“…take courage, dear heart…”

It’s been awhile since I have last posted, but things in Japan have been going well.  Fall is here and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Today while I was walking on campus, I’d look up and see a canopy of golden yellow leaves against the piercing blue sky.  I absolutely love the sunny ca weather, but days like today make me wish I had more of a chance to experience all four seasons.  We’ll see if this mindset keeps once winter rolls around.  =)

_______

 

“Take courage, dear Heart.”

This is one of my favorite lines from Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis.  I read and reread this section so much that when I returned the book to my teammate Mike it immediately opens to this page.  In the book in the midst of trouble Lucy cries out to Aslan and He whispers these words to her instilling her with a strength, peace, and confidence in the love He has for her.

In the last month my team has really been growing close and uniting together as we strive to bring glory to God.  It’s been a real joy and a privilege to be here and have an opportunity to be a part of God’s ministry in Tokyo.  This is my second year, but everyday is still a challenge, a battle.  Our team has committed a good chunk of our time in prayer and even fasting.  Crying out to God for we know that without Him we are helpless.  Four days a week we are serving at Waseda University and every moment it is so essential that we completely depend on God and yield to the Spirit’s leading.   Everyday there are temptations, worries, and exhaustion, but God always provides more than enough, covers us with His grace, instills truth, and fights alongside us.  I’ve found on more than one occasion Him speaking to me, “take courage, dear heart” when I’m feeling nervous, scared, homesick, or tired.  And just like Lucy in the book, these words have brought a peace and calmness to whatever I was feeling at the moment.  Please continue to be in prayer for courage.  That we would have strength and confidence in God and not in ourselves.

At the end of our days on campus we always end with a short debrief and close in prayer.  What’s been exciting is that everyday the Gospel has been shared to at least one but on some days multiple students.  I might have mentioned it before, but for many we are the first Christians they are meeting and they are hearing the gospel for the first time.  As we continue to minister on this campus please be praying for the Spirit’s leading and opportunities to share the gospel.  Continue to pray for the softening of hearts and revival not only at Waseda University, but throughout Japan.

 

I want to also share a song that I have recently heard for the first time and love.  It speaks so much truth and the more I experience God and the more He reveals Himself to me the more I desire of Him.  I’ve been truly truly enjoying my quiet time with Him.

 

I hope you are all doing well.  Thanks for all your prayers, support, love, and encouragement.  I miss you all.  Many many blessings to you!!  I don’t know where you’re at, what you’re thinking or feeling, but I pray for you that you may experience God’s love daily.  It’s at His feet, in a position and state of humility and full surrender that we will find all that we need.  Complete satisfaction, peace, joy, strength, providence, grace, freedom, and purpose.

"here at your feet, I lay my life down."

Advertisement