Posts on Jeff and Alishia Root

The Sound of Wind

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 02:19:56 +0000

Summer has arrived in Osaka, and with it come hot humid days. The Japanese put bells in their windows and above their verandas to catch any breezes that might blow through. Our Japanese friend told us that the reason they do this is because the chime of the bell lets them hear the breeze and gives them a sort of Pavlovian effect that tricks their brain into thinking it’s cooler. It hasn’t worked for us yet, but Alishia enjoys the bells anyway. While we may want our bodies to be cool, we want the opposite for our spirits. We want to remain on fire for the Lord and passionate about our calling. Please pray that we don’t cool off in that way.

It’s Hard to put into Words

Sat, 10 May 2025 09:52:18 +0000

Sometimes it’s very difficult to put into words exactly what the Lord is doing in our lives here in Japan. For me this is one of those times. We’ve seen amazing highs and humbling lows over the last couple of months. So instead of the usual written update, we decide to share some recent photos to show you what been happening.

I want to start by sharing about H. She is a girl in one of the church’s English classes. Her family isn’t Christian but as long as we’ve known her she’s been very interested in the Bible stories that we would share and the church would often give her some bible manga that are released monthly. This Easter the church bought her a Bible. It was amazing to see the joy on her face as she received it and we can’t wait to update you as she reads it and asks questions.

One Year In

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:42:22 +0000

Sugoi! It has been quite a year for us living out our faith over here in Japan. This update is going to highlight both the difficulties and blessings this year has brought. Thank you so much to each of you who have gotten behind us and opened your hearts to the lost souls of Japan. It’s been quite a ride so far, but one full of God’s Glory. Learning to walk with Jesus while isolated from a culture that we know and understand has been both stretching and rewarding. We have the opportunity as adults to experience being “cultural infants” as we learn a new way of life and what it looks like to be ambassadors of Christ here in Japan.

Christmas Facade.

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:20:45 +0000

Christmas is in full swing here in Japan. There are decorations and lights in the parks and shopping malls. The stores are playing Christmas music. There are Christmas markets and holiday light shows that you can go watch. Unfortunately, they don’t understand why Christians are celebrating. So, while on the surface they seem more excited about the birth of Christ than the west does (‘Merry Christmas’ is plastered everywhere, there’s no ‘Happy Holidays’ or ‘Season’s Greetings’ here), once the Hollywood version of Christmas is wiped away there’s nothing left.

Peacekeepers are not Peacemakers

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:51:50 +0000

This past Sunday at Abide, Pastor Joseph started Matthew chapter 5, the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. We covered the Beatitudes, and one that stood out to those I spoke with after the service was ‘Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’ The Japanese are all about keeping peace, but not about making peace. In this culture they would assume that Jesus would have said blessed are the peacekeepers, but not peacemakers. They have what’s called the ‘wa’, it’s the concept that values harmony and group unity over all else. They value harmony over truth, over justice, over love.

Squeaky Bikes

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:31:18 +0000

Japan is a nation of being shiny and put together. The mess and grime is cleaned, covered, or hidden. Like any place in the world, entropy happens. In Japan, however, the break down and disorder are fought against as much as possible. The upkeep of possessions is done compulsively, especially items that other people will see. So it came as quite a surprise when several times we would hear loud squeaks coming from the brakes of the bicycles that passed by us each day. Why don’t Japanese people oil their brakes. When they meticulously take care of almost everything in their lives, why not their bikes? It wasn’t just old looking bicycles or random people, it was nearly every bike including the policemen.

Blessed to be Back

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 21:59:52 +0000

After five weeks in America, we are thankful to be back home in Osaka. Thank you to everyone who blessed us in big and little ways while we were there. It was a packed trip and we wouldn’t have made it through the different legs if it wasn’t for the generosity of several of you.

At the beginning of May we attended the Calvary Chapel Japan conference in Tokyo. It was an amazing time meeting missionaries, worshiping with national believers, hearing wonderful teachings from some of the leaders. We even got to spend quality time with some friends who had traveled with us from Abide Osaka. It can often feel like you’re the only Christian here just like Elijah in 1 Kings 19, but these times where we all get together allow the Lord to show us that he has a remnant here that love and worship Him. It refreshes our souls and we look forward to other conferences this fall and next spring.

Short but Sweet

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:20:13 +0000

The title of this post is three-fold. It refers to our time so far here in Japan, the time we’ll be spending in the States, and this post itself. Even though it’s a quick one, we wanted to keep you up to date on our comings and goings. If you’d like to see us and hangout we’ll be in Montana from May 7-22, and in California from May 23-29. It’s tough to head back so soon, but we look forward to seeing you again.

A Place to Be

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 02:56:31 +0000

Several things fell into place this month. The Lord is faithful and He has blessed above anything we could have imagined and in His perfect timing. It’s easy to look back and write that now. It doesn’t mean that we didn’t have our share of anxious days and stress-filled nights. We haven’t always had peace since arriving in Japan (visa delays and plan changes and team leading etc.), but we have always had access to the Peacemaker. We didn’t often have confidence in the Japanese government, but we did have confidence in our calling. So those moments of doubt and anxiety were hard, but thankfully few and short-lived.

Further Than We Ever Imagined

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 04:30:12 +0000

What a month we have experienced. Things have moved fast and obstacles have been removed, doors have been opened and bonds have been forged in the furnace of life on the mission field. Let’s go over some of the highlights. We headed towards Japan in a pretty humble way, by driving to California. On the way, we visited friends in Las Vegas and Yucca Valley before arriving in Orange County. Our time there flew by quickly as we had a full schedule of meetings with friends and our sending organization, and before we knew it, the day of our departure had arrived.

At the Apex

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:51:41 +0000

As of the time in which I write you this update, we are 58 days from getting on a plane and moving our life to Japan. We are 75% funded as far as our recurring monthly needs are concerned, so please pray about partnering with us financially. And to all of you that have gotten behind us, and have helped to encourage and get us to this point, thank you and may the Lord bless you mighty for your commitment and care for us.

Unburdening Ourselves

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 21:23:14 +0000

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

As we endeavor to be more Christ-like in our lives, I’m reminded of Matthew 11:28-30. In those verses Jesus tells us that His burden is light, He doesn’t put a heavy weight upon us. In fact, in Him, we find rest and relief from the weight of this world, it’s the opposite of a burden. As ministers of Christ, how can we emulate Christ by not being a burden on those we’re ministering to, and beyond that what can I do to relieve the burdens of those around us?

Change is in the Air

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 23:09:11 +0000

Autumn has arrived in Montana, and as the seasons change on the calendar, they are changing for us as well. September was spent by getting things in order, and then mailing away applications for our Japanese visas. As well as planning our move and the trip we are leading for other prospective missionaries. We are very excited to take the next step in what we feel called to, and we are so thankful that the Lord continues to lead us down that path. It’s of course a bit scary giving up everything we’ve worked for over the years to follow the Lord, but He has blessed us every step of the way, and we wouldn’t change a thing.

What's On the Horizon

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 19:16:07 +0000

Here in northwest Montana, summer is starting to fade and fall is fast approaching. I wanted to take some time and update you on what our summer was like and what we have planned for the fall.

After spending January through April in Japan, May in California, and June in Montana, July was spent with Daphne at my parents’ farm in Nebraska. We always enjoy our time there; the pace of life is slow and we get to have experiences unique to rural America. While the cliché of the dimwitted, more harm than help, farm hand is proven true by my efforts; I look forward to the opportunity to do farm-work every time we’re there. We were able to experience county fairs, summer storms, hay harvest, and livestock wrangling. The time went by quicker than I would have liked, but it was sweet while it lasted.

Meet a Japanese Christian

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 18:01:45 +0000

One of the greatest honors that we have as missionaries, is to share with you what the Lord is doing with His Church in the place that we will be serving. While we couldn’t possibly share with you everything going on in the Japanese church, because we witnessed just a small part of it, we are excited to share the stories that we were privileged to see and hear during our trip.

Moshi Moshi! Japan is Calling

Sat, 20 May 2023 18:57:13 +0000

“Moshi Moshi” is what you say when you answer the phone in Japan. We too are answering a call, the Lord’s call to Japan.

Over the last month, since we returned from our vision tour, we have been praying and taking time to digest what the Lord spoke to us. We met with our sending organization and debriefed the trip with them, and we reconnected with friends and developed new relationships. Now we are confident in what we are working towards, and are excited to share that with you in this letter.

There and Back Again

Mon, 01 May 2023 22:46:30 +0000

We have arrived stateside from our vision tour, but returning is bittersweet. We already miss Japan and the Church there. The Lord allowed us to meet so many incredible people and to be a part of His work there, so it’s difficult to leave even if it’s only for a season. Here is a short recap of the end of our trip.

We had the opportunity to help with an Easter outreach at Abide Osaka. Forty kids, most unsaved, came to our event where the Easter story was shared in Japanese, games were played, and we had an Easter egg hunt. Many of the children’s parents came and heard as well, and it was a wonderful time.

Connecting in an Isolated World

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 04:02:36 +0000

Wow… what a time we have had here in Japan. This is Alishia, I decided to try my hand at writing a newsletter to say hello to you. So any lack of the normal flair is because the author is not Jeff.

God is so faithful. This time has been very fruitful. Thank you everyone that have aided us though prayer and support.

When we came to Japan for a three-month vision trip, it was under the request of Pastor Chizuo. Pastor Chizuo is a senior pastor here in Japan that is looked to by all the Calvary pastors to help guide the whole Calvary movement here in Japan. He had asked us to be here for three months to make sure we were really called. So, we heeded his advice and came for three months. We are so glad we did because God had a different plan for us than what we thought.

Greeting from Japan!

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 06:45:05 +0000

Konichiwa! We wanted to send an update letting you know that we have safely made it to Japan for our three-month vision tour. After spending a couple of weeks with family over the Christmas holiday we spent two weeks in Southern California with friends. Nearly every day was filled with dinners and visits with many people that we love. It was incredibly humbling and encouraging to us that people were eager to see us. The church there sent us off with prayers and wisdom, tears and laughter. Our flight was uneventful and that’s really the best possible thing that could have happened. Thank you to everyone praying for Alishia as we traveled.

A Prayer Request for Our Trip

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:47:44 +0000

As we get closer to our vision trip to Japan, I wanted to write to you and share a specific way that you can be praying for our trip. Of course, our primary prayer request is for clear vision and direction from the Lord. But there are other secondary needs that we would appreciate if you would lift up as well, so I’d like to share one with you.

Alishia suffers from celiac disease. Even the smallest exposure to gluten causes her to get very sick. Her symptoms are both physical (skin rashes, headaches, pupils dilated different sizes, weaker immune system, etc.) and mental (loss of words, inability to process movement around her, something that she can only describe as ‘brain fog’, constant tiredness, etc.). So, as you can see, in order to have a successful trip we need to avoid her getting contaminated. Her sensitivity is very high if I eat gluten I can contaminate her, if we wash our dishes with a sponge that has been used on dishes that had gluten on them she will get contaminated, if the kitchen where the food is prepared is not a controlled environment, forget about it. The challenge is that gluten is often hidden in things that you wouldn’t expect, we don’t read hiragana well enough to know exactly what’s in most products, and Japan allows products that may contain some gluten to be labeled ‘gluten-free’.

In The Lord's Timing

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 15:45:04 +0000

Praise the Lord! After two and a half years of closed borders, as of October 7, Japan is finally open to visa-free travel once again. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for us and Japan it has helped sustain us in the waiting. Was the prolonged wait a plan of the devil to keep new missionaries from going out? Maybe. Was it used by God to better prepare both the missionaries and Japan for this time when we are able to go? Absolutely!

In the Starting Blocks

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 20:11:47 +0000

Happy Easter everyone!! As we celebrate our living Redeemer I wanted to give you an update on what’s going on with us.

First, thank you all for your prayers for us and Japan. The entry restrictions have started to lift since our last update, students and business people have started receiving visas again and while we don’t currently qualify for either of those visas, it means that visitor visas will follow. Please continue to pray for Japan and for it to open up completely by this fall. We have been waiting in the starting blocks for awhile now and we are excited to go, may the Lord’s timing happen soon.

Please Pray with Us

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 16:35:35 +0000

As the month of February starts, we wanted to make you aware of our situation and ask for you to pray with us. Japan is still closed due to COVID, and they are not allowing non-citizens to enter the country. We called the Japanese consulate to see if there were any options at this time, and they told us that unless Alishia or I were Japanese we had no options at this time. The Japanese government is going to reassess these policies at the end of February. Would you join us in prayer each day this month that Japan would open up to international travel in March?

Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 17:39:22 +0000

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Happy Autumn everyone! We are settled in here, back in southern California. We had a good trip from Montana to Seattle to Yorba Linda, but are glad to not have to drive for a while. Here is what has happened since our last update. We had the opportunity to meet Pastor Rob Douglass in Seattle in early September. We interviewed a pastor and former missionary to Belize for Missions Equip. It was a great experience and we learned a lot as a ministry on how our on-location video shoots will look in the future.

Continued Equipping

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 19:39:35 +0000

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry

Ephesians 4:11-12a

Another amazing summer on the farm has come to an end. We had a great time with Daphne and were blessed to spend time with family. Alishia and I will be leaving for Montana next week. Here is a letter to let you know what we’re up to now.

Reset

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 20:37:33 +0000

Just want to send out a letter to let you know that we made it to Nebraska. The journey from California to Montana to Nebraska was a long one, but we made it. We’re glad to be spending several weeks with Daphne on the farm and it feels good to get away for a bit and reflect on what the Lord has done and is doing in our lives.

We enjoyed a wonderful week in Montana with our church family and friends. It started with a stop in Boise on the way up to Whitefish to visit some friends. Then we picked up Daphne in Lewiston, Idaho on Monday morning and made it just in time for bible study on Monday night in Whitefish. We were able to reconnect with friends on both Monday and Tuesday nights and I was honored to have the opportunity to share at our church on Wednesday. It was a blessing to see everyone again and spend time with family even if it was only for a little while. If we missed you this trip, we will be back in Montana in late August/early September and would love to see you then.

Preflight

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 02:09:30 +0000

It’s been a busy spring here in Southern California. Here is a rundown of some of the things we’ve been up to since our last update.

The studio at Missions Equip is nearly complete and plans are being made for the start of video recording and website construction. It’s been such a blessing to be a part of this project and we can’t wait to see what the Lord does through this ministry.

An Exciting Opportunity

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 23:48:58 +0000

Hello everyone,

I have an exciting update to share with you all. I (Jeff) have been given an amazing opportunity to go on a mission trip to Africa in April. I’m going with a team from Ends of the Earth Ministries to Uganda and South Sudan. I can’t express how excited I am to be able to participate in this trip. The main purpose of this trip in April is to host three training seminars.

Waiting, but Not Idle

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:56:17 +0000

A new year has begun, and we are excited for what the Lord has for us in 2021. Thank you for continuing with us on this journey. We are nearing the three-and-a-half-year mark since we first received our call to become missionaries, and honestly, we thought we’d be in Japan within the first year. How thankful we are that God did not allow us to rush headlong into work we were not prepared to do. We’re also thankful for the wise counsel from many of you to be patient and to not strive until God opened the door for us to go. We are still waiting for that door to be opened, but we are not idle. Here’s what we’ve been up to and what we’re planning to do while we wait.

Thankful for You

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 04:05:22 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We hope that wherever you are, you are able to gather, and that you have plenty to thank the Lord for this year. I’d like to start by saying how thankful we are for all of you. The support we have received this year has been so encouraging. We feel your prayers covering us often, and we love the kind words that you send our way regularly. Thank you for continuing to stay in our lives and read these updates. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for partnering with us in the gospel just like the Philippian church did with Paul.

Another Month, Another Whirlwind

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 17:22:30 +0000

We started September in Nebraska, spent the middle part of it in Montana, and finished it in California. Another month, another whirlwind of travel and opportunity. It was great to spend a few more weeks on the farm after returning from Mexico. We have been able to create a home base for ourselves there, and it’s a place we can return to any time we are in the States. We are thankful for the stability that it provides us, and look forward to many future furloughs there.

Bearing Witness

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 20:43:52 +0000

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”

John 15:26-27 NKJV

Let me start by once again thanking each of you for your prayers and support over the last six weeks in Mexico. We have made it back into the United States and are now in Nebraska for the next couple of weeks. In September, we are planning a two week visit to our church in Montana, and then will return to California for more training. If you’d like to see us before we leave Nebraska, or while we’re in Montana, please let us know and we will make it happen.

Stirring Up the People

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 22:16:06 +0000

He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.

Luke 23:5b

What more can I say about our time in Mexico that I haven’t written to you already? As our time down here is wrapping up, and I’m able to reflect on the last five weeks some things stick out as poignant. Other lessons learned are harder to recognize, but will no doubt resurface when needed. We are being prepared for ministry like an outfitter prepares for a backcountry trek. How can you know what you’ll need for a journey you haven’t taken before? The Lord knows, and has added supplies to our pack that we won’t be able to identify until we need them. While I can’t tell you about those things, because they are beyond me, I can tell you about some things that we will definitely use in the future.

Ablaze for Japan

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:04:26 +0000

What a month we’ve had. Week four has concluded here in Mexico, and it was just as challenging and amazing as the previous three. Thank you for your continued prayers, the Lord has used them to minister to us in some really cool ways. Our hearts are ablaze for the people of Japan, and we can’t wait until the day that they worship Jesus as King. May it be on this side of His return!

No Place to Rest

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 19:48:51 +0000

Arise and go, for this is no place to rest….

Micah 2:10

Another week has wrapped up here in Rosarito, and it’s an honor to get to share with you again. Thank you so much for taking the time to read these updates, and I hope that they bless you as much as we feel blessed to be here.

In the classroom this week, we had the pleasure of learning from Phil and Joy Metzger. They spent 20 years in Hungary, church planting and running a bible college. Alishia connected with them right away, as they have a mutual friend with us in Japan, and are familiar with church planters in the city where our friend Tamera lives in Serbia. Phil taught on the importance of learning language and Joy joined him to teach about raising a family on the field. They shared their testimony for two hours on Tuesday night, and they easily could have gone two more. It was amazing to have a living, speaking missionary biography right in front of us. We know that we won’t follow their specific steps to get to Japan, but it was such an encouragement to hear the ways that God showed Himself in their journey.

Utterly Astounded

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 20:56:32 +0000

…Be utterly astounded!

For I will work a work in your days

Which you would not believe, though it were told you.

Habakkuk 1:5b

Praise the Lord as we continue our training here in Mexico! This week we have so much to be thankful about. Alishia had the opportunity to pray with women twice this week as they accepted Jesus as their savior! The first was during a street evangelism outreach and the second was during an outreach event that we were part of in one of the neighborhoods in Rosarito. This second outreach also gave us perspective. The neighborhood we were in was easily the most impoverished place I’ve ever seen. The people are often harassed and extorted by corrupt police, and hope is a dangerous thing there. Yet, the children run and play and smile, and the gospel does reach out there as evidenced by the woman who chose Jesus. We rejoice in the knowledge that our needs are met in abundance, but even if not, our joy is not dependent on that.

Filled to Capacity

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 20:26:34 +0000

We have made it to Mexico! Thank you for your prayers. The trip here went smoothly and we have hit the ground running since we arrived. Our daily routine is filled with times of devotion, classroom learning, outreach, and prayer, with lots of amazing food in between. The opportunity to learn from active missionaries and missions-minded pastors has our brains filled to capacity. Getting to serve, love and pray with people who have so little has filled our hearts to capacity. And fellowshipping with the other like-minded students and staff has our stomachs filled to capacity.

The Soul's Paradox of Love

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 23:01:18 +0000

June has been a sweet time of leaning in the Lord, being with family, and visiting our church in Montana. It’s been great having Daphne with us on the farm, and she’s been enjoying it as well. The chances to get to Montana are always special and this one was no different. The fellowship with our church family, the encouragement and direction from wizened saints, the tens of hours of driving where the Lord ministers to us, all of it makes these trips so valuable. And we’ve done seven trips in 2020 eighteen hours or longer, and each one has been a blessing. It would be easy to think of the numbers (140 hours at the wheel) and think what a waste of time its been, but honestly, it’s been some of the most profitable time I’ve spent this year. And the great thing is we get to do another one this weekend.

He is Faithful

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:08:40 +0000

This update will be short and a little different, as we are still on the farm in Nebraska and things haven’t changed much. We have been blessed with the ability to see much of my (Jeff’s) family over the last several weeks, and will be seeing more in the next few. We don’t know when the Lord will send us to Japan so making these connections has been so important.

Love in a Time of Quarantine

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 23:15:37 +0000

I hope this update finds you heathy and safe during a time seemingly defined by disease. We made the decision in late March to take advantage of the lockdown in California, to visit family in Nebraska. There are few places that are more suitable for isolation and quarantine than the farm where I (Jeff) was raised. There are also few places more suitable to us for a time of recharge and seeking the Lord. The older I get the more I miss the lifestyle and pace of this place and Alishia loves coming here in the spring when new life is springing forth from animal and plant alike. It seems that someone failed to tell the cows and rye that this new world we live in is no place to start a new generation. And so, it is with the Christian, that even though they may find themselves in a place that seems more dangerous than before, a new generation of believers will be birthed and come to maturity in this reality. With this on the foremost of our minds, we make sure that this time isn’t wasted. What better time is there to be in the word and spend time in prayer. I can practice my homiletics with cows as with my fellow interns. We can learn skills that can be helpful on the mission field. And so, the preparation continues and the call draws nearer.

What's Ahead

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 02:25:29 +0000

For our update this month, we wanted to update you on where the Lord has directed us and how the vision has morphed. During our visit to Montana, we met with our church leadership. They allowed us to cast our vision, and asked us lots of questions. This time was invaluable to us and we believe the Lord spoke to us through them. We returned to California with a lot to pray about and plenty to discuss with the leadership down here. As the last month passed, we feel that doors have closed and others have remained wide open that we can see God’s fingerprints all over.

Closer Each Day

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 18:31:11 +0000

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Where We're Going, Where We've Been

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:35:57 +0000

As we wrap up another year closer to serving the Lord among the unreached, we are happy to regale you with stories from our joyous Christmas season. At the start of December, Alishia hosted a table at the ladies Christmas dinner that Calvary Chapel Saving Grace has each year. The theme was ‘Christmas Around the World’, and Alishia did the Japan table. The ladies loved the origami that Alishia folded, as well as the bonzai that one of the church couples loaned her. I was asked to coordinate the food for the event, and although I was in over my head, the ladies didn’t seem to notice and my team picked up any slack. It was a great evening with music and dinner and a gospel message from a missionary serving in Nepal.

Proverbs 16:9

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:22:30 +0000

It is interesting for me to look back and see the way the Lord has gotten us to where we are today. It gives me peace about where we are to know at some point, I will look back on where ever I am, whether I can see the Lord’s leading in the situation or not, knowing that one day I will see his fingerprints even in the small things. When Ryan (My first husband) was still alive there was a time right before his death that he felt just burdened to go to Northern Canada and to make a considerable amount of money. I didn’t understand this desire in him because everything before this had shown me that he had no desire to leave my side for any reason. So, he went for one month, one time, two weeks before his death. He left me with more money then I had ever seen because this sacrifice. Fast forward a year, Jeff and I were planning to go on a honeymoon. I had told Jeff “I want to take you on an international honeymoon.” He had never been out of North America. I had been holding onto the nest egg Ryan had left me, I felt that this trip was the reason I had the money. It was this trip that lit a fire for the Japanese people in both of our hearts. It was not until a year later that we got the call to be missionaries over there. I look back and can see how God used Ryan to get Jeff and I over to Japan. It’s neat to think about the impact Ryan has had in us becoming missionaries.

Settling In

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 19:51:14 +0000

When we moved down to Orange County a little over a month now, we were stepping out on faith. We arrived in Yorba Linda without a place to stay or jobs, and God provided both for us in short order. Our first day in town we attended one of the Life Groups that meet in the homes of several members of the church. No sooner had we met everyone there that one of our fellow interns, Jim, had offered to let us stay with him at his house! The next day Alishia and I went job hunting, and I applied for a bakery position at a Japanese grocery store up the street from the church. They said that it would take 1 to 2 weeks to process the application, but I got a call back two days later to schedule an interview. At the interview the they said that I would hear within ten days if I got the job or not, this time they called the next day and I started the next Monday. Alishia put in applications at a few places in town and was able to secure work at both a coffee shop and a memory care unit that connected to a retirement home here in town. Please pray for her as she decides which of the two jobs to take, or for strength if she decides to do both.

Walking by Faith

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 18:03:20 +0000

The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17

As you may know, Alishia and I have felt called to serve the Lord in Japan for two years now. That calling has led us to change churches, move to California for training, and ultimately intern here with Saving Grace World Missions in Yorba Linda, California. You may also know that we spent last semester at the Calvary Bible Institute in Yucca Valley, California getting general bible and ministry training. While there, we had a missions class the first and last Friday of each month, which is where we met Rob Douglass, a veteran missionary in Africa and Asia, and Pastor Trent Douglass, the head pastor of a sending church in Orange County. We were two of only a few students in our class that felt called to overseas missions at that time, so we instantly connected with the Douglass brothers and looked forward to our twice a month class with them most of all. They were experienced in not only being and sending missionaries, but in training others in how to be and send missionaries as well. They taught us foundational elements of what it takes to be a cross-cultural missionary; how to not offend your host nation, what to do in awkward cultural misunderstandings, and how to preach the gospel in non-western cultures for example. While we were thankful for the general training we were getting, we longed for more of this specific training and wished we could be part of a school that focused on missions first and foremost. We started praying for an opportunity to be mentored by these men, and another of our teachers as well. In our hearts, these three seemed the reason God had brought us down to California.