God Gives the Increase

Ohayoooo! It blows my mind to think it has already been more than a month since moving to Osaka, Japan. 

I remember learning about the planting process in a foreign country during Missions Training School. However, living it out is another thing. In the 10/40 window, the Unreached, we mostly talk about places that have low resources and access. We didn’t really touch on moving to another first world country. Personally, I never imagined myself moving to anything but third world. Suffice to say it has been an interesting switch and I’ve definitely had to learn how to do things differently. 

New Way of Living 

There are many differences that slowly have played into some of the culture shock recently. I’ve had to learn how to sort the trash perfectly into different bins, to be extra quiet in public spaces, how to grocery shop without being able to read the labels (if you know me you know this is huge for me), how to not hug someone when you see them (if you know, you know the struggle), and other challenges that come with communication. I’m having to re-train my brain constantly to fit into society and into the culture. In the process, I started to feel like I was losing my own sense of self. 

During my time of reflecting on this, the Lord reminded me of my true identity outside of all the exterior and worldly things. I am a Child of God. I am a daughter of the King of Kings. I have been wonderfully and fearfully made. Once I re-grounded myself in these truths, in these biblical promises of who I am in Christ, my perspective switched. The storm around me didn’t calm, but I was able to fix my eyes on Jesus, my Creator. I was reminded that in this process, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30). 

Aside from the mental struggles, life in Japan has been lively and fruitful. I’m finally settling into my own space, my own routine, and experiencing what life here is truly like. I also finally started Japanese Language school about four weeks ago! I’m so grateful for this opportunity to be able to learn Japanese in order to build relationships. Please continue to join me in prayer for language retention and for opportunities to grow friendships!

Let’s Celebrate Jesus!

In Japan, Easter is seen as a Western holiday and is mostly known for egg hunts and bunnies. There is no relation to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Being a part of Easter at Calvary Abide was such a blessing! On Saturday, we had an outreach for the Kids English Class and I was asked to share the gospel and the meaning of why we celebrate Easter. I made it just that- Let’s Celebrate Jesus! 

Similar to last year’s Fall Fun Festival, the kids were there with their parents. Regardless of the level of maturity in the message, I prayed that I would have the words to share the gospel simply. That is part of the reason why I love teaching kids. There is no crazy story I have to come up with, no dramatic light show, no jokes with punchlines, but just simply share the Good News. That is enough in itself. It reminded me to always keep His message simple, not just for the kids. After all He is the one who does that work of salvation, God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:7). He is the one who changes the heart, my job is simply to plant the seed. 

One of the girls, Haru, received her first bible and she was so excited! At the same time, another boy saw that she got one and in return he wanted one too. I love seeing children have a desire in their heart to know Jesus. I know this will also influence their families and I pray they all come to know of God’s love for them all!

Led by God

As I mentioned before, I moved into my friend’s Chihiro’s house and every month she would lead a bible study with women that had a desire to read the Word. Since she moved to Tokyo, she had asked if I could continue to lead it, and gladly I accepted. 

In the process, I was also praying for a translator. After my birthday dinner, I sensed the Holy Spirit place my friend Keiko on my heart to translate. When I asked her, she gave me a hug and was in tears saying she was praying for an opportunity to serve the Lord- God is so faithful! 

Keiko later told me how she was praying and she had the idea of inviting her mom, Mayumi, to the study. Mind you, up to this point, her mom never wanted to hear her say the word “God” or “church.” Regardless, she felt the urgency to simply ask her and so we prayed. By God’s grace, Mayumi said yes! My friend was in awe and could not believe it. We prayed the weeks leading up to it for her heart and for a sweet time of fellowship. 

I had planned the study for nine people, but in my heart I wanted a more private small group. So I kept praying for Mayumi and for God’s will to be done. I knew in the end He would work it all out.  

The night before, one of the ladies texted saying her and her son were sick and weren’t going to make it. “Okay Lord,” I thought to myself. I knew Jesus had already gone before me and knew exactly who needed to be at the bible study. Sure enough, it turned out to be a small group and perfect for Mayumi. 

My friend’s mom was totally open to reading the Bible. She even sang along to a worship song, asked questions throughout the study, and was even taking notes! This was so exciting to see as I could see the excitement and joy in Keiko’s face. All those prayers for her mom were now being answered in Mayumi hearing the Word of God. 

Towards the end, Mayumi ended up asking me how I was able to explain the text with a love and a passion. I knew this was an open door for me to share my testimony with her. She was in awe in seeing how God could change and transform a person. She was so blessed by the time and said she would come back! 

Once they left, I was rejoicing and praising God for what He had done! Keiko texted me right after and said her mom told her she knew that day was “led by God.” Mayumi knew there was no coincidence that it ended up being just four of us. Had there been more people she wouldn’t have been able to open up and ask personal questions. It was totally the Lord!

Please continue to pray for Mayumi, we will be meeting again on May 31st for a second bible study. May the Word of God land on good soil, may the Lord touch her heart and may she be ready to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior!

In my opinion, things are moving so quickly. I did not expect these past four weeks to happen the way they did. I was told ministry in Japan was going to be slow and it was going to be a long process. 

There is truth in that, however, I also sense an urgency in Japan. There is a pressing need for this country to be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also know for a fact this is the result of the faithful plowing of previous laborers. I trust that God will give the increase. Please continue to join me in prayer for the people of Japan and for their salvation.

I cannot stop expressing the gratitude and the joy in my heart. Thank you for coming alongside me on this journey and for partnering with me financially and through prayer. Yes everything is possible with God, but I’m so grateful that we get to be His hands and His feet for His people. 

May we continue to be busy about our Father’s business while we still have time!!

Miss you all dearly ❤

-Mayra Alejandra

Update on Miu-San’s family- she is now pregnant with her fifth child. Please continue to join me in prayer for her lovely family and their salvation.

Enjoying a time of hanami with my Abide family. Hanami is a Japanese tradition especially during cherry blossom season. The word ‘hana’ means flower and ‘mi’ means viewing (flower viewing).

Friday Night Church service at Abide ❤