"I Got To Witness God's Heart for Japan"
By Ashley Riggs
In fall 2016, Haley Gray began her senior year and while she was looking forward to graduation, she was also excited about serving on her first mission trip. She initially signed up to go to Indonesia, but instead found herself on a mission team to Japan – the land of the rising sun. With assurance from the Lord, she took the opportunity by the horns. “I had a peace with each change that came because I knew that God had put me in ORU missions for a reason,” she said confidently. At the age of seven, Haley felt a call to missions. This was her first chance to step out in faith and pursue that calling. “I came to have such a love for Japan,” Haley said. “I have no doubts that Japan was the ultimate destination that the Lord had in store for me.”
While the trip was an answer to prayer, the journey was not easy as the team experienced struggles. “As a team, we came under spiritual and emotional attacks, including frustration, personal insecurities, and fear,” Haley admitted. “We learned to see Jesus as our source, to trust Him in our circumstance and to put people’s needs before our own.”
With renewed purpose and unity, the team headed into the sprawling city of Tokyo with high expectations and renewed confidence in each other but also a bit overwhelmed. “It was a feast for the senses… we were surrounded by flashing lights and ads, chirping sidewalk timers, and sirens, plus thousands of people rushing by,” Haley said as she described her first impression of the city. During their first day of street ministry, Haley and team member, Clare Holt (Junior), struggled to work up the courage to talk to anyone. “We were working in Tokyo’s Shibuya area, and the spirit of intimidation was oppressively strong,” Haley said. “It was then that the Holy Spirit told Clare that there was no wrong person to share the Gospel with.”
Holding tight to that promise, they met two high school girls, Aiko and Kyoka, and started talking with them about their lives. Haley and Clare shared the Gospel and their personal testimonies and that led to both girls accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. “For the rest of our time in Tokyo, they met up with us whenever they could,” Haley said. “We were able to minister to them even more and get them connected with a local church. It is amazing to think that two lives have been changed because of a small step of obedience.” The team was amazed at God’s faithfulness, considering the spiritual darkness they had encountered.
Despite the small numbers of Japanese Christians, Haley found herself in awe of the strength of the church in Japan. “Japanese churches are small, with the largest being 250-300 members. Regardless of their sizes, the churches… are dedicated to reaching the lost,” she said. “They are especially passionate about reaching the young people of Japan and seeing revival come to the high schools and universities. Most importantly, they are trying to build relationships with everyone they meet.” The team felt a tremendous amount of respect for the Japanese Church. After all, where two or more are gathered, the Lord is there. The Japanese Church is small, but mighty – and growing steadily!
Throughout the process, Haley remained faithful to the calling the Lord gave her as a child. “I am so grateful that I got to witness His heart for that beautiful country,” Haley said, thinking fondly on her time in Japan. Since returning to the states, she’s learned both girls are continuing to attend church. “Even if I never go back, they will forever be in my prayers. God is truly faithful.”
Ashley Riggs is a senior Communication Major.
