Our journey to Japan through 2009

We began 2009 full of enthusiasm and energy that fueled us through the rest of the year. We had just returned from our one-month vision trip to Japan and spent a wonderful time with our family to finish off 2008.

2009 started off with us attending Pioneers International's Candidate Orientation Program (COP) in January (picture) where we met with the leaders of the organization, the administrative staff and other missionaries looking for a partnering missions agency. Our schedule was filled with worship, sharing of testimonies, learning about Pioneers, intensive interviews and times of fellowship. Everyone there felt as if they were part of one big family, and God confirmed to us through various conversations and with much peace that Pioneers was the organization with which we were to partner in our journey to Japan. This was the beginning of when God prompted us to raise up prayer and financial partners as opposed to going to Japan as tentmakers. Now we realize God's wisdom in this, which was for us to share of the spiritual need in Japan to the many people who would not have heard about the deep spiritual need in Japan otherwise. Now, hundreds of people are much more aware that 99.6% of the Japanese population do not know the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.

February was a rough month for Jenny. She started having stomach pains that we couldn't explain. After going to the doctor, we discovered she suffered from gastritis. She took various prescription medications, but none helped. One day, while visiting Peter's parents, Peter's dad introduced her to bamboo roasted salt. In just a couple of days Jenny started feeling much better. Unfortunately, this remedy had a negative side-effect. Since this salt had to be consumed orally and smells like rotten eggs, Peter kept his distance from her. ;) We were both glad that she healed quickly. All the while, we were in the process of creating our brochures (English & Korean), prayer magnets, and missions presentation.

At the beginning of March, we found ourselves back at PI's HQ in Orlando, Florida for their Pre-Field Connection (PFC) where we were united with other missionaries who were on the verge of departing to their designated missions locations. Most of the attendees had been raising support from anywhere between 2-10 years and were now just attending PFC. We were so encouraged to hear each of the stories of their journeys that God was taking them on, and we were ready to return to San Jose to start sharing our journey with others.

Since then we've connected with 26 churches, spoke at 23 Small Group Gatherings, have 226 Prayer Partners, and over 200 people have partnered with us in either one time or monthly financial support. We thank God in providing these divine appointments and opportunities to make new friendships and partners in helping to make a difference in Japan through the Good News of Jesus Christ. It truly is a miracle and we really can't help but acknowledge God's hand being with our preparations to go to Hiroshima, Japan.

The graph shows the progress we've made in our journey to Japan. Each point shows monthly total of the number of people who committed to being our prayer partners, and amounts given and pledged in finances as percentages of our total goals: 365 prayer partners, $42,750 Departure Fund, and $7,162 Monthly Support.

April - Our "partnership development" phase officially started with our first speaking engagement to AWANA kids! We shared how two young eleven year old girls, Sydney and Taylor (the daughters of our Team Leaders in Hiroshima), were making a difference in Japan, and that God can speak through any one at any age.

May - Our first opportunities to share to an adult audience. =) We had wonderful times of sharing, encouragement, worship and prayer.

June - A generous family had offered a $3,000 Matching Gift Donation, which was matched in less than a month! These partners helped raise over $6,000 for our Departure Fund.

July - Another generous family had offered a $4,000 Matching Gift Donation, which was also matched in less than a month and helped raise over $8,000 toward our Departure Fund! We also went on a 3-week trip to Dallas, TX to make some new connections there. We met many friendly faces, and were very encouraged.

August - Motorcycle Bike-a-Thon's goal of raising $10,000 was exceeded by almost $4,000 for a total of nearly $14,000.

September - We were able to take a wonderful weekend getaway to Pebble Beach in the midst of small group meetings and sharing at churches thanks to a family lending us their vacation home. We also thought we were moving to Dallas during that time, but God had other plans.

October - Continued meeting in small groups and churches sharing God's heart for Japan.

November - Jenny turns 30! God also sends us on an impromptu trip to Korea to connect with churches and other supporters/partners. We thought the trip was a bit spontaneous, but realized it was in God's perfect timing.

December - Returned safely from Korea encouraged with many more partners who have come along side us on our journey to Japan.

We can't wait to see what God's plans for 2010 holds for us. It's already started off with a generous family offering a $3,000 Matching Gift Donation for new monthly supporters for a year. What a wonderfully encouraging start in this new year.

Thank you for tracking with us, and joining us on our journey! =)

As we are blessed, may we be a blessing to you and your family.