Background Information:
Bethany first came to Japan in February 2011 to teach English at a school in Sendai. After experiencing the Tohoku Triple Disaster on March 11, she prayed and knew that God wanted her to stay. She taught at the school for four years and was also involved in a local church during that time. Her last year teaching, she felt God calling her to serve full time with the church, and God opened the doors for her to partner with A3 and the local church in Sendai. She served as a field missionary with the church in Sendai from 2016-2022, and she is now serving in the SIM Recruiting Department with a heart for multiplying the harvest workers sent to Japan.
Ministry Assignment:
- Missional Partner Associate 2016-2022
- SIM Home Office from 2022
Advice to Potential Missionaries
Pray without ceasing. God created each one of us, and He knows exactly how to reach us. As you pray, reach out to people you trust and seek their counsel. Have them pray with you. Write down exactly what you think God is saying to you. Research as much as you can and continue to pray. Always remember, seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. As you seek Christ with your life, He will guide you.
Important Lessons Learned
Look at the person or the church in front of you and ask God, “Who are they? How can I encourage them to be who they are in Christ?” One of my biggest temptations is my perfectionism, what I think something or someone should be. However, these questions help remind me, ministry is about relationships, not product. How can we walk this life together and grow closer to Christ?
When in Japan, be sure to...
...visit Matsushima Bay. Gorgeous!
Hopes for the Future
I want to see more harvest workers coming into the ripe harvests in Japan! I am praying alongside our faithful Japanese brothers and sisters, longing to see revival in this beautiful country that God loves!
What ultimate contributions do you hope to have?
I want it to be said that I truly loved people well. That God gave me eyes to see people where they are and love them. Whatever my accomplishments may be, they are nothing without love. I want love to always be my motivation in whatever ministry I do.
Bethany and her husband Josh enjoying the Japanese Garden at "home" in St. Louis, Missouri
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