Cross Country Vision Trip

@Saddle Back Church, Lake Forest, CA

HellooO!!! Sorry for the super late Cross Country Vision Trip update. A big part of it was because I was lazy to write my thoughts out, but I shouldn’t delay it any longer. So, I apologize for the lateness of my reflection.

Mm… So, it’s been almost 3 weeks since the team returned from the vision trip. It was a total of 14 people (10 GCC members and 4 Shoutai Church members). We took the GCC 15 passenger van, which the guys drove, and the minivan that the ladies drove. I believe we went to about 25 states and drove over thousands of miles in just 2 weeks. Every other day we were in the car, driving to our next destination.

Honestly, I didn’t really expect much from this trip. I didn’t sign up the first time because I thought the trip was for those who wanted to ask God for vision in America. I was thinking about leaving the United States for missions, not living in the States for too long in the future. Therefore, I thought this trip wasn’t for me and didn’t plan on anything. However, after committing to go to Japan, some people thought it was good idea for me to go. It would give me a chance to build relationships with the Shoutai Church members. And I thought that was a good idea, so I decided to go.

But oh boy, I was a blessed so much on this trip. I didn’t go with any expectations and just wanted to get to know the Shoutai Church members and some of the GCC people. However, God opened my eyes to see beyond my expectations. Through this trip, I learned how God truly provides for His children and the relationships I built with all the members on this trip were a blessing. Yes, it was tiring at times, especially because I was one of the drivers; but even that was a blessing in it itself!!

Each place we visited (Chicago, Mt. Rushmore, Seattle, Portland, California, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff (AZ), Ocean City (MA), and Philadelphia) God provided food, lodging, and new friendships. God opened my eyes to see that whether it’s through other sisters and brothers who provided for us with food or lodging or how Jefferson and Pastor Brian took us out to eat at most of the fast food restaurants or buffet style food, God lead each and every step of the way. It was God orchestrating everything. He opened my eyes to see the beauty of His creations in America. And even though I’m not the biggest fan of the United States, haha, He showed me how much He loves America and the people living in this nation.

Furthermore, God revealed to me what I needed to let go in order to fully commit and obey His calling for me. While we were driving throughout Arizona and into New Mexico, God reminded me of a promise I made to Him back in my senior year of high school. It was my first missions trip to New Mexico! There, my heart grew for people living without hope, dream, love, and trust. It was at my first missions trip that I committed to God in wanting to work in children/youth ministry and eventually become a missionary. I remember promising Him that I would leave everything behind to go wherever He calls me to – that I would leave my family and friends and this life in the States and GO. He reminded me of this promise I made and where my heart’s condition was. I carried my family’s burdens as top priority. I was planning on my future with going to seminary or getting my full teacher’s license, but something hindered me from taking steps into my future. And that was it – I was tied down by family’s burdens (especially financial burdens). That was the reason why I needed to let my family burdens go because God was calling me to something bigger than that. He knew I would be wavering if I didn’t let that go. And He was right. I had doubts and my heart was wavering back and forth to whether I should or shouldn’t be doing the things I planned, even going to Japan. At the end of the day, I would usually end up listening to my parent’s advice more than God.

I believe that God there’s a reason for everything. He had a bigger reason for me to go on this trip, beyond my understanding. And that is exactly what God taught me. I shouldn’t put God in a box nor should my family’s burden consume me. I need to give it up to God because I know this will be a hindrance to my future ministry. I’m praying that God will continue to work in me to reveal the things I need to let go so that I can focus on the ministry He has laid out before me, especially with Japan, as well as wisdom and discernment in hearing His voice through the Words and prayer.

I thank God for the things He revealed to me and the relationships built through this trip. I got to know the Shoutai Church members pretty well. What surprised me the most was that all the Shoutai Church members were opening up to everyone. I felt so blessed when talking with all the sisters. We were able to share our fears, burdens, joys in our life, and more. Old friendships were deepened and new friendships were created beyond superficiality. I can’t stop thanking Him for the wonderful, amazing 2 weeks on the road with everyone. Honestly, I was a little worried that we wouldn’t get along, but once again, God proved me wrong! Haha, I believe by the end of the 2 weeks, we became a family – united together by the love of Jesus Christ.

Please continue to pray for Japan, Shoutai Church, and me. I will be starting the English Class next Tuesday (9/20). Please pray for protection over the class and the students, that Satan will not take this as an opportunity to hinder God working through the church to share the Gospel. And also for me, that the Holy Spirit will work through me to teach the students and share God’s love with them through my words and action. And last but not least, please pray for one high school student I met. Her name is Ai Honda and she’s Philippine. She’s a friend of Ayako (one of the Shoutai Church high school student). I met her for the first time yesterday. She came with Ayako to church and it was her first coming into a church (she’s catholic, but doesn’t regularly attend). She’s super friendly and I want to take this opportunity to reach out to her. Please pray that God will work through us to reach out to Ai in sharing the Gospel.

Thank youu!! And I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the autumn weather in the States. I do miss it! It’s still really hot and humid here in Japan. Haha but no complaints! :P