Wow! A lot is happening in our world right now. I have never experienced anything like this in my lifetime. Even with the changes going on we are still reaching out to the Japanese people. I wanted to share with everyone an update on what’s happening with Japan Reach during these crazy days.
St. Louis Trip (before stay at home order) ๐
We took a group of students and Japan Reach team members to St. Louis for a day of fun. Our day started off going to International Harvest Church which has a bilingual service with both Japanese and English. We met some wonderful people we plan to stay connected with and a few may even join one of our upcoming mission trips.
Next we stopped off at the Globe Market to buy some goodies from around the world. I think the students enjoyed seeing an aisle dedicated to Japan with its unique items you can’t normally get in America at the local grocery store.
Then we went to the zoo and saw a few of the animals. It was not very crowded so it was nice to get up close with the animals. My favorite part at the zoo was just being together enjoying each others company. I am glad we had this trip, because at the time I did not know some of the students would be ordered by their university to go back to Japan.
Before we left St. Louis we stopped off at a restaurant to eat some delicious Chinese food. It was the best Chinese food I have ever eaten!!
Nuu Thai in Columbia
We visited the Nuu Thai food truck for some spicy cuisine cooked especially by my sister-on-law who is Thai. This might become a regular Saturday event since we can still visit take-out places.
Hosting Students
We have opened up our home to host several Japanese students. Whether it has been for one night or possibly months our home is open to them. Currently, we have one living with us full-time. Last week we hosted another one for the night and took him to the airport the next morning. This week another one will be leaving soon. His plan is to stay with us between moving out of his apartment and flying back to Japan. I am grateful God blessed us with a big house to fill it up with people.
Moving Stuff
It is sad to see so many students leave to return to Japan. I will miss them. To help make the process easier we are moving their stuff into our house, so it will be ready and waiting for their return to America.
Japan Mission Work
The ministry is still going on in Japan. I am so thankful for my friend who translates my blogs into Japanese. The last one, Do Not Fear, has been shared with several Japanese people around the world. It has encouraged them during this difficult time. This is a good time to share the good news of Jesus. Marty has been busy working on his puppet ministry and sharing about Jesus in Japan.
As of today our trip has not been cancelled. I do not know what the next two months will be like and if we will be able to go or not. If we are unable to go to Japan at the end of May our plan will be to move the trip to the fall and also plan one for next year. God will continue to guide our steps.
Thank you for supporting Japan Reach. We appreciate you!
Blessings,
Tina