Firsts in the Fields

It’s awesome that as we do missions for Him, He also does His mission in us.

First day in Tokyo was not quite anything I expected. However, that is also to be expected because the life of a missionary is always unusual compared to others. 

I rode the night bus from Umeda, Osaka to Shinjuku , Tokyo, then rode the train from Tokyo to the place where I will meet with Kanto Serve Asia Coordinator, Maam Susan.

The morning before I met Maam Susan was full of tears. Reading my best friend’s letter, asking God for sufficient support, and faithing that the Lord will never leave me. Coming to Tokyo always feels different. I’m not nervous per see, but it’s the mixed emotions of entering a foreign land with no family, no backups, no friends, no nothing. Just God.

Walking from Shinjuku to the nearest McDonalds, carrying a large luggage, a heavy backpack, two bags, and while wearing the largest coat I have. It was like entering the land of the unknown.

Lord, You are here. Lord, please take care of me. Lord, I want to hear Your voice. Lord, it’s very cold. Lord, what do you want me to do now? Lord, will ****** send support today?

My mind ran with thoughts of calling to God. For His presence, assurance, and help. He cannot leave me this time around because there are already too many people involved. He cannot not deliver because there are too many risks already. “Lord, please be with me.”

I did my morning devotion in a McDonalds restaurant (bless McDo, can’t count how many I’ve done in this company). I read Proverbs which made me think that I look like a fool coming here, but I heard the gentle rebuke of the Lord “Do not condemn yourself. Keep reading.”

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his way crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight. Proverbs 9:5-6

One verse tells us that we have in us a Spirit that is wiser than Solomon. As we live for Him and His word, we continue to walk in the way of His insight. At first, it seemed like I didn’t have wisdom when I went here to Tokyo with nothing on my hands. But God, He makes us righteous.

As I tried to hold back my tears (spoiler: I failed) while reading the Bible in the corner of McDonalds, I saw a man who only ordered a coffee and carrying a lot of bags like me. He was looking at me, probably wondering why I didn’t eat my order and just reading this large Bible. I figured he was probably homeless so I gave him some of the foods my auntie packed for me. He was very thankful. Then when I went back to my seat, long highlighted on my Bible, my eyes read

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Proverbs 11:25

This is God’s answer. Holding the assurance that God will bless me. He will bless His children.

Meeting OMF

I ate my breakfast and quickly packed my things after receiving His word. His word is my life.

Going to Ichikawa was bliss, thankful to my Auntie who helped me pack my belongings so it’s not as heavy compared to when I went to Osaka.

Then finally, I met my coordinator Maam Susan. She is very warm, sweet, and joyful. You could see how the Lord uses her presence to bless other people. From the time she welcomed me, I already felt safe and at peace. “Finally” was the first thing she said to me! Like she’s also been waiting for me too!

As of writing this email, Maam Wendy, social media team, and other OMF staff also welcomed me with “Finally!”. It really does feel nice to be waited on.

We talked about our faith, our journey with the Lord, and of course OMF. We also talked about our families and ministries. Then, she showed me around Ichikawa, how to go to my shared house, and where I could buy groceries. She also helped me move in and carry my things through very steep stairs! My room is on the 3rd floor and my luggage weighed about 25kgs! She also signed the contract with me to the SharedHouse.

Thank you Maam Susan for all your help! For the detergent, blanket, and socks!

Then we went to the OMF Office. I wish I wasn’t so shy to take more photos! But since it is only my first day and first time here, it is nice to be sensitive. Besides, I have more time later to take as many videos and photos as I need.

OMF staff welcomed me so warmly. Full of wonderful people who are beaming with His light. Some staff are shy also but they all look so friendly!

Another thing that the Lord showed me since coming to Japan is marriage. Healthy ones. I grew up in a broken family and surrounded by broken marriages (no respect for husband or wife, parents, siblings betrayal, unforgiveness, and more). From airplane to OMF, the Lord opened my eyes to married people around me. Also peaceful family. OMF is full of married couples. Most staff are married missionaries which gave me a bit of hope that I’ll also marry a man who has the same faith and mission as mine. The Lord showed me through these people, even if the encounters are only short, that I don’t have to be afraid to get married someday. As long as I choose the right man, and I continue to walk with Him, I will have a happy and healthy family.

Fellowship

Going back to the mission, the first afternoon was spent in fellowship with other Serve Asia workers. There were some from the US, America, Germany, and South Korea. It was a blessing to get to know them, their heart, and their journey. (Again, I wish I took a photo 🙁 but on our next fellowship, I will be bold to ask!)

The servings were quite larger than we thought!

After the fellowship, I was invited to dinner by A. and Meg. We went to get Katsudon. We talked about how the Lord called us to Japan, how we became believers, and what our ministries are.

Back in the Philippines, although I have many Christian friends, we differ in our callings. Some have calling specifically for women, some for youth, some for laborers/workers, some for their workmates, some for kids, and some for the homeless. All of our calling leads to loving and winning the lost.

Here in Japan, getting to know the members, staff, and other Serve Asia workers, it is reassuring that other people are also called to the same mission as I was called – to advance His kingdom in Japan. That could look like church planting, caring for other missionaries, mobilizing more laborers, reaching out to students and communities, cleaning/managing guest houses, etc. However different our ministries are, it’s cool that we work as one body of Christ.

I am really glad that God led me to OMF. Aside from finances, my #1 worry was that I would be alone and lonely in Japan. I have a solid community and family in the Philippines and leaving them for a few months was a mental challenge I had to go through. I felt so alone and lonely walking to the McDonalds on my first morning and I slept yesterday (third night) with a heart so full. Of love, warmth, and great community.

Meg, my housemate said as she prayed for me last night, “that she would realize how big of a family she has in Your kingdom.”

That is so true. I already got invited to 3 dinners, Christmas lunch, and more whilst only being here for 3 days. Very very grateful to my housemate Meg who’s like an older sister to me. She always checks on how I’m doing and feeling!

End Note

I’m writing this Thursday afternoon. Tuesday was my orientation and planning day. Wednesday was Social Media Day where I met with my host, Wendy-san, my first day of work, and helped Michi-san with packing magazines. I spent my dinner with Kezia’s family – the first time spending time with a British family and entering a Japanese house aside from my family’s and my shared house. Today, Thursday is my second day of actual work – doing a social media plan and later I will help with the homeless ministry.

I titled this “Firsts in the Field” because everything that happened to me since Monday was firsts. First mission trip as an actual worker, my first time in Chiba, first time meeting a lot of people from different parts of the world with the same calling, my first time spending an evening with field missionaries, my first time in a new bed with a new room, new people around me, and later, it’ll be my first time helping the homeless ministry in Japan.

OMF was so kind to me saying I don’t have to do it “all” during my first week especially since I’m transitioning. To give grace to myself. That’s true and I didn’t realize that. I wanted to do loads of things right away but I have to make sure that I also take care of the body I’m using for His glory. There are so many new feelings I’m getting used to – the quietness (it’s very noisy from where I came from), the smell, the weather, the clothes, the environment. So many new things and new firsts.

The first few days were very taxing. I believe my body’s still recovering as I write this. My day off won’t be until Saturday so I have to make sure that I still get to enjoy everyday even if I’m running at a maximum of 60% 🙂

Thank you, Jesus, for all of these. Thank you again for calling me. As much as this is for other people in Japan (both missionaries and Japanese people), You also called me to mature, sanctify, and disciple me. Thank you, Jesus!