MELANIE PETER - ENGLISH EVANGELISM

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future'." Jeremiah 29:11

This verse has been my inspiration. Since I read it, I knew that God cared about me and what I did and that he had a plan for what he wanted me to do with my life. He knew what kind of job I should have and He knew which country would be the best for me.

I had tried to come to Japan a few years earlier with another company but with different intentions, ones to gain wealth. Then my priorities changed and God blessed me with the opportunity to come to Japan with the Mission and teach English while being a Christian example to my students and reaching out to them with the good news.

Teaching here has been such a blessing. The students here have provided some challenges but challenges that have made me rely on God more. And God does provide a way. I have been learning just as much as my students. I was worried that I would not be a competent teacher, but he has given me the words and the conviction to say what needs to be said. One class asked what we would be learning next week, when over the last two weeks we had learned about music and singers, and then about Ancient Egypt and the Exodus from Egypt, and I said I have no idea, you guys inspire me.

I know that without God much of what I am doing today would not be possible. God allowed me to come to Japan without anything holding me back, and with a willingness and openness to embrace a new culture and people. God has blessed the Mission and through them I am very blessed. They are my new family away from home. I know I am cared for and loved. God has answered so many of my prayers and ones I had not even voiced. He is good.

One of my favorite songs is King of Kings, Lord of Lords. One of the verses starts off with "All my tomorrows, all my dreams, Jesus is Lord of All." And my hope and prayer is that He will be the Lord of everything in my life, especially here in Japan

Japan Mission has given me such an amazing opportunity and I want to give it 110%!

Please refer to Melanie's blog for further news: http://melaniesmissioninjapan.blogspot.com/

Contact Melanie by e-mail at: jm@japanmission.org (please put her name in the subject line to ensure the e-mail reaches her).