It's been a while since I've written, and I'm not quite sure even where to begin. Everything has been very busy in Japan as we are getting closer and closer to the end, so I'll try to just hit some main points.
//The past two weeks were our last two weeks to spend on campus with the college students before their final exams. They were all already pretty busy studying and doing homework even then, so it was a challenge finding time to hang out. However, they are so willing to make spending time with us a priority--I have truly been touched by their kindness & genuineness. Our hope has been to show them in this stressful time that we care about them and support them, and we also hope to be a good outlet for them to relax.
The time spent with students on campus and at church was so precious and so full of joy. I feel so blessed that they choose to hang out with us and be silly as their break from studying and time to de-stress. It's so cool to me that they feel that comfortable the church. I think that alone is so powerful--just knowing that they feel comfort and safety from the body of Christ gives me chills. I think that that is just what the Church should be for unbelievers--welcoming && loving. Especially in Japanese culture, building trusting relationships is so valuable in sharing the Truth of the Gospel.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love on another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
When I think of loving these students--really of love in general--this passage always comes to mind. And as I read it here in Japan, my heart is full of so many things--heaviness, hope, love for these people, motivation...It reminds me of why I came to Japan, and reveals reasons that God sent me here. I came to show college students the genuine love of Christ. I came to be a part of God's work here in Japan, where so many have been tricked by the lies of the enemy. God has shown us so many glimpses of his work in this place, and I am here to rejoice in that hope with fellow believers! I am to be in constant prayer for the furthering of God's kingdom. I am to fight the evil of this world with good, with the Truth. In that, we know there will be victory.
//Last Friday, we had our last day on campus. We had several tables all pulled together as we made a scene with 10 loud Americans, a white baby (which draws A LOT of attention), and about 20 Japanese students. It was such a fun time, and it really made me realize just how much I am going to miss these people. I don't think I expected to be so attached to the students here, but the thought of not furthering the relationships I've made truly breaks my heart. I would love to be a part of their future at this church, but I realize that my part in God's work here may not be what I would see as ideal. God's plan is greater, and he is doing things and working in ways that I don't even know about. I'm blessed to even play a tiny part in the story of someone's journey to finding Jesus. God is so gracious to use us in his perfect plans.
That was the last day that many of the students could see our leaders, Kyle & Noelle--and Lilly of course--and I saw preview of the teary goodbyes that we will have to make next week. The students showed so much love and care in personalized gifts they made and kind notes they wrote, I'm blown away by their genuineness.
//This week we're helping with the Kid's Gospel Week at church, and it's so fun to do something so different than the rest of the summer. It's exciting to end our summer on this, not to mention to awesome karaoke going away party our dear friends are throwing for us this weekend.
It's so overwhelming trying to process all that God has taught me this summer, but it's been an amazing experience. There has been so much good this summer, I wish I could remember every last detail of every moment. I know God will continue to teach me more as this week goes on, and even more once I'm back home in Missouri.
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
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