TOKYO OR BUST?

Our beginnings… We begin our mission blog with a compilation of stories of our early years as a mission organization. These stories molded us into who we are now as a mission organization. All stories were God focused and actual experiences of our pioneering missionaries on the field. They were firsthand narratives describing how each Filipino missionaries witnessed the mighty works of our living God in full display. They saw and tasted the miracles of God in response to their prayers which provided for their needs. They were supernaturally brought to situations that were beyond comprehension and given amazing opportunities to minister to the lost and needy people of each nation. The stories will best explain how our poor missionaries were able to sustain their stay in the mission field for long periods of time and see their ministries flourish throughout the years that passed. All their testimonies converge to a single truth - God is actively at work in the lives of people who responds in complete faith to His call.

They saw the Mighty hand of God and they could not contain in their hearts the joy it has brought to their lives, In this blog site, you’ll read the exciting God Sighting stories shared from the hearts of missionaries who truly encountered our living God in the mission field.

GOD SIGHTING STORY # 3 (CLASSICS)

Tokyo or Bust?

Posted by itphilip@itphilippines.org on 07/25/2014 (Story happened early 2000)

“We advise you to consider a different option…Thailand or Malaysia, perhaps?”

It was a recurring suggestion given by various mission organizations to a couple with two children who wanted to serve in Japan. Those words were meant to simply present reality as they see it. “We give the same advice to our fellow Westerners who wanted to serve there. It is just too expensive a place to serve in. If we Westerners could not afford to do mission work there, we are sure that it will be much more difficult for the Filipinos.”

The gentle delivery of words and the obvious concern for their welfare should have already convinced Ptr. Joseph and Sis. Jo Ann. But the couple stood firm on what they believed in. It was simply too hard for them to give up on Japan even if the odds are seemingly stacked against them. So, they visited one organization after another hoping that there will be one who will dare believe that they can make it as missionaries in one of the most expensive places in the whole world.

They eventually found their special place at International Teams Phils. The organization welcomed them and their call for missions to Japan. But the situation has not changed much. They are still a family of four who will attempt to live in a place known for its exorbitant cost of living. How could they ever survive with the little funds that they have? No one knows exactly but this couple is holding firmly an Ace card in their hearts which made them strong even in the face of uncertainty. What was it? It was the CALL of GOD for them to serve in the country which they never doubted.

And God honored their faith!

It did not take long for them to be in the land of their dreams and to receive their miracles! In less than a months’ time they were able to set foot on one of the most expensive cities in the world. They lived in a good-size furnished apartment unit in Tokyo. Their children were able to study in a good Japanese school. The miraculous doors opened wide for Ptr. Joseph as he got to serve as the Pastor/ Chaplain of a church in Yokosuka American Naval Base. And Sis. Jo Ann became a very active church worker.

A portion of the e-mail sent to International Teams office by Ptr. Joseph on their first month of stay in Japan states: “Everything is going along well with us so far by God’s grace. He’s supplying our every need. Even things we already regard as ‘excessive’ are provided. We were offered so much to a point where started to refuse gifts. We even refused to accept a huge bed because we prefer lying on the futon at the tatami room. Likewise, we said no to a free couch because it would take much space in the house. TV? We actually received three, and we are disposing the other two, We relish God’s faithfulness, and we are so thankful for His provisions – a confirmation of His call. Please don’t get the idea that we are here to enjoy life because of the material things. We do remember the reason why we are here, and our focus remains the same: to bring as many souls as possible at the feet of our Lord Jesus.”

It took only a short period of time for God to vindicate the couple’s faith.

Three (3) years on the mission field, church ministry that is expanding, an additional child to the family and still going strong, Ptr. Joseph and Sis. Jo Ann have indeed proven that faith in God’s promises will never be in vain.

An excerpt from another email …” The money that we sent is intended for the support of our missionaries. We will be sending our financial support on a regular basis… Ptr. Joseph and Sis. Jo Ann. (*the couple has been sending monthly financial support for other missionaries serving in China, Indonesia, and the National Office for over a year now.)

Indeed, JESUS IS LORD OF ALL! NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR HIM. GOD WILL HONOR THOSE WHOSE FAITH IN HIM IS UNWAVERING AND UNYIELDING.

(NOTE: They are now on their 21st year in Japan … all by the grace of God!)

*Next story: THE AFFIRMATION