Revival is Here.

These past couple of weeks have been some of the hardest moments I’ve experienced emotionally. Death continues to be a headline and a reminder of how our days are numbered. 

There aren’t many words I can say to explain how I truly feel- but all I know is that there will be revival. Not only in America, but worldwide. Revival is here. Charlie Kirk’s name will go down in history for boldly sharing truth and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

His assassination has lit a fire from under many people, including the Church as a whole. Myself included, I have been reminded of the true power of the Gospel. When boldly proclaiming the truth, we will be persecuted, we will be hated. These days are evil and it will get worse, but death is not the end for the believer.

One year later and I find myself writing this newsletter from the same exact spot- but this time with a new mindset. God will overcome ALL the darkness- not only in America, but even in Japan.

I know God has it all under control, it’s all under His authority. He remains the same today and forever. I’m filled with even more hope and passion to share the love of Christ!

Thy Word

It was about four months ago when I was introduced to my friend Mai’s co-worker, Yuya. Mai mentioned he was nervous and didn’t want to sit in the main service and that he would join us with the kids. Since some kids speak only Japanese, I have to make sure I prepare the study ahead of time in order for Mai to have time to translate. 

This particular weekend, I was going to be teaching on Matthew 13:44-46- The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. As we sat under the tree, I paused and waited for the translation to be finished. It was then that I realized we were sharing the Gospel in its entirety! Mai and I kept looking at each other and knew this was the moment Yuya had to hear about Jesus.

The following weeks, Yuya continued coming to church and eventually ended up sitting in the main service. He had reoccurring dreams about a man standing far away before a large gate. When he would take a step forward, a path formed leading to that person. The path was lined on both sides with candle lights. While remembering his dream, he heard the song “Thy Word” during worship and it kept replaying in his mind. 

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

During this same time, he was troubled night after night with painful headaches that didn’t allow him to sleep for long. After a couple of times, he started to pray and the headaches miraculously went away! 

It was beautiful to see the Church, surrounding him and showing him the love of Christ. Exactly two weeks ago, Yuya accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior! 

God is doing miracles here in Japan and I’m so blessed to be a part of His work of salvation. Please keep him in your prayers as he is being discipled and continues to faithfully walk with Jesus. His baptism will be in two weeks, praise the Lord!

VBS

This year I also had the blessing of serving at Vacation Bible Study here at Abide. It was a joy to see kids come and learn about Jesus, some for the very first time! My task was to share the verse of the day in Japanese. Yup, you read that right- I shared the verses of the day in Japanese!

It was no easy task, I was so nervous every single day, but by the end of it I was in awe of how much I had learned. I praise God for His grace and mercy in allowing me to slowly learn a language that I never thought I’d be able to speak! Praise Him!

I will be entering my third term at the YMCA Language School and it is all thanks to your faithful partnership. I’m truly grateful for your constant support!

Thank you for your prayers in building relationships- we have had the opportunity to hang out with two locals and they even invited us to hang out with their friends as well (this is a miracle in itself)! 

I will continue teaching in the book of Ecclesiastes this Saturday- please pray for our time together and for my friend’s mom Mayumi and her salvation. 

I’m grateful to be alive during a time like this- may we be reminded that we are still here for a reason. 

May we continue to steward well everything that God has given us. 

To hear, just like Charlie heard at the beginning of glory, “well done good and faithful servant.”

Let’s make heaven crowded, 

-Mayra Alejandra