I have been in Tokyo Japan for 6 days and what a joy it has been. We have been getting to know each other, doing worship, having teachings, and learning more about God and how we can share him with the people of Japan. I am so incredibly grateful that God brought us all together to grow and serve the Lord together. Everyone here is so sweet and genuine, and I feel the love of Jesus pouring out of each and every one of them. Going across the world with people you don't know is so scary but I'm already starting to feel safe and close with these people. All I can say is wow, thank you Jesus, thank you.

The other day, our squad leaders pretended to be people In the different countries we will be going to and we had to go to them and start a conversation and practice evangelizing with them. After that, we all went into groups of three to evangelize in the streets. So with trust in the Lord, we went out. My group went to a park nearby and wandered around to try to find people to talk to. There were tents everywhere as they have a big barbecue every first Saturday of the month. We found a group of college students playing volleyball and we asked to join them. They said yes and we joined them. As we played volleyball, we started talking to them a bit and then stopped playing volleyball as the conversation continued. My other squad member started asking them about Jesus. One of the Japanese girls named Nana said, "we are happy without Jesus, Japan dosen't have Jesus, we are happy without him". A different Japanese guy in the group said that he used to go to church but stopped going because he felt more free. Honestly in that moment, my heart dropped. It was so hard and discouraging. It's so sad to think that there are people out there who genuinely think that their lives are better without Jesus, that they are happier without him. It's hard because I used to feel that way, but Jesus has truly changed my life and taught me that my life is only complete with him. It's such a hard realization while being In Japan, is that there are so many people that don't know the Lord. Not only here, but all over the world. It makes me so sad but also so on fire for God. There are so many people that don't know Jesus and I can do something about that. God has appointed me and all of us believers with the great commission and I get the opportunity to do that here in Japan. Even when it's hard, we are still obeying God, even when people don't receive Jesus, we are still planting the seeds. It's important to remember that the whole point Is to plant the seeds. Victory, salvation only comes from planting the seeds. Planting the seeds can be hard. It dosen't always mean that you will witness them coming to Christ, but you did your part and you need to trust the Lord to do the rest.

Ways you can pray:

For God to open the hearts of the Japanese people

For Nana and her friends

For an American guy named Richie we met who has lived in Japan for 10 years

Thank you so much for all the prayers and support! My heart is full of gratitude for you all.

God bless!-Maranatha