January, Testimonies in Japan

“Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!

At night I’m immersed in the light!”

It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you;

night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.”

Where ever you are, and however dark it may feel, He sees you in it. The darkness has not overcome Him and it shall not overcome you. Even in the dark, He is still moving and in fact now is the time for us to shine bright for all of the world to see. Maybe it’s cliche, but it’s the truth that you and I get to stand firm in this season. I’d like to share with you some ways God has been moving here in Japan and if you need God to show up for you in the same way, I declare that my testimony would become yours. That the living and all powerful God, would move with breakthrough in your life. Take it for yourself, ask God to do it again for you, and bask in the hope of Jesus.

Testimony of breakthrough in health and longevity

My grandma is 100 years old today and within the last week overcame COVID! They put her in hospice after she tested positive but soon moved her out when she was doing well and eating good. She is now COVID free and celebrating a big birthday!

Testimony of provision and partnerships

We have been living at 60% funded the last few months here in Japan and every month God has provided above and beyond our basic needs with people giving spontaneous gifts or above their monthly amount. We have been able to meet our own needs, support a few other missionaries, and bless people in our church and community with meals and small acts of love. In this month, God has brought a couple churches and people onto our team bringing us up to 75% funded with consistent monthly support.

Testimony of relationships and opening hearts

God has been opening the hearts of the people we have been connecting with at our local shops. We now have their phone numbers and are spending time with them outside of their work hours and have begun inviting them into our home. This past week I spent time with one of the girls and as we begun to talk about faith she shared that she is open to faith in general and it is something she enjoys learning about. I am eager to continue this conversation with her. Inviting people into your home in Japan is something very rare, but I believe God is touching lives by bringing the Japanese people into family.

Testimony of salvation

Towards the beginning of the month I was able to spend the day connecting with another missionary couple who have started a house church about 45min north of us. They are seeing many come to know Christ through a garage cafe they do and hosting dinner parties in their home for anyone to have a free meal, spend time in community, and encounter Jesus. It was really inspiring and I was able to pray and minister to some of the new believers in their church including one young man who was saved on Jan 1 this year after attending one of their dinner parties!

Testimony of dreams and joy being renewed

God has been renewing our families joy and hope for what’s next. While their has been so much transition and things happening in the world, our home has become a place of great peace and where dreams are being birthed. We have had breakthrough with Liam and his speech and emotions since being here as well, and it’s very encouraging to see the progress he is making.

Testimony of God renewing and touching His people

Friday nights we have a prayer service at the church that we lead. We are seeing many encouraged, refreshed, and equipped. It’s an honor to walk alongside the Holy Spirit as He pours Himself out to His people.

I pray that you are encouraged. That the glimmer of hope you needed will continue to be breathed on and become a flame for all to see in the darkness. The next few weeks will be a bit busy with Aaron’s 33rd birthday and Liam’s 4th birthday coming up. Along with that we will be submitting applications for our kids to attend half days at a public nursery school and helping our friends move into a home. Please pray they accept our applications and the kids find a great school for April, our team finds the best home and have a peaceful transition, for the last 25% of monthly support to come in, and of course that God continue’s touching people we meet. We love you and are incredibly thankful to have you apart of this journey. Here are some photos of this past month including some of those mentioned in the above testimonies. With love,

- The McKisic’s