First Steps

“Beware of the tendency of asking the way when you know it perfectly well. Take the initiative, stop hesitating and take the first step.” (Oswald Chambers)

Dear <<First Name>>,

Now we've already been back in Pretoria for a month!

On the one hand, the time in South Africa is flying by. We are busy with preparations, visits, presentations and a bit of work at the OM South Africa office. We are enjoying the time with family and friends, the South African sun and the work with OM South Africa. In the last weeks we also had the opportunity to share more in depth with our South African church about our calling to Japan and we are very encouraged that they see the spiritual need in Japan and stand behind our move there.

On the other hand, we are again challenged not to be impatient and frustrated about the fact that our exact departure date to Japan is still unclear.

Of course, we are also sad to leave South Africa and it is slowly dawning on us what it means to spend our future in a country that isn't "home" to either of us.

About three weeks ago we posted our applications for a letter of eligibility to Japan. It takes about four weeks to get this document. Once it has been couriered to us from Japan, we can apply for the actual visa. The actual visa application seems to be a mere formality once we have this letter. The Japanese embassy in Pretoria told us that it will take them five working days to issue the visa. That means that there is a possibility that we will fly to Japan within the next four weeks. However, it is just as likely that the process could take longer.

Last week we invited some friends for a Japanese dinner. We thought of cooking some noodles and vegetables. On the day before the dinner, we received a text message from a friend at another ministry. They regularly receive food donations from local supermarkets, but they can't use everything they receive. Our friend was waiting in front of our house with a few things for us. Those "few things" included some high quality sushi!The next day we could spoil our friends with delicious Japanese seafood and we were once again amazed at the care, perfect timing and love for detail of Heavenly Father.

In the last while we could associate very well with the people of Israel as they are described in the book of Numbers, chapters 13 and 14. After the spies had returned from the Promised Land they told the people that stayed back about the amazing fruit, but also of the scary “giants” they would have to face when moving to this land. The people of Israel reacted with grumbling and fear. This part of the story really spoke to us, since we too are about to move to the land which God has lead us to. As with the Israelites, there are a lot of scary circumstances on the way. And like the Israelites we have a choice whether we complain, fear or disobey.

Would you pray with us for patience and joy in this time of uncertainty, for the goodbyes and new beginnings and for continued trust that God will be our provider and sustainer, also in a country where the living costs are so much higher than in South Africa?

Thank you very much and God bless you!
Hanno & Anne