June 2021 Update (Final Prayer Letter)

 Hi everyone!

It is bittersweet to write my final prayer letter to you all. Endings are never fun, but as I close this chapter of my time with Cru, I am so thankful that you’ve accompanied me on this journey these past two years!

Answered Prayers

I said goodbye to our summer mission team a week ago, and there were a lot of tears! As I look back on a whirlwind of a month, I am in awe of what God did in and through our team. Last month, I asked for prayer for two things: 

1. For spiritual and gospel conversations between the US and Japanese students
2. For energy and love for our summer mission team as we remain flexible and dive deep into community, and wisdom in discipling the students

Praise God for answering both of these prayers, and more! This summer, our team initiated 189 conversations, had 35 spiritual conversations, and gave 7 gospel presentations. These numbers include numerous conversations with the Japanese students (via text and video) as well as with the local community in Little Tokyo through street evangelism.

 God also abundantly provided us with energy and love for each other. From 2am one-on-ones to group games, our team engaged intentionally with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We truly became like a family – we cooked together, pranked each other, even crammed everyone into a sedan (yes, all 13 of us…), in addition to engaging communally in the Word every day and doing ministry together. Through “I am From” poems, students told their stories with vulnerability and dove deep into community as they shared their fears and struggles with each other. I am thankful for your prayers, and how the Lord answers above and beyond what we ask or imagine.  

Our summer mission team

Full Circle

During one of our last trainings, I had the privilege of leading the students through the Faith Step Tool. It is a new tool my marketing team designed earlier this year, and its purpose is to guide students to discern their next best steps of faith in light of the gifts/resources, communities, and opportunities God has given them. It was so cool to be a part of the design / feedback process of the tool, and then see it in action! 

After the training, I sat with the girls I discipled and heard them share their next faith steps. It was encouraging to see their visions, from intentionally connecting with freshman and seniors in their movement to sharing resources with their church back home. I pray that they will continue to take these steps of faith throughout the summer and into the new semester!

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And I'm back in the Bay Area. If you are around, I would love to connect! My personal email and phone number are listed below, and I would be happy to catch up in person as you feel comfortable. If you are elsewhere in the world, let’s take advantage of technology and Zoom/FaceTime/call :) 

I am deeply grateful for your prayers and support; you have been an integral part of ministry these past two years. I pray that, 

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

- Numbers 6:24-26