On Your Mark, Get Set.
In this newsletter:
Finishing MTS
Next Stop Japan
Next Plans
We've all stood on that the starting line of a race, our hearts pounding with excitement and dreams of crossing the finish line first. We would lean forward in that runners stance because we saw it on a movie and thought it must help, why else would the pros do it. And then someone would shout “go”. The strange thing is this so easily sums up our life, we can be so focused on the finish line, that we miss the race entirely, and though this isn't necessarily a bad thing, we all are guilty of saying “Where did the time go?”
Well, so too I have to say that when I say my year at MTS (Missions Training School) is over. It feels like I just got there yesterday, (and also feels like I was there for 10 years).
Though in that short time, the Lord has spoken abundantly and taught me stuff I had no idea I needed to learn. And so it's very bitter sweet to leave the program and move on to the next race (actually going to Japan). On the one hand, leaving new friends and family is incredibly difficult, the Lord gave me such great people to be around and spend my time with. My uncle and aunt, who I stayed with, were a massive blessing. My chiropractor and his wife filled my heart with joy, just getting to hang out and talk, and a couple, along with another MTS student that was staying at this couples house, became like family to me. All of this was something that the Lord knew I needed and I love them all so dearly.
Though like anything this coin had two sides.
If one side of the coin was friends and fellowship, on the other side were adversaries clearly set up by the enemy. Some were simple and small, others I had to just stand back in shock and be surprised at. It would seem at first glance a horrible thing, though that was the beauty of it all, because in that trial the Lord shone so much brighter. He gave me prophetic dreams and visions, he gave others the same dreams and visions, so that I would truly know they were from him. He gave people words to speak into my life, and through it all I drew so much closer to him, that even though the enemy was trying to force me out, the trials only made my faith stronger, but now it is all over. So what next?
Three Months In Japan
Well the plan is simple, if this was the warm up to the race, this next part is taking my runners stance at the starting line, waiting for God to fire that weird little race gun into the air and say “go!”. I'm leaving for Japan September 2, I fly from Reno to Osaka and will be there for 3 months. In that three months there is a lot to do, and I am filled with excitement, and not even an ounce of fear, just excitement.
So here is the plan, in that time I will try and find a good language school, I will go apartment shopping and try to put my name on a waiting list, (most places don't want to rent to foreigners and so the few that are willing, kinda get packed with people on a waiting list.) I will talk with the head Pastor of Calvary Chapel Abide Osaka, to get his take on everything, along with if and where I would fit in in the ministry. (Mind you, this three months is kinda like an interview process for both me to the church, and seeking the Lord for myself if He would have me be in this city or has other plans.) The over all plan is to come along side the paster and help with the ministry. It looks like I won't be a soap box missionary, standing on the street corner, but one helping out in the church and learning. This being with the hope of establishing another church in another city somewhere down the road.
The rest of the time there will be acclimating to the culture, learning life there by trial and error, and meeting people and making connections, and most importantly, seeking the Lord's will in this all. And just like any race, as it's coming up in only two months, I have to prepare, and so in this time I'm continuing to raise support, studying Japanese all day, and diving into the Word and seeking the Lord.
So I ask you to please keep me in your prayer, as the years of God shaping my heart and walk, and the years of missions already under my belt, are all leading to this. And whether or not it is my last race to run, I intend to finish it strong and like any racer, I intend to not only finish, but to run the race to win.
God bless you my friend.
~Bryan Barrow
Prayer Requests
And pray for long term financial support for me to be able to go out onto the missions field.
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I’m speaking to several pastors about speaking at their church. Pray that the Lord opens doors there to raise support, and that even more doors open to speak at other churches.
Our Ministry
This ministry is not just my ministry, it’s our ministry. When you come along side me in prayer, encouragement, or financial support, you reap the rewards of this ministry and store up treasures in heaven. As these are the rewards of the ministry. This is just as much your ministry as mine, as I am the hands and you become the arms when you join with me. So thank you.
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