First Week in Aomori

Welcome everyone to my Aomori Mission Trip 2019 Blog! I will be posting here weekly (or more!) giving updates on my life and how God is working in Japan. I hope that these blogs will be an encouragement and testimony of God's goodness all around the world to people everywhere. To give some context, I am currently posted in Aomori City, Japan. Aomori City is the capital of the Aomori Prefecture, shown in red in the picture below. This prefecture is famous for its beautiful scenery, as well as for being one of the snowiest regions in the world.

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I am currently posted in the Aomori Christian Center, located in the mountains south of Aomori City



It is a beautiful, bucolic place with lots of snow and gorgeous scenery. I took the pictures below myself!

































I live in a cabin with a fellow missionary from Germany. His name is Octavius, but I call him Tavi-san. He is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and a real fun to be around as well!







































The family I am working with consists of missionaries Luke and Yuko Elliot, as well as their 5 children: Grace, Faith, Judah, Josiah, and Johnny.

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Luke is very knowledgable in the Bible and is a great conversationalist, and he made me feel immediately welcomed at the Aomori Christian Center. Yuko is so sweet and also an amazing cook! She is the one that truly makes their house feel like a home. Grace, Faith, Judah, Josiah, and Johnny are the sweetest children I have ever met, and their energy is absolutely contagious. They teach me so much about Japanese culture and language, and we love to play board games and sled together.

This week, I was given the opportunity to meet several pastors from around the area. Even though there are not many Christians in Japan (about one percent of the population), the pastors here were strong in faith and hopeful for future growth. They do not have great big bands and shining lights, but instead they sing simple hymn songs karaoke style. They also do not have large buildings with vast resources, but their community is strong and their faith is tangible. It is so encouraging to meet Christians in Japan who, despite their small numbers, have such big hearts.

This is a picture taken of me with the local pastors and their children.

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Overall, my first week here has been an overwhelmingly positive experience, and I am so grateful to God for providing me with such an encouraging first week. And a big thank you to all my supporters who have enabled me to embark on this mission trip!

Comments

  1. Mr. VierkJanuary 5, 2020 at 7:21 PM

    What a great update on what God is doing through you, Derek-San! How is the snow shoveling going?

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    Replies
    1. Derek BaiJanuary 8, 2020 at 2:52 AM

      Haha it's awesome to work with fellow Christian brothers, they are a joy to be around no matter what I am doing.

      Delete
  2. Deborah ChenJanuary 7, 2020 at 1:17 PM

    This is so wonderful Derek! Keep us updated on the wonderful adventures and learning experiences you're having there

    ReplyDelete
  3. hintoggiJanuary 22, 2020 at 8:33 PM

    So happy to hear that you're doing well, Derek! I will be praying that you will become closer to God through this experience :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Derek BaiJanuary 23, 2020 at 4:44 PM

      thank you!! so far, this experience has definitely helped me become much closer to God

      Delete

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