John Timothy in Hokkaido describes daily life and ministry as far more exhausting in Japanese, including praying and speaking about Jesus accurately. Liz and Mike, still struggle with language and understanding cultural reasons behind behavior after 15 years here, while AJ compares the transition to feeling “reborn as a baby,” describing frustration and humiliation when he can’t do familiar ministry tasks.

Workers also highlight cultural dynamics like honne and tatemae, making it hard to discern genuine interest, and a reluctance to correct mistakes, alongside common barriers like busyness.

Margaret and others reflect that these trials become “God’s sandpaper,” deepening humility and reliance on God’s work rather than performance.

Visit our website for resources and more information on OMF Japan⁠


00:00 Welcome

01:06 Why Language Exhausts

03:31 Feeling Like a Baby

05:38 Culture Honne and Tatemae

08:44 Busyness and Time Barriers

10:12 God Uses the Friction

10:42 Humbled Into Reliance

13:27 Trials and James 1

15:29 Next Episode and Farewell

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