Traveling North

For today’s team devotional, we studied 1 Corinthians 12 & 13, looking specifically at spiritual gifts and living a life rooted in holy and righteous love. We encouraged each other as we opened ourselves to areas we felt challenged and convicted of. The team was able to see how each of us plays unique, but important, roles in the calling we are all following. Our prayer: that God will help us to dream big from a loving heart, being patient, kind, never self-seeking, and always waiting on Him to do amazing works.
On Thursday, our last day of orientation, we were exposed to the religious climate of Japan and saw the heart of OMF for Japan in the ministries they’ve been involved with and hence, their mission statement of planting reproducing vibrant churches. The staff shared that it normally takes 10-15 years for a church to become independent and about the same time for someone to come to know and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. They expressed their appreciation of short term mission teams and showed us how they play a part in reaching Japan for the Kingdom. They love to meet people with a heart for those God has lovingly created. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Luke 10:2.
Our team had the privilege to head up a prayer meeting, lead worship and spend some time before the Lord with the community of OMF staff workers. It was a powerful time when people poured out their souls, showed their dependence and trust in God, and shared their heartbreak for their ministries. I was especially touched when we were specifically praying for the staff, they began to pray for us. Here are some of their prayer requests:
- OMF East Japan Conference (and for us as we prepare to lead worship there)
- Kenji & Miyako – to recognize that they are sinful beings and turn to the Lord
- Kusaka – that she would come to the church and know Christ
- A Powerpoint presentation for a staff worker’s home church in New Zealand and pray for support for all of the workers
- A youth worship night that a staff and a pastor are organizing and heading up, especially with the worship team’s unity and confidence
- A staff who has been with OMF for 3 years that is transitioning back home, that God would show him the next step
That night, we went to an area in Japan, named Ochanamizu, that was lined with stores that sold musical instruments. Colin was able to find a suitable guitar with a pickup to use for the time we were here and I bought a used djembe to use for all our acoustic sessions. We were able to visit the Christian bookstore and surprisingly found it very similar, in mood and atmosphere, to ones in Canada. They even sold many of the same products, albeit translated in Japanese, but we knew what they were because of their covers. To end the night, we visited Akihabara, or as it was introduced to us: Japan’s Electric Town. We saw many flashy gadgets and gizmos, but at the same time, it was hard to hear stories of and even witness how people would spend many hours a day in front of arcades and slot machines, wasting away a lot of time and money.
Jon’s side note: One of the coolest cultural things I noticed were their many options for umbrellas. Not only do they have stands in front of stores, but also plastic sleeves and even areas to lock up umbrellas. They also bike or take the transit here a lot more than drive cars. Wow!

Akihabara

Akihabara

On Friday, May 30, we checked out of our rooms at OMF headquarters and boarded the a north train to Hachinohe, and transferred over to Namioka in Aomori. We were met by Bethany, the Ghent’s eldest daughter, and Yuriko, one of the church ladies. They drove us (on the left side of the road) up to Tsugaru church and coffee shop, where we will be situated for the next two and a half weeks.

Rice Fields

Coffee Shop

Tsugaru Church

Jess and Bethany driving toward the Tsugaru church

There are a few other short term missionaries here that we will be working alongside, if not directly with. We were able to meet a number of the ladies that volunteer and help out at Tsugaru, who also were kind enough to cook us dinner as well. Our ministry began last night: Jono, Joanna, and I helped Aaron and Naomi Ghent with the youth group, playing games, singing worship songs in English and Japanese, and a sharing of a testimony (which Aaron translated); Colin was meeting with the Ghents to plan out all of our concerts, worship nights, church services, over our two weeks; and Jess and Abby helped out in the English Bible study. This morning, we were involved in translating songs, testing and ordering sound equipment, and making an inventory of the Canadian gifts we brought.

Jess and Abby organizing all of the Canadian gifts

Colin and Jono working on the office computer

Joanna translating songs with Bethany

Please continue to uphold us in prayer as we strive to be diligent with our time and energy, not really knowing all that God has set for us to do, but try to be as willing and open to anything we may be called and led to.

Japan Team Prayer Requests:
-protection against any form of spiritual attacks
-discernment, wisdom, and awareness of the things of God and what He is doing
-good rest and general health and energy
-continual team unity and focus on ministry
-cultural awareness
-healing for Bethany’s swollen eye
-Aaron: being wise with his time to finish high school, driving school, and preparing for a Tokyo high school outreach before he needs to begins his studies at Moody Bible Institute
-Coffee shop ladies: Nozomi (viral sickness during her pregnancy); Yukuri (immediate family relationship and working challenges); Akibu (growing of her new faith)

Jo’s Short Blurb:
Last night, as Ruth was sharing about the struggles of their church members, she mentioned things that I could identify with—things that I usually leave out of my testimony in more “western crowds”, because it is mostly irrelevant for, let’s say, Canadians in general. As she was speaking, I felt so strongly led to prepare to testify about this. Please pray that I would have the strength of heart to allow God to let these things resurface and bring healing to. It’s always hard to be broken yet again. May God speak to me again about these things so that I may joyfully tell of His faithfulness, love, and glory. Thanks, all! J

Arriving in Tokyo

On 9:15 am Monday morning, members of the Tyndale staff and student body sent off the Japan mission team with a time of prayer and goodbyes. It was a great way to start for us as Barb Haycraft, the Dean of Students, “commissioned” us through her warm words and blessings.
With much enthusiasm, the six of us traveled to Toronto Pearson airport, where we boarded one of Air Canada’s newest jets to begin our direct flight to Tokyo, Japan. The trip was approximately 13 hours and we took the time to rest, practice our Japanese, read, and relax with some on-board movies. We arrived just after 3:00 pm local time in Japan to a balmy and humid afternoon. OMF representatives Kenton and Steve were on hand to greet us, help us with changing our currency, get our train tickets and rail passes, and take us to the OMF’s head office.

Japan Team at Toronto Pearson airport

Jono, Jess, Joanna, and Colin on the train

Jon, Abby, and Kenton on the train

OMF International Headquarters

Actually, the city in which the OMF Headquarters is located is called Ichikawa, which is adjacent to Tokyo itself. Since arriving, we’ve had many first-hand opportunities to be exposed to Japanese culture and learn from the orientation seminars taught by Steve, Kenton, and other missionaries. During our time here so far, we have had sessions on cultural etiquette, local greetings and communication, team building, and planning for our time for the rest of the trip. One of the OMF staff gave us a taste of the awesome time we would have in ministering at their annual Eastern conference to the missionaries and their families. It was also encouraging to pray together, have time to spend with the Lord and His Word, and hear the personal stories of how God has individually led us to this particular mission trip. To end off the day and help us get around by ourselves, we were sent out in pairs on a scavenger hunt to observe Japanese daily life and customs, finding a number of very interesting items along the way.
We have one more full day of orientation left and then off to the Tsugaru church in Aomori on Friday morning. Though we are all still trying to get over jet lag and our bodies are exhausted from a whole day’s worth of activities, we are all still very excited to be here and wait in great anticipation and hope for everything that God has been preparing for us to see, do, and His movement in our lives.

Prayer Requests:
-focus on present ministry in Japan
-the Japanese people (the nation and those who will be ministering to)
-protection against any form of spiritual attacks
-discernment, wisdom, and awareness of the things of God and what He is doing
-good rest and general health
-continual team unity

Sayonara,
Jon

Four Days To Go

Konnitiwa!

In just a few short days, six students from Tyndale University College & Seminary will be embarking on a missions trip to Japan, or Nihon as they say it! The team is comprised of: Colin Owen, Jessica Sharpe, Abby Scott, Joanna Gorres, Jonathan (Jono) Beckwith, and Jon Nip.


Despite many efforts and the technological advancements, Japan continues to be one of the most unreached countries in the world. Though the culture, especially younger generations, have been influenced by Western ideologies and ways of living, this country remains rooted in Shinto, Buddhism, and numerous cults. Native Japanese people may even know some gospel songs, though they do not understand the words they are singing, nor does it impact their lives.

Our team will be using our creative and artistic gifts (music, dance, and drama) to interact, build relationships, and share the gospel message of Jesus within schools, events, and church groups. Included in this opportunity is the chance for our team to lead worship for OMF’s East Japan Conference. In addition, we will be helping the missionary family, the Ghents, working along side
them in their passion and call to minister in their particular area of Aomorie. There may even be oppurtunities to use our Canadian cooking chops in their bookstore!

In preparation for the trip, we have spent time praying with one another, meeting up to team-build, sharing our testimonies, assigning specific roles, and researching Japanese customs. While in Toronto, we took the oppurtunity to visit a Japanese church to observe their worship services and particular style of ministry. It was a valuable learning experience as we were able to meet with the pastors and even the Ghent's son, Micah, who has been in Canada for a while. They answered many of our cultural and church questions and gave us all a somewhat crash course on Japanese phrases. Needless to say, we were all falling over ourselves in trying to pronounce the words, but we'll be ready to go when we get there :) Lastly, the father of the missionary family, (Martin) had to make a urgent return to Canada for some family reasons and he was gracious enough to meet us immediately after arriving in Toronto. He gave us a brief overview of what we will be involved with and let us know some answers to our logistical questions.

Over the last few months, God has given us a heart for Japan and her people and has been preparing our path. Though in many ways we are stepping out in faith, we are all excited to go to serve, be a blessing to the missionary family, and see the the amazing things the Lord has set for us to do, experience, and be transformed by. We have already been very blessed with wonderful supporters, who have commited to praying for and financially supporting us. (including you!) As we start this journey, we would ask that you continue to uphold us in your prayers.

Please pray for:

-the unity, health, and safety of our team

-the reception of the gospel message by Japanese people

-the believers and all ministry workers in Japan

-the missionary family

Keep checking this blog for updated news, specific prayer items, and more pictures!

Sayonara and PEACE!

Jon