We have officially started our ministry and school here in Japan! We began last week and I am entering into my second week of school and ministry. Our days have been very full — school in the mornings, lunch, ministry in the afternoons, and dinner together at night.

It’s been a busy season, but honestly, it has been so good. I’m so grateful for all that God has been doing and for the opportunity to be here, learn, serve, and see what He is doing in and through this ministry. School has been great but also a bit of stretch for me in some aspects. One aspect being reading Ebooks on my computer! That is something that is difficult for me as I prefer reading physical books. But honestly God has been helping me with it and it hasn't been too bad. The classes that we are all taking is: personal leadership development, four portraits One Jesus, Foundations of AI in ministry, and international missions in action. Some people are taking credits for these classes and others are not. I chose not to do the credits as I wanted to learn at a more reflective aspect than academic. That being said, my assignments are more journal based which has honestly been great.

Our ministry in the afternoon is street evangelism. We will split up in groups of three, and take the train to either go to a different side of Tokyo or a surrounding city of Tokyo. Street evangelism is another thing that has really been stretching me. It is so hard to share the gospel with strangers and even just start a conversation with strangers. It's especially hard in Japan. There are many areas where it feels like a simulation with going from one place to another which makes it really hard to talk with people. Even through the struggles though, God is still good. One thing that I've been learning is that street evangelism is so much more than just talking with people. Somedays you won't share the gospel with people, some days you won't even talk to anyone and that's okay. Somedays, its good to walk around and pray. God's presence is so powerful, His Holy Spirit dwells within us and that is powerful to where we are walking. Even if the day feels unsuccessful, there is Jesus being poured out with simply just being there. I think that there is a force and beauty that we can't even fully comprehend in that.

Outside of school and ministry, we have a sabbath day (Wednesday) and an adventure day (Monday). Yesterday was our first adventure day since being here and it was a lot of fun! The majority of the squad went to Shibuya, downtown Tokyo! I had really good sushi and I was very content, haha. We walked around, did some shopping, and of course, we crossed the Shibuya crossing! There was sooooo many people, it was actually so crazy. Tokyo is a gorgeous city and I loved all the big buildings, especially at night. I love city lights, it actually makes me so happy.

As cool as the Shibuya crossing was, I will say that it is slightly overrated.

*big gasp*

Yes, haha, you heard me, I think it is slightly overrated.

It was so cool, and I loved it, but personally I think I would appreciate it more if it wasn't talked about 24/7 when talking about Japan. Like, it's the biggest thing people mention when they talk about Japan and things to do there. That being said, I don't think that It's overhyped, but I do think that it's overtalked about if that makes sense.

Ways you can pray:

spiritual warfare is real and I have been struggling with lies from the enemy, pray that I will be filled with the truth

pray for the spirit to lead during street evangelism

I have been having some bank issues, pray that those will be resolved

pray for connection and unity in this squad

Joy be with you!

• Maranatha