RUN JPN 2024
On April 13th, 2024 our family went on a journey. We left our home and drove to the southern most tip of Japan, a three hour combined ferry ride and drive from our home. We camped out in the van with anticipation of my start the next morning of a long awaited journey across Japan on foot. This all came about during a run, 4 years ago, God gave me a word in Japanese – 一人ではない (pronounced: hi-to-ri-de-wa-na-i) or Not Alone. What better way to kick off this initiative; to raise awareness, and engage others in fighting for the forgotten – the growing trend of loneliness, and isolation; than to run the entire length of mainland Japan covering just over 3,000 km (1,864 miles) in 76 days.
While running I met with many people each sharing their experiences with loneliness from bouts of depression to suicide. Along the journey I met with over 20 missionaries/church pastors/home churches that met me for a meal, hosted me in their homes/churches and/or offered me a place of rest. A great time of fellowship and encouraging one another as loneliness also impacts missionaries and church pastors especially in rural areas of Japan. We will highlight specific stories/encounters in upcoming updates.
Meg, Chloe and Ethan made huge sacrifices as well for the launch of NOT ALONE JAPAN – RUNJPN as they maintained all household, ministry and outreach functions in my absence. I am so thankful it was made possible through the generosity of a few close friends and supporters from our home church, Crossroads to celebrate the completion of RUNJPN at Cape Soya.
Loneliness Epidemic
It is said that over 40% of Japanese living in Japan and 45% living outside of Japan, battle loneliness. The number of elementary and Jr High students not attending school sharply rose to 300,000. We are witnessing many children around us being sent by our local schools to behavioral specialists and the family stress surrounding this is mounting.
As these children grow they have a higher chance of joining the record high cases of what is known as hikikomori or social recluses reaching 1.5 million and some say is much higher number due to unreported cases.
Latest statistics:
Every number has a name and every name has a story. In-depth article sharing individual stories of hikikomori:
https://witness.worldpressphoto.org/it-felt-safe-here-adcb41725fc2
NOT ALONE FORMATION
一人ではない NOT ALONE JAPAN
LONG TERM VISION: to reverse the trend of isolation in Japan
MISSION: seek the suffering connecting them to a relational community where they feel a sense of belonging.
SLOGAN: There is HOPE in relationship.
GOALS:
- Empower the lonely through sharing.
- Encourage other churches to provide safe places for sharing.
- Engage volunteer and donor support.
- Equip existing organizations already fighting on behalf of those suffering from loneliness by coming along side them to maximize their efforts.
NOT ALONE JAPAN SUPPORT
Our move to Japan 6 years ago conditioned our mindset to when God calls us to go, we have learned to go without counting the costs, or waiting on the perfect conditions. We have seen and experienced his faithfulness trusting his plans and have confidence in His protection and provision over the work he gives us.
In future updates I will share individual stories/encounters from RUN JPN. The value of these encounters are priceless but there are still financial costs associated with RUN JPN we are willing to pay but we could use your help with the daily expenses incurred over the 76 day period:
- running gear (mainly tied up in the 5 pairs of shoes ordered from the U.S.)
- daily food and drinks (burning 3 – 4,000 calories a day required more eating and hydration than normal. I still lost 15 lbs.)
- lodging
- incidentals (bear spray, hospital visit, etc.)
Through the support of those I met on the run and some upfront donations, we were able to cover almost half the expenses associated with RUN JPN event. We have a current balance remaining of $2,600. One of our supporters reached out to us an offered to match up to half the amount so in essence we only need $1,300.
You can submit your tax – deductible donation by today by clicking the button below.
(NOTE: Type in RUNJPN in the comment section of donation page)
Any overage will go to supporting upcoming work of Not Alone. One area we have been asked to support is the ongoing efforts of the recovery work in Noto, Japan where they are still hauling off rubble from the earthquake that happened on January 1st. One of the organizations we are connected with is not only involved in clean up efforts but also providing support to about 60 children through meal services.
Prayer / Praise Request
Family Travel: We will be traveling to the U.S. to visit family and friends from July 17 – August 14. We will be attending an annual church event as well as visiting friends and family. We are grateful for the much needed rest from our normal work routine. Asking for prayers for smooth travel, relax and restoration.
Impact Japan: We have confirmed our families hosting 3 elementary age children (Miyu, Kiyu and Nagi) from our community from July 31st to August 14th. We offer praise for answered prayer finding host families and also pray for a great experience for all involved. Also prayers over travel as I will return to Japan to pick them up and bring them to the U.S.
Long – Term Missionary Family Onboarding: Jordan and Krista received their 3 year visa and we just secured a vehicle for them yesterday. They will pick it up in Tokyo once they arrive on August 8th and make their journey to Kagoshima. Asking for prayers over their travel along with Taku, their husky, as well as their transition to their new home, new way of life, culture and language and ministry.
Grateful – Past, Present and Future: We are always in awe of God’s goodness that shines over our mission, ministry, and our relationships. The impact that we have witnessed over the last 6 years and a few of you that have visited have also been able to see first hand is all possible because of the prayers, encouragement, financial support and long-term partnerships that God has orchestrated. It keeps us humble and grateful but at the same time confident, bold and excited for what’s to come! Thank you!
To God Be the Glory!