I'm Considering the Call

I'm Considering the Call…
Japan Newsletter
Serena Keeler

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about leaving. I have never been overseas, let alone a 13-hour flight to a culture so different than my own. But wow, all that God has been doing and speaking surpasses all those nerves and concerns. I could sit and worry every detail out and maybe even could have cancelled this trip if I wanted but if I did, I know I would be disobedient to what God has called me to do.

Although I am unsure of what every day entails while I am there, what I am sure of is God will move. He has been in this planning since day one. And I know from scripture He has given me, finances He has provided, and a leadership team backing me up in prayer, that He indeed has great things planned for this trip. And I am excited to see Him move and speak.

What is a “Vision Tour”?
For those who have never heard of a “vision tour” that is what I am going on! It is simply an opportunity to “scout out” an area you feel the Lord has put on your heart to pray, seek God, and wait on His red, yellow, or green light. Through scripture and hearing from current missionaries out there in Japan my heart is broken. I can’t continue what I am doing here in the US without going to see Japan and really consider this calling. Have you considered what God has called you to?
What I know - I am called to move overseas.
What I don’t know - where.
So, moments like this where I can go on a trip to focus on this calling and ask God
“Is this where you would have me?” are crucial! I will get the opportunity to see/partner with a local Calvary Chapel in Osaka, meet with current missionaries there, and see the culture in action.

What has God Said?

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
- Romans 10:13-15

Japan is less than 2% Christian, yet it is a nation completely open to the gospel. There are no anti-conversion laws, no restrictions on evangelism—believers are free to share and to worship. So why, in a country so open, are there still so few who follow Christ?
The answer lies deep in tradition.
Japan is shaped by an honor–shame culture, where the weight of every action is carried not only by the individual, but by their entire family and community. To bring shame is to bear a burden too heavy to restore, and to lose face is to lose hope. In such a culture, the gospel, this hope, feels so foreign. Hardened by generations of tradition, many do not see their need for God—and so they do not see the hope that He offers.
The result is heartbreaking. Japan bears some of the highest rates of suicide and depression in the world. In a society that demands honor yet offers no redemption, many see no way out. No hope.
But we know the truth: there is hope. There is One who bore our shame, who restores honor, who gives hope where the world has none.
And that begs the question—
How will they know, unless someone tells them?

They are unreached because they are hard to reach. But this is what is fueling my desire to consider this calling. And to walk out by faith in this by going, seeing, and praying. But I can't do it alone!!

Ways to Support
Prayer
I absolutely need your prayers as I am seeking the Lord while doing all that He has placed in front of me. I am certain that He is doing to speak to me just as He has been, but I can’t go alone. I need you backing me up in prayer even now as I prepare to go! Below I have listed a few ways you can be praying for me so please take a look at those and let me know how I can be praying for you as well! Thank you in advanced for all the prayers, I am excited for what God will do.

Financially
God has always been faithful to provide, and I’m trusting He will do it again. I’m so grateful for your past support—it’s meant so much to me. The remaining amount I need for this trip is $800. If you feel led to give, you can use the button below. Every little bit helps! Anything raised beyond that will go toward future trips. Thank you again—truly—for being part of this journey with me.
Give Today!

PRAISE REPORTS:
I’d love to rejoice in all God has done to make this possible!

1- God has been speaking so clearly on this call!
2- I have raised over half my needed amount! Wow God has been providing.
3- My leadership, family, and friends being behind this trip and in support of this calling!

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Here are some ways to be praying for me!

1- For me to diligently seek/hear from the Lord regarding Japan.
2- For continued provision for this trip.
3- For all the traveling details! That it would go smoothly.
4- That I would be a blessing to those I visit in Japan.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me—through both prayer and support. I can’t wait to see all that God does. And if you would like to hear more about what God has been doing in my heart about Japan, please feel free to reach out, I would love to chat!

-Serena Keeler

Me, my travel buddy (Gabrielle), and sweet friend Jenn

East Asia Care Team Meeting!

My Japanese Hiragana Alphabet Flashcards