September 2015 Update [IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT]

It has been almost a year and a half since I came home from Japan, my original plan being to return in March 2015 to work at Mustard Seed Christian Church while studying at Christ Bible Seminary in Nagoya. When support raising went slower than expected, I pushed my timeline back to August. Now it's nearly October, and as you know, I'm still in the States. I have been praying for God's direction and talking to trusted friends, family and mentors for many months now. Long story short, I will not be going back to Japan at this time. The needs of the Mustard Seed church have changed, as have my circumstances. However, I still hope to go in the future! In fact, to that end, I am planning to attend seminary here in the States, either locally in the Sacramento area or online. God still hasn't shown me a long-term plan for my life, but I am confident that I am right where He wants me to be right now, and I will continue to pray that He will guide my steps as I seek out His will for the coming months and years of my life.

I have learned a lot, both about technology and what it means to lead people in worship, by being part of my church's production team. God is doing great things at Impact Community Church! God is moving in the lives of international students. It is a privilege to work with International Life! Please be praying for the monthly International Dinners and other events like Fall Camp, October 9-11. This is Inspire Union, or Inspa, the returnees ministry I worked with in Japan. I continue to have a relationship with them, even from far away. I look forward to the day when I can work directly with them, and other ministries in Japan, again.

Praise That substitute teaching has been going well - I am working every day and (for the most part) am enjoying it. For the van my friends gave me - it should be up and running very soon! For each of you who have supported me while I was in Japan and during this transitional time I have been in here in the States. I wouldn't be where I am today without your support! Thank you! Prayer Pray for wisdom and discernment as I look at options for seminary. Continue to pray for the Mustard Seed Church, Christ Bible Seminary, and Christians throughout Japan. Pray that Christians would be strong and bold in their faith and that many would come to know Jesus as their Savior! I know that this is big news, which some of you may have already heard or guessed, but to some might be a surprise. Please know that, while I am a bit disappointed that I wasn't able to go back to Japan as soon as I expected, I truly feel that this is the right decision - I'm not sad! God has given me many opportunities to serve in ministry here at home, including international student ministry with International Life and serving on the production team at my home church, Impact Community Church. The past year and a half has held many ups and downs, and it is thanks to those experiences that I have grown in many ways that I never expected, most of all in my faith. I have learned to rely on God and His guidance and provision more than I ever would have otherwise. His ways truly are higher than mine, and I know that He has great plans for me, both right now and in the future. I probably won't be writing too many more newsletters like this for the time being, but I might from time to time. While I will no longer be raising support to go to Japan, I am welcoming financial support to help cover the cost of my seminary education. Relevant International Missions will continue to handle my donations just as they have been. Of course, most of all, I covet your prayers! Thank you again for your faithful love and support. I appreciate you all more than you know!

August 2015 Update

One of the perks of living in a diverse city like Sacramento is that I have access to many of the things I enjoyed in Japan. Although of course it isn't the same, it reminds me of living in Japan and helps me not to miss it too much!

I attended a local Japanese festival a couple of weeks ago. It was fun to eat Japanese food (in this picture is katsu curry and croquettes, but I ate some sushi too), and I also got to see a taiko (traditional Japanese drum) performance. If you've never seen taiko, it's very cool! Something else I can enjoy in Sacramento is Japanese-style karaoke. Unlike American karaoke bars, you get a room for just you and your friends. The place I frequent has lots of Japanese songs in addition to songs in English and other languages, so it's a good chance for me to use Japanese! The new school year has started, and my work with International Life continues. I have already met some of the new students who just arrived in the States, and we have lots of events coming up, including the first International Students Dinner on September 11th and a Golf Day on the 12th.

Praise In my last newsletter, I mentioned that some friends of mine were going to give me a vehicle. I now have a 1995 Toyota Odyssey van in my possession! It still needs a little bit of work as well as some DMV paperwork, but I should be able to start driving it soon! I followed a teacher friend's advice and contacted local high school Japanese teachers to say that I am available to substitute for their classes. Thanks to that, I have two jobs lined up for the fall, and hopefully will start to build good relationships with these teachers. It's a great chance for me to do what I enjoy and use my Japanese ability! Prayer Pray for the new international students who have arrived in the States and are starting school. Pray also for International Life and its staff and volunteers as we reach out to new and continuing students through our upcoming events and share the love of Jesus with them. Please pray for continued guidance and discernment in my support raising. If you use Facebook and haven't had a chance yet, please like https://www.facebook.com/sharingjesusinjapan. I am updating it periodically with what's going on with my ministry here as well as what's happening in Japan.  It should be fun, so I hope you enjoy it! If you are interested in joining my financial support team, you can donate online here at my blog, or you can send checks (with my name, Amber Carpenter, in the memo) to: Relevant International Missions c/o Lisa Gerlach 1300 Endl Blvd Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Thank you, and God bless!

July 2015 Update

Sometimes people ask me why I love Japan. For me, that's a difficult question with no simple answer. There are a lot of things I love about Japan and its culture and people. One of these many things I love is the Japanese strong sense of seasons. Summer is a time for fireworks, barbecues at the beach, and festivals. I hate the hot, humid weather of summer in Japan, but I love the uniquely Japanese activities, so I decided to share a little bit about a couple of them with you. I had a lot of fun during my summers in Japan, and I can't wait to experience another summer there!

My friends Kensaku and Hiroko, who I worked closely with in Japan, were in Sacramento for North American Baptists' Triennial Conference. I never thought I'd get to hang out with them in America! It was also great to say hi to several missionaries I worked with, including the Stollers, Carol Potratz, and Paul Ewing. I miss Japanese fireworks! This picture was taken by my friend at a fireworks show I attended in Japan, and this was not the finale, nor was it a particularly famous fireworks festival. Which is to say, the fireworks in Japan are absolutely amazing! I wish everyone could see a Japanese fireworks show at least once! In Japan, July 7 is a holiday called Tanabata. According to legend, it is the only day each year the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, star-crossed lovers, can meet. (That's them in the picture.) People, especially children, celebrate by writing wishes on strips of paper and tying them to bamboo branches. I enjoyed participating in this fun, colorful holiday.

Praise Praise for being able to meet with Kensaku and Hiroko, who I served with in a variety of capacities in Japan. I'm always encouraged by their passionate love of Jesus and desire to reach out to their community. They also told me that the church I served at in Japan, Tsu Baptist Church, has grown. It probably averaged 10-15 people a week when I was in Japan, including us three missionaries. Now, even without us there, they are averaging around 20 people each week, thanks to the church members inviting their friends. That's a big deal for a church in Japan! Praise God! It looks like some friends of mine have a car that they don't need and are going to give it to me. This will be a huge help to me! I know some of you were praying specifically about this, so thank you! Prayer The new school year is starting, and I will likely soon start to substitute regularly (I only subbed for a few days before summer vacation started). Please pray with me that I would be well prepared and be the best substitute teacher I can be! Please pray for continued guidance and discernment in my support raising. If you use Facebook and haven't had a chance yet, please like https://www.facebook.com/sharingjesusinjapan. I am updating it periodically with what's going on with my ministry here as well as what's happening in Japan.  It should be fun, so I hope you enjoy it! If you are interested in joining my financial support team, you can donate online at my blog: http://sharingjesusinjapan.blogspot.jp/, or you can send checks (with my name, Amber Carpenter, in the memo) to: Relevant International Missions c/o Lisa Gerlach 1300 Endl Blvd Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Thank you, and God bless! Amber Carpenter

June 2015 Update

Recently a friend recommended that I read a book called The God Ask. So far it has a lot of good things to say about biblical fundraising, but what I have appreciated the most is being told to think and pray through my vision. Why do I want to go to Japan? I thought back on the beginning of my interest in Japanese culture more than ten years ago; meeting the Stollers and hearing about their missions work in Japan and how I might get involved; the way God has gifted me with the Japanese language and understanding of the culture, both of which grew exponentially for the three and a half years I lived in Japan; and why I'm so excited to be on staff with Mustard Seed Christian Church. I love the church's mission statement: To cultivate growing Christ-centered disciples who relentlessly engage the world for God's glory. How I long for that to happen more and more in Japan, where Christians are so few! When I look back on where I have been and look ahead to the future, I am confident of my calling to Japan. And if God has called me to Japan, I know that He will make a way for me. Thank you for being a part of my journey!

This is a small group I led at International Life a few weeks ago. Yasuka, back left, and several other Japanese exchange students are getting ready to return to Japan in August. Please pray with me that their transition will be smooth, and that God will continue to place Christians in their paths. International Life's summer activities are a bit different than during the school year. For students that don't go back to their home country for vacation, we are having some fun events, like this barbecue, for them to hang out, have a good time, and stay connected during the summer months. On a personal note, I had the chance to attend Wizard World Comic Con here in Sacramento. It was a new experience for me, and I had a great time!

Praise Praise for opportunities to spend time with family and friends, like kayaking with ladies from my church and celebrating Father's Day with my parents and brother. I'm so appreciative of the time I have with my loved ones. Praise for great summer camps that give youth the chance to get to know God better. My church's youth just came home today as I write this, and I heard that two received Christ for the first time and 15 rededicated their lives. Praise God! Prayer Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment in support raising. Please pray for Japanese Christians. It's not uncommon for them to feel alienated from their own culture, especially because the Christian population is so low and they may not have many Christian peers. Pray that they will find good fellowship with other believers and live out their faith boldly. If you use Facebook and haven't had a chance yet, please like https://www.facebook.com/sharingjesusinjapan. I am updating it periodically with what's going on with my ministry here as well as what's happening in Japan.  It should be fun, so I hope you enjoy it! If you are interested in joining my financial support team, you can donate online at my blog: http://sharingjesusinjapan.blogspot.jp/, or you can send checks (with my name, Amber Carpenter, in the memo) to: Relevant International Missions c/o Lisa Gerlach 1300 Endl Blvd Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Thank you, and God bless!

May 2015 Update

Now that I have been home in California for over a year, I can look back on what my initial expectations were and see how the reality has differed. I expected to be home for less than a year, anticipating that support raising would go smoothly. That has not been the case, and as I continue to trust that God will make a way for me to return to Japan, He has proven Himself faithful to me. Having to depend on His provision and guidance in my everyday life has built up my faith, and I have had the opportunity to learn new skills and have new experiences. Although life may not go according to my plan, it is going according to His plan, and my time at home is proving to be far more rich than I ever imagined. I am so thankful for God and His faithfulness!

It's been almost a year since I joined the production team at my home church, Impact Community Church. I have never been a tech before, so I have been learning a lot! At the beginning of May, I was able to attend Thrive, a church leadership conference, with the band and production team. It's been a privilege to get to know them, and to serve God by helping to make our weekend services excellent! It has been about a year since I started volunteering with the Christian international students group, International Life. May 16 was the annual fundraising dinner, and I was privileged to have my family attend. Many students who served at the event wore traditional clothing from their country, so I wore a Japanese yukata(summer kimono). Praying that God continues to bless this important ministry! As I have been uncertain about how long I will remain in the States, it seemed wise for me to find work. As of last week, I am a substitute teacher! The job's flexibility fits perfectly with my current stage in life, and although I have only just started, I think I will enjoy it and gain some good experience! Thank you so much to those who prayed for me about this!

Praise Praise that I was able to start work as a substitute teacher! This is a direct answer to prayer! Thank you for praying! Praise that my church's women's retreat at the end of April went well, and many ladies were positively impacted. As I mentioned in my March newsletter, I ran tech for this event, and thanks to your prayers it went smoothly! Prayer Please pray that God would give me wisdom and guidance as I continue to work on raising support to return to Japan. Please pray for the people of Japan. There are millions of Japanese living without hope. Pray that churches, like Mustard Seed Christian Church in Nagoya where I will be on staff, would be effective in reaching out to the Japanese, and that the Holy Spirit would be at work in people's hearts. If you use Facebook and haven't had a chance yet, please like https://www.facebook.com/sharingjesusinjapan. I am updating it periodically with what's going on with my ministry here as well as what's happening in Japan.  It should be fun, so I hope you enjoy it! If you are interested in joining my financial support team, you can donate here on my blog, or you can send checks (with my name, Amber Carpenter, in the memo) to: Relevant International Missions c/o Lisa Gerlach 1300 Endl Blvd Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Thank you, and God bless!

April 2015 Update

Has it already been a year? That's how I feel when I look at the calendar and realize that almost exactly one year ago, I got on a plane in Tokyo that took me on the long flight home to California. I'd only visited home once in the three and a half years I'd been living in Japan, so I wasn't sure how the adjustment back to life in the States was going to be. So much had changed since I'd been gone! That, combined with the fact that I left part of my heart in Japan and couldn't wait to go back, made it difficult to imagine what my life in California was going to be like. There have been ups and downs, but I can say now, one year later, that God has stretched my faith, consistently provided for me, and blessed me like crazy. I've made a ton of new friends, gotten involved in some great ministries, and had the privilege of sharing my experiences and heart for Japan with many of my friends and family. It's been a huge privilege to interact with each of you! Thanks so much for being a part of my ongoing journey! Here are a few pictures looking back on my last few weeks in Japan. It was difficult to choose only three, but looking back over my pictures made me smile. I love my life here in California, but I also can't wait to go back to my second home in Japan!

One of the last things I did in Japan was attend Becky's wedding. She was my coworker, roommate, and friend for the three and a half years I was in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, and became like an older sister to me. I was honored and so happy to witness her marriage to a wonderful godly guy! It's exciting to stay in touch with them through social media and seeing how God is working through them!   This is my friend Kaori, one of the many sweet, friendly people who became my friends. We sang in the same gospel choir, and we keep in touch through Facebook, texting and even snail mail - she enjoys sending letters and gifts. She moved to a different part of Japan just before I moved away, and I can't wait to have the opportunity to visit her! I continue to pray for her salvation, as well as the salvation of many of my other Japanese friends.   These are some of my Christian friends who live in Nagoya, where I will be living once I return to Japan. I was always challenged and humbled by the sincere faith of these beautiful sisters, and we continue to pray for each other regularly. The family of God isn't held back by distance, but I am very much looking forward to spending time with them face-to-face again.

One of my biggest prayers when leaving Japan was to know where to be involved in ministry during my time at home in California, and God, as He always does, has answered those prayers abundantly more than I ever imagined! When I first returned to my home church, many things had changed and I felt that I didn't know anyone anymore, but I have become deeply involved in the production team and women's ministry, and while using my time and talents to serve, I have gotten to know many wonderful people that I can confidently call my church family. I wanted to work with young people, and I was able to start volunteering with international students through the Christian group International Life, which has been challenging, educational, and fun. Through the international students group, I met many Japanese students, and have also been involved in ministry to Japanese Christians, which is, of course, one of my greatest passions. Most of these ministry opportunities have been unexpected, but I couldn't have asked for more! I praise God, who has been so good to me in so many ways! Please continue to pray for God's guidance in my life, as I keep raising support and look ahead to returning to Japan. Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. If you use Facebook and haven't had a chance yet, please like https://www.facebook.com/sharingjesusinjapan. I am updating it periodically with what's going on with my ministry here as well as what's happening in Japan.  It should be fun, so I hope you enjoy it! If you are interested in joining my financial support team, you can donate here on my blog, or you can send checks (with my name, Amber Carpenter, in the memo) to: Relevant International Missions c/o Lisa Gerlach 1300 Endl Blvd Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Thank you, and God bless!

March 2015 Update

In the past months, I've met with several people about my plans to return to Japan, including an old friend. As I sat in a small church office and shared my plans and hopes for Japan with him, he gave me ideas about ways I might try going about raising support. He also encouraged me and affirmed me and my call to Japan. Without the encouraging words of people like him, Christians whom I respect, it would be difficult for me to find the motivation to keep moving forward. This is one of the many ways God has faithfully been providing for my needs since returning to California. The process of support raising has been more challenging than I thought it would be when I was preparing to leave Japan a year ago. I still hope to return to Japan this August, and although I don't know how events will unfold, I do know that God has a plan. Please pray with me that I will be able to keep my heart soft to follow God's leading, no matter where it takes me.

Almost exactly one year ago, I was saying a lot of goodbyes to my friends as I wrapped up my time in Mie Prefecture. This is the last time I attended Sunnyside Gospel Club's practice. I've kept in touch with many of these people! Most Fridays, there is a time for International Life student leaders to meet and fellowship. I love hanging out with them! Please pray for them as they grow in their faith, and for those who don't know God yet! A couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to meet and chat with one of the Japanese student's moms who was visiting her daughter in the States. She's very sweet and wants me to visit her when I return to Japan. I love the way God keeps giving me chances to connect with Japanese even while I'm in California!

Praise Praise for our risen Savior! I can't wait to celebrate His resurrection in just over a week! Praise for the way I have seen International Life's student leaders step up and take more initiative in the club's activities. Pray for them as they take a trip to Yosemite National Park on 4/24-26, although I am unable to attend. Prayer Please pray for churches around the world as they celebrate Easter, as it is one of the most important times for outreach. Pray for my church, Impact Community Church's, women's retreat on 4/23-25. I will be running tech in addition to participating in the retreat. Continue to pray for my application to work as a substitute teacher. I am hoping to have a better idea of what will happen with this by the time I write my next newsletter. If you use Facebook and haven't had a chance yet, please like https://www.facebook.com/sharingjesusinjapan. I am updating it periodically with what's going on with my ministry here as well as what's happening in Japan.  It should be fun, so I hope you enjoy it! If you are interested in joining my financial support team, you can donate here on my blog, or you can send checks (with my name, Amber Carpenter, in the memo) to: Relevant International Missions c/o Lisa Gerlach 1300 Endl Blvd Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Thank you, and God bless!