Faithful is He

The word faithful means reliable, true, and sure. That is exactly who our God is. He has shown Himself faithful these past four years in following Him and even more these past eight months of living in Japan. It is not because of anything I do or have done, but because it is who He is. It is in His nature.

If you would’ve told me a year ago I would be learning a new language, especially one of the hardest, I would’ve laughed and said “there’s no way, that’s impossible.” And it is true, apart from God, it is impossible (John 15:5).

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

-1 Thessalonians 5:24

This has been one of the hardest semesters of Japanese Language School. With that being said, I passed all my exams- reading comprehension, listening, speaking, grammar, and kanji exams! I’m in awe of seeing the God who called me to His work, give me the strength and grace to accomplish it. Faithful is He!

God’s favor has been so evident, thank you family and friends for keeping language learning in your prayers. May more opportunities continue to open up as He guides and leads!

You’re Hired!

For the past couple of months, I have been consistently attending the same coffee shop close the church. The owner, Noriko, is a super sweet lady that only speaks Japanese and always encourages me and helps me understand things in an easier way. Recently, I also started building a friendship with her daughter, Yukino.

A couple of weeks ago, as Noriko was making my latte, her tone got softer and quieter as she was speaking. I had to lean in and listen closely to what she was trying to tell me. I picked up a couple of words and by the end of it she asked me a question. I wasn’t sure if I understood correctly so I asked her if she could kindly repeat it again. Sure enough, she had offered me a job!

I was so shocked by the end of it I even said “me?!” to clarify. I was by no means looking for a job, but I was surprised to know she thought my Japanese was good enough to work for her.

After some research, it looks like my visa only allows me to work up to eight hours a week and due to my current school schedule the hours that are mostly needed are during class. However, I will continue to pray for God’s will and seek His wisdom on what the next steps are. Please join me in praying for Noriko and Yukino’s friendship, as well for their salvation!

The One

I have been able to use my time in school as opportunities to grow and learn in sharing God’s truth and love with a completely different culture. Every day we have a different teacher for the first three hours and then a different teacher for the last hour.

Last semester, I was asked to do a presentation on the most respectful and important person in the world. Some students chose their favorite celebrity, K-pop Idol, or President. You might have guessed it- I chose Jesus Christ.

During the preparation time, my teacher Itou said that it was impossible for me to talk about Jesus because I had no information on him. I told her I did and she persistently said I had to choose someone else.

The next day, a different teacher seemed interested but also said it was impossible for me to state facts about Jesus but said it was fine for me to do the presentation. So, with God’s help, I went for it.

Come presentation day, the teacher that was supposed to be our fourth hour teacher was sick and so by God’s divine timing, Itou was our teacher that day.  I was in awe just thinking how God wanted her to specifically hear about Him. As always, I was nervous but I knew this was God’s perfect plan and fully relied on Him for strength.

At the end of my presentation, she asked me for a specific example of a story in the Bible. In that moment, the Holy Spirit put the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7) on my heart. After that day, there has been a joy to Itou. I’m not sure what has changed, but this semester, the same thing happened again.

Just this week I had another presentation. However, this time on the most valuable thing in my life. Some students shared about their cellphone, others on their special belongings. You might have guessed this too- I shared about the Bible. And guess who my teacher was for this hour? Itou. Coincidence? Not with God.

I shared about how I became a Christian five years ago, how my anxieties and fears decreased once I started reading the Bible, and how whenever I’m feeling alone or sad I go to the Bible and it always cheers me up (I have attached a written copy in Japanese of my presentation below).

After the presentation, Itou instantly started asking me questions. She couldn’t believe I became a Christian less than five years ago. She also was astonished and seemed interested to know how the Bible helped me with my worries.

Please join me in praying for Itou, for her salvation and for her to experience the peace that is in Jesus Christ and for whatever fears or anxieties she might be experiencing. 

Jesus truly leaves the 99 for the 1. For Itou. For Noriko. For Yukino. 

One of many millions of Japanese, but sure enough, one.

One who He chose to die for. And if they were the only one’s whom He had to go to the cross for, He still would have done it. Faithful is He!

His love for us is so great, may you also be reminded of it today.

In His love,

-Mayra Alejandra