Back to Japan!
Updated: Jan 6
Lord willing, I will be returning to Japan again this summer!
あけおめ！（Happy new year!)
I am incredibly humbled as I reflect on your generous support. You have encouraged me beyond words over the past two years by your giving and by your faithful prayers!
As I drafted a support letter like this just over a year ago, I remember feeling so alone. At the time, I was the only returning intern. I felt the burden of sharing the gospel in this place, yet it felt to me a wearisome task ... and I was learning to place my trust in God's steady hands. Though I felt unqualified and very alone, I didn't want to neglect the calling that I felt so strongly towards this strange but beautiful country of Japan.
"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" - Matthew 14
What a reassuring phrase. How blind I was! It wasn't about me, my lack of qualifications, or my fumbling attempts to speak Japanese. Our all-powerful and all-knowing God showed His faithfulness and provided abundantly through raising up not only a team of supporters, but also a team of missionaries to go and serve together!
This summer, three of us are returning, Lord-willing!
The FACTS:
Living in Tokyo from May 15 to July 14 (subject to change)
Same internship under the same missionaries as last summer
Through Mission to the World
Total estimated cost: $9,900 (subject to change based on dates)
The PLAN:
Help facilitate Grace City Tokyo’s church body transition to a new permanent location
Collaborate with Japanese artists and Community Arts Tokyo team artists to perform works that represent biblical themes! This summer, I am focusing on:
The idea of God as a firm foundation for our lives during shifting times
Sharing stories of women in the Bible through dance
Meet up with friends from last year (mostly people I met in ballet classes) to chat, build relationships, and continue to share my faith with these friends
Continue Japanese language studies to facilitate relationship building
Participate in RUF "Kairos" English outreach classes and Bible studies with local college students in Waseda
Partner with full-time missionaries and Japanese pastors to encourage and bring aid
I am so grateful for a third opportunity to serve alongside Mission to the World missionaries in Japan with the Community Arts Tokyo team. Why go back? I simply have so many friends in Japan that I want to see in heaven one day, face to face. I have a burden that I believe God has placed on my heart for this purpose of serving him in Japan again this summer!
In order to return, I need your help! I would love for you to join me and our team in praying that the Lord's will be done through our return this summer, and that we represent him faithfully through every interaction. Additionally, I ask that you prayerfully consider financially giving towards my internship. So many of you have given previously towards the last two summers, and for that I am truly grateful! I invite you to continue the mission this year as we see what plans God has in store.
We raise support for two reasons. The first reason is to teach those who serve as missionaries to humbly depend on God's provision, and to trust in His sovereignty. The second reason is to give you the chance to participate in the Great Commission. To be honest, I sometimes feel so disconnected from world missions and wonder if God is really at work in the world. While I serving am in Japan, however, I get to witness His work firsthand! Every Friday morning, our team gathers to study the Bible together, plan the next week, and -- best of all -- to share stories of what God is doing in our city. Friends, it is powerful beyond words to sit in a room full of missionaries, each telling stories of God's faithful Word going forth in the atheist city of Tokyo. It is hands-down my favorite hour of every week. It is so encouraging that it often brings me to tears! It is these stories that I believe we need to hear, as busy Americans, to remind us to marvel in the work of our great God.
I hope you will consider joining my team of prayer warriors and financial supporters so that I can share with you first-hand stories of the many ways we see God at work in Japan this summer.
If you feel led to donate, please do so electronically by clicking the button below. To purchase flights, I will need to be 50% supported by February 13. Keep in mind, the sooner I reach this goal, the sooner (and cheaper!) my flight expense will be. You can also donate flight miles! Shoot me an email if you would like to give this way: annagherren@gmail.com.
I would LOVE to chat with you and share stories about this past summer. Please reach out to annagherren@gmail.com! I plan to be in Birmingham / Tuscaloosa for the month of January. From February-April, I will be in Washington, D.C. on tour with Logos Theatre's production of The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe. I plan to return for my senior year at the University of Alabama in the fall.
P.S. Curious what dance could possibly do on the mission field? This is what dance can do!
May God be glorified!
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