First Day in Japan

Me and Hannah arrived in Japan safely (though she was having allergy problems and I was plane-sick) and met up with Mark (who is the head of this youth-church plant) and two other missionary short-termers, Becky and Brad. From there we drove through Tokyo for 2 hours to the church. Talk about culture shock! But it was awesome. Pics will be up later for that.

We ate supper at the Noborito church with Tim and Christine, Mark and Yuiko and their baby Hana, plus some other short-termers. Now we are settled into our cozy, but not too tiny apartment ready for bed. Had an interesting time figuring out the electrical devices with Japanese letters on them (ex: microwave, sink, shower, etc.) but it was an adventure.

Tomorrow, we will sleep in (Yay!) and then go to lunch with Mark and Yuiko and shop for some necessities. Our neighbor, Ron, may show us around the neighborhood tomorrow. Then at 5pm is the bilingual church service at Noborito, which should be awesome.

That's about it for now. Just settling in.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
-- Get settled in quickly
-- Jet-lag doesn't last too long
-- God will continue to work hunger into the hearts of the Japanese youth

PRAISE:
-- All 4 of us made it safely to Japan
-- Already God is working in the lives of Japanese young people, making them hungry for Him

KEEP POSTED FOR PICTURES AND MORE UPDATES COMING SOON!!!!

Arrived in Tokyo

Arrived in Tokyo, stay tuned

On Our Way

My last days in America this Year

Wow! Never knew I could get so exhausted from hanging out. Every day this past week has been jam-packed spending time with friends and family. Restaurants, ziplines, packing suitcases, a wedding, discipleship hangout, softball, and lots of tears and hugs have been the majority of my life the past few days. It's been a blast getting to reconnect with all of you guys. Thanks for the good times!

Tonight will be my last night at youth group at my church, and tomorrow I'll spend with family and last-minute packing. Then friday I'll be heading to the airport to say goodbye to my family, Hannah's family, and Laura, who will all wave me off. Then me and Hannah will fly to Chicago, and then to Tokyo. Mark, Becky, and Brad (3 people we're working with there) will be meeting us at the airport where I'll say "Konichiwa" and hope I learn my Japanese fast, since that's just about the only word I know.

Prayer Requests:
-- Quick adjustment physically, emotionally, and spiritually
-- Continued financial provision...while most of my finances are in, I still need a little more monthly support.
-- That God will prepare me to grow and be used for His glory in Japan

Praise:
-- My visa was accepted within 2 business days of sending it in! Yay!!!
-- God has allowed some serious breakthrough in my life and is continuing to reveal His love to me...if all I know is Jesus' love, that's enough for me.

Plans for Japan

As my departure for Japan is drawing near, I have been busy packing and taking care of all the last minute travel plans. I am set to leave on May 29. I will be posting updates on the work we are doing in Japan, photos, and specific prayer requests, for those of you who would like to follow along.

Tim and Christine Huber have been working in evangelism, discipleship, and church-planting in Japan for many years. Their most recent plans are to begin a youth-oriented church beginning in May of this year. They are in need of a number of young people from the United States to go assist in this outreach.

As I have prayed over this matter, I feel that God is leading me to go serve in Japan one year with them. I will be leaving the end of May 2009, and will be helping them in various ways while I am there, including: leading worship, starting cell groups, planning youth activities, and building relationships.

Thanks to those who have helped by supporting me thru prayer and financially. The cost for this trip is approximately $1000 per month. Currently, I have around half that amount pledged. I have also sent in my visa application recently and am waiting for that to be accepted. Prayers for my visa to be accepted and for continued financial provision are greatly appreciated.

Contributions designated for Amy Sauder can be given to 12 Oaks Community Church or mailed to PAZ, PO Box 3253, Peoria, IL 61612-3253. If you would like to support me financially on a monthly basis, please let me know.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support!

Amy