Japan prayer/vison trip team member Allison was excited to be able to go to Japan and making her final preparations to go when hurricane Harvey hit Houston and flooded their home. With sadness she had to withdraw to be with her husband and 3-year old as they worked to restore their home. But God had another idea. Read on for Allison's amazing story:
"Since we've been displaced from our home due to Hurricane Harvey, my husband Zac's employer has graciously offered us corporate housing for the time being. This apartment has been a huge blessing as we've been in recovery mode from everything that's happened over the last few weeks.
As you know, it was a very sad and difficult decision for me to remove myself from this year's prayer and vision team for Tokyo. Both Zac and I have been in prayer about this decision and for the continued protection of the remaining team members as y'all prepare for the trip. I've been praying for the opportunity to go to Japan with OMF next year as well.
There's a nice playground on the property of the apartments where we're currently staying, and my daughter Kayla begs to go there everyday. We went this morning and as we got there, saw a little boy (about Kayla's age) running toward us cheerfully shouting "Hi! Hi!" His mother (about my age) came up behind him smiling. The little boy was very extroverted and even with broken English, got Kayla to sit on a large swing with him and play. I gathered that they didn't speak much English, but asked the mother what her son's name was. She said his name was Ishi and her name was Kayo! Through some friendly and patient conversation, she told me that she and her husband and son had just moved to America (her first time here ever) last week for his job! They will be here for three years due to his job. We spoke for about 20 minutes and watched our kids play together. I learned that she grew up in Kyoto, but had lived in Tokyo and met her husband there. I told her that I was planning on going to Tokyo next week, but because of the large storm we had here and how it damaged our home, was now unable to. By the end of the conversation, I'd invited Kayo and her family to come over to our apartment so that we could cook dinner for them sometime this week, and I offered to help her with her English! She seemed very grateful and excited at both of these offers, as she said they have no friends or family here. Please pray that the Spirit would help this relationship to grow as we reach out in love to our Japanese neighbors!
All of this to say: no matter how the enemy tries to deter our efforts to share the Gospel, the victory belongs to Jesus! He Himself will bring the Gospel to Japan, even if that involves bringing the Japanese here - to an apartment we'd had no idea that we'd be in three weeks ago. As I was mourning what I'd be missing in Japan, God has now given my whole family the opportunity to love on another family literally in our back yard. I am so grateful, and I hope that this encourages you greatly as you prepare for the trip! Nothing can stand against the love and power of God Almighty."
Many waters cannot quench love - neither can the floods drown it. -SOS 8:7
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