation, every once in a while we are able to pick out a word here & there that we understand, and we can basically follow along in our bibles if we understand the reference.

Some of the High School English students, oh the memories...

Monday morning Mr. Mansell has English classes that he assistant teaches in local Jr. High & High Schools. He also teaches on Tuesday & Wednesday mornings. Charity & I were able to go with him on Wednesday morning and assist. It was fun, and interesting, especially because I am NOT an English teacher by any stretch of the imagination. :P

Charity & I in a field of Rapeseed blossoms

Thursday we drove down to a bigger city for the morning where I had my first experience in a Japanese McDonald's. Charity & I were left 'on our own' for ordering when Mansells went next door to a pork grill. The waitress took pity on us and pulled out an English menu. :D It was fun, even though we obviously had a miscommunication somewhere when we only got one drink and no fries, but at least we had the sandwiches we ordered!!
On the way home we stopped and visited with 3 different Missionary families. It was fun to meet other missionaries, especially those that had kids. The younger ones especially were really excited to meet us, as it gave them someone else to play with. We will hopefully see these family's again mid-summer when they get together to celebrate U.S. Independence day. They also get together at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am looking forward to getting to know these other missionary families, and seeing how God uses this whole ministry experience in my life. Friday is another day to do extra-curricular activities, we already have some trips planned for the near future, and another missionary daughter from the Tokyo area is planning on coming up for about a week in a couple weeks and Charity & I are looking forward to having another girl around.

Please continue to pray for the remaining financial needs I have. God has already provided $4000+ for me, I know that what I need now will also be provided. Thank you for your prayers as I was adjusting, there are still adjustments being made in day-to-day living, but God is good!!

Mata ne (until next time)
Love in Him,
Jennifer