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| Questions about: Getting involved in missions |
| Donny: (02/24/09) Jack:
I've been coaching high school volleyball for the last 4 years and also playing volleyball for San Jose State University in California for the last 3 years. I coach and play volleyball because I love the game and volleyball is my ministry.
There has been a growing desire on my heart for two things: continuing coaching/playing volleyball and Japan. I've also been thinking about an extended commitment (at least one year) to missions in East Asia. I would love to coach high school volleyball in Japan for at least one year, and maybe even try to play professionally. The language of sports is so powerful. The gospel comes alive in me when I coach and play volleyball, and I can share the love of Christ easily with other athletes.
I've always been fascinated by Japanese culture. I know that less than 5% of the country is Christian. I just imagine how much freedom and purpose Jesus could bring to Japanese people. Their work ethic, discipline, value of self control, and commitment to perfect a skill (unique aspects of Japanese culture), coupled with an unreached people, is a prime opportunity to share God's love through volleyball. I live and breathe volleyball, and I've been so blessed to coach/play volleyball and use it as my ministry. I enjoy the challenge of sharing the gospel in creative ways through the language of sports because I cannot explicitly share my faith in public schools unless I'm asked to do so. This year, I based my coaching philosophy on the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). To make a long story short, the high school boys and girls I coach noticed that I was coaching them differently this year and they asked me why. I shared my testimony, the Fruit of the Spirit, and parts of the gospel with them. I was eventually nominated Coach of the Season this year, we took 1st place in our league (the first time in 13 years), and was interviewed by local newspapers. These successes led to several opportunities to share my Fruit of the Spirit coaching philosophy and the gospel with many non-believers, one of which included an audience of 2400 high school kids in a public school. I know that God gave me success to make His name known and glorify Him.
I really don't know what to do ith this desire to coach/play volleyball in Japan. I'm still exploring this idea and waiting on the Lord for direction. Could you please inform me of any volleyball opportunities in Japan? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Donny Hui |
| Jack: I'm not sure how to guide you, Donny. On the one hand, I appreciate your love for Jesus and your success in playing and coaching volleyball. On the other hand, communicating in a foreign culture implies contacts, language, communication, etc.
You might consider contacting Youth with a Mission (YWAM) or Campus Crusade. They attract young people and have contacts with young people. They do a lot with English, especially since so many Japanese youth speak English or want to speak it better. So I would encourage you to explore possibilities with these two organizations. Also, ask the Lord to put people and other agencies in your path. Meanwhile, begin a serious study of the Japanese culture, the history of Christian missions in Japan, and perhaps the biography of a well known Japanese Christian, like Kagawa. I'm far from my library right now so can't do more than this. May the Lord guide you. Jack |
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