We have made it to Urbana! Boy, what a trip it has been so far. And we're only getting started...
Just days ago, a winter weather storm of historical proportions tore through the US, leaving ice, snow, and subzero temperatures in its wake. Yesterday and today, thousands of flights across the country got cancelled, with Southwest even cancelling up to 70% of their flights. On a personal level, I have some health issues that have been affecting my sleep. Add in the uncertain economic conditions in our country and around the world, and this being the first Urbana Conference after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, and one thing is for sure:
The spiritual warfare is no joke.
And in the face of that, we stand on an even bigger truth: God is going to do big things at Urbana '22.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:13, 18).
At SIM and Asian Access, By prayer is our motto because our work cannot be done without it. And because of this, we have been praying for you. We have been praying for what God will do here in Indianapolis in the final days of 2022. In the weeks leading up to this conference, God has impressed the story of Gideon on me, how in Judges 7 Gideon thought that he needed tens of thousands of troops to go against the Midianites, but God kept pressing on him until the troops narrowed down to 300.
God can do a lot with a little.
Flights were delayed, and some of our team are getting here late. But we have our booth ready. And we continue to pray. We are passionate about seeing people connected to the work that God has for them to do in the world. And if you feel your heart stir in particular for Japan, come find me in the Connections Hall with SIM at Booth #707!
Bethany first came to Japan in February 2011 to teach English at a school in Sendai. After experiencing the Tohoku Triple Disaster on March 11, she prayed and knew that God wanted her to stay. She taught at the school for four years and was also involved in a local church during that time. Her last year teaching, she felt God calling her to serve full-time with the church, and God opened up the doors for her to partner with Asian Access and the local church in Sendai. She served as a field missionary with the church in Sendai from 2016-2022, and she is now serving in the SIM Recruiting Department with a heart for multiplying the harvest workers sent to Japan.
More Information
- More about Urbana '22
- Read Bethany's staff profile
@go2japan_- Cover photo and video by Emily Turner
