Hellooo, everybody! It's been a stinking long time since yours truly has given a full update of the life and times of a certain eccentric missionary here in Sendai! Let's not waste any time, so here we go:
Last night, we bid our beloved teammates, Tom and Rosa Wilcox, a most fond and emotional farewell at their goodbye party. Okonomiyaki, a sort of Japanese pancake with cabbage and pork, was served alongside the sharing of memories in the past year. I'll never forget when they opened their house to me when I first arrived back in January 2019, until I got my own place. We'll miss their sense of humor, generosity, and bigheartedness they brought everyday! Farewell, my wonderful friends...
Sniff... Alright. Keep it together, Soren.
With the sad departure of the Wilcox's comes a new era for YWAM Sendai. I mentioned last month that our team was praying, planning, and interceding for the future of our base, the city of Sendai, and the entire Tohoku region. We're still in that process, so much prayer for Godly wisdom, humbleness, and creativity is greatly appreciated. Once we've felt the Holy Spirit give us the okay, we'll make public our goals and plans for exciting new ministries by the end of this month, so please stay tuned!
One thing I that can share with you all is that we've started a new "event planning" ministry! "Say, Soren? Whatcha babbling about this time?" you may be asking. Well, considering the success we had last month with the cultural show that we and the Taipai team came up with, our excitement for doing more public interactions has increased tenfold! The idea is that near the end of April, we're gonna to rent out a cozy rental room, which we found in Kokubuncho a week ago. There, we'll have a drama skit (written by me!), some testimonies, and whatever else we come up with for sharing the power of Jesus' love to the local Japanese. There's a YWAM team from Queensland who'll visit us for a brief time during then, so please pray that we can work with them to bring this event to full life! Once again, stay tuned for updates!
On a more serious note, it saddens and upsets me to see how vast and far the corona virus has infected the world. Considering we were in the height of it here in Japan not too long ago, it's relatable to see people's cause for extreme concern. Even the church I go to sadly isn't hosting church tomorrow morning, but thankfully they'll have a live stream set up and all! However, my encouragement to you all is as follows: trust in the Lord your God, in all you do, in times of joy and sorrow. Let not fear, distrust, and hatred poison your hearts into becoming selfish and hateful in the midst of adversity. But do be wise, not taking unnecessary risks or "short-cuts", such as not washing hands regularly or going out when you don't feel well. Basic common sense. I pray that the west will emerge from this with their eyes, minds, and hearts opened to the hope that God freely provides to any and all who seek Him. Amen.
And to cap everything off, here's a subject I'm not too fond of bringing up, but only because it's a massive necessity: finances. I can never expresses enough to everyone who's supported me all this time, whether it be monthly giving, one time gifts, or simply praying for me, my team, and for the people of Sendai. However, I must be honest with you all, as this tax season is looming it's intimidating head closer and closer: I owe over $1000 in federal taxes, and, unfortunately, I've been living month to month ever since I got here, much less saving up for taxes or emergencies. I actually met with my team leader, and he agreed I was receiving far below the minimum of living expenses here in Sendai. Under $600 per-month of what is recommended, to be precis. The Lord has provided much, allowing me to make it this far here, but it's sadly has gotten to points throughout the year in which I have to make decisions such as: food or train ticket to ministry? It's not a good thing in the slightest.
Therefore, I ask: if you haven't thought of giving a tax-deductible donation, whether it be one-time or monthly, please seriously pray and consider if you'd wish to support my work here in Japan. If only 30 people felt the call to donate $20 a month, it'll cover everything, allowing me to live and work without the fear of money in my heart, and to save for any flights, emergencies, taxes or unforeseen hiccups on the missionary journey. And please do not feel obligated or pressured to give. Only if you feel led to and can afford to do so. Thank you for reading and please pray this over.
To those who have already given: thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I couldn't do any of this without you all. My heart bursts with joy knowing there's so many of you out there with me in spirit as I share God's love to those who so need him. Til we meet again: じゃあまたね (See you later)！
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
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