When the Body of Christ Says Yes
There are moments in ministry when you catch a glimpse of the Church exactly as God intended it to be.
Over the past few weeks, I experienced one of those moments.
I traveled to Okinawa expecting to be there for only 12 days. Then everything changed.
An unexpected opportunity arose for me to serve as a victim advocate for a young woman walking through an incredibly difficult chapter of her life. To protect her privacy, I cannot share the details of her story, but I can say this: she was navigating one of the most vulnerable moments of her life and needed someone to walk beside her.
As I prayed about what to do, it became increasingly clear that God was asking me to stay.
There was just one problem.
I hadn't planned for it.
Remaining in Okinawa meant missing my scheduled flight back to Tokyo and finding a way to cover nearly two additional weeks of airfare, meals, and daily expenses. It also meant cancelation of many things back in Tokyo, including income generating activities. From every practical perspective, it simply wasn't possible.
Yet time and again, God reminds us that His calling is never dependent on our ability to provide for it.
Before I knew how everything would come together, He had already begun moving in the hearts of His people.
Believers in Okinawa and Fuchu responded in ways that still humble me. Many prayed faithfully as well as giving financially so I could remain where God had called me to be. Every act of generosity, whether seen or unseen, became part of God's provision.
Because of their faithfulness and generosity, I was able to remain in Okinawa for an additional twelve days, attend the court-martial proceedings, and continue standing beside this young woman when she needed support the most.
As I reflected on everything that happened, I realized that this story isn't really about provision.
It's about participation.
Throughout Scripture, God invites His people to participate in His work. He could accomplish every purpose on His own, yet He chooses to involve ordinary people in extraordinary ways. One person goes. Another prays. Someone offers a spare room. Another prepares a meal. Someone gives financially. Someone sends a message of encouragement at just the right moment.
Individually, those acts may seem small.
Together, they become a living testimony of the love of Christ.
That is what I witnessed in Okinawa.
One woman facing unimaginable circumstances was surrounded by people who may never know her name, yet chose to love her simply because God asked them to.
Isn't that what the Body of Christ is meant to look like?
This experience also reminded me that the ministry God has called me to is far bigger than one city. Although Tokyo is my home and ministry base, the needs I encounter extend throughout Japan. Across this nation are people living with the effects of trafficking, exploitation, abuse, and violence. Some need someone to advocate for them. Others need practical support. All need to know that they are seen, valued, and loved by a God who has not forgotten them.
My prayer is that God will continue opening doors, not only in Tokyo, but throughout Japan, including here in Okinawa. The relationships formed during these weeks have only strengthened my desire to return when the Lord provides the opportunity.
One of the greatest privileges of this ministry is seeing how God calls each of us differently.
Not everyone is called to become a missionary.
Not everyone is called to sit in a courtroom beside a survivor.
But every follower of Christ is invited to participate in His redemptive work.
Some go.
Some pray.
Some give.
Some encourage.
Some welcome strangers into their homes.
Some quietly make it possible for someone else to answer God's call.
Every role matters.
Looking back, I am struck by the fact that what happened in Okinawa was never about one advocate supporting one young woman. It was about the Body of Christ responding together to God's invitation. Each person who prayed, gave, welcomed, encouraged, or served became part of a much bigger story, one that reflects the heart of Jesus for those who are hurting and vulnerable.
If this story resonates with you, I would love to invite you to learn more about the work God is doing throughout Japan. Whether your heart is stirred to pray, to better understand the realities of trafficking and exploitation, or to partner with this ministry in some way, there is a place for you.
## Learn More
Hear conversations about trafficking prevention, advocacy, faith, and the ways God is moving throughout Japan.
If you feel called to support this ministry on an ongoing basis, you can become a ministry partner through my missionary sending agency. Your partnership helps make it possible to respond when unexpected opportunities arise, continue serving people impacted by trafficking and exploitation across Japan, and faithfully go wherever God opens the next door.
Thank you for taking the time to read this story. More than anything, I hope it reminds you of this simple truth: when the Body of Christ says "yes" to God, lives are changed.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” ~1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV)
