2011 Japan Support Letter
You can also print this support letter by getting the PDF here.
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2011 has been a breakthrough year for me. The Lord began in January by beckoning me to set aside a brief period to pursue Him pretty intensely. By February, He was reminding me of my history with His heart for Japan and rekindling my awareness of His heart for her. From then on, so much has happened! While drawing me into new opportunities of worship and mission mobilization, He has been leading me down a new path that is connecting the dots of worship, mission, and mercy.
When March 11 hit, I knew God had been preparing me to return to Japan, even for a short time, but I needed to return well. I needed to be prepared. I knew I wasn’t properly equipped for an effective ministry of compassion and disaster response. In August, He made a way for me to attend a basic training week with Crisis Response International (CRI). Through that experience, God affirmed His heart for Japan in me while strengthening and encouraging me to follow Him there. I appreciate the missional and compassionate heart of CRI, as well as the way they encourage us to live out the Kingdom cultural value of honor as described in Philippians 2.
Because I was overseas when CRI’s application process began and got a late start, I needed Him to open doors and grant me favor with them. Thankfully, they have allowed me to proceed with the application, even though I missed the deadline! As I spoke with one of the team leaders on the phone, it seemed the assignment was becoming an even better fit than I anticipated! While I am eager to minister to survivors in the disaster areas, I am also being given the chance to see the army of God unite and be strengthened in Japan. He had given me that vision and invitation 10 years ago during a summer of ministry there, and this seems to be a part of its fulfillment.
I am so excited about the possibility of returning to Japan, even for just 10 days. For years, it seem God has been encouraging me to ask for this nation as part of my inheritance (Psalm 2.8), even though I’m not quite sure what I’d do if He granted her to me! I’m sure He’ll let me know if and when I need to know. 
This is just one step in that process.
This step is actually a collection of many steps. Spending time seeking His face and heart, conversations to figure out logistics, raising spiritual and material support, studying Japanese again: it’s all a part of this one step of faith. It reaches further out than I can step on my own, and I would appreciate your fellowship!
- This year, God has been showing me more of His sovereignty. The thought of going back for just 10 days is a little overwhelming. Some feel a shorter trip is easier. For me, it’s actually more challenging. There is so much I want to see and do while I’m there, and while God can accomplish miracles in just moments, it takes me a little longer to do anything, not to mention miracles! It’s going to take a lot of discernment and joyful surrender to be fully aligned with His purposes, so I am asking Kingdom friends to participate by empowering me spiritually through prayer. There is no better way to go, even if it means dying to some hopes and desires! I’ll have regular updates during the entire journey, from preparation through return, so you can sign up for them here. For now, there’s an overview of areas below for which I know I’ll need prayer covering.
- This year, God has been daring me to trust Him even more for His provision. The thought of accessing the resources of Heaven is exciting, but definitely challenging. It’s clear I can’t cover the costs on my own, so I am asking Kingdom friends to participate by investing financially into this. There are a few milestones I need to meet (see below). Would you prayerfully consider helping me meet them? The sooner we reach those goals, the more time I will be freed to focus on other areas of preparation.
If you feel this is God’s invitation for you, too, please let me know! I would be so encouraged, since there’s no question it’s going to take the hand of God and the faithfulness of His own to get me to Japan.
- To become a prayer partner, please sign up on this form.
- To become a financial partner, you can find a printable response form here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (714)200-5878 or click on any of the links in the “Keep In Touch” section at the bottom of the sidebar on the right side of this webpage.
Thanks so much for letting me share my heart and excitement for what God is putting in front of me. It’s been quite a ride this year to keep up with Him, and it looks like it’s only going to get wilder! I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Immanuel…josie
