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Letter from CRM's President

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-11-17T21:47:26+09:00

From all indicators, it appears the U.S. economy is gradually and painfully, pulling out of the worst recession since World War II.

But it has been a difficult year for many–a plunge in real estate values, lost savings and retirement income, and for some, unemployment. I know few families – including my own–who have not been affected by these tough economic times.

For CRM and the 400 plus men and women who serve with us around the world, it has been a stretching, if not trying, year. Almost all have had some percentage of donors either reduce or stop their support. Many faithful supporters who have historically given generously out of assets have not be able to do so in 2009, because those assets have simply shriveled up. It has been particularly difficult for those younger men and women who are faithfully following the call of God and embarking on ministry careers as they have begun to raise personal support.

Such times have provided a unique opportunity for us to live out Philippians 4:12: “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

At the same time, it has been a remarkable year as I have watched God supply needs over and over again. It has been touching, and humbling, to see so many friends and supporters step into the gaps and generously give sacrificially.

On behalf of Sean and Alice Collier, thank you for your friendship, your prayer, and your support. There is probably not a time that I can remember when it has meant so much. Your generosity has been a tangible expression of a sovereign God who is not caught by surprise nor out of touch with our lives and daily needs. He can be trusted.

We know that historically, in times of economic crisis or social turmoil, people are more responsive and open to spiritual realities. They are more willing to ask ultimate questions because the temporal is so fragile and fleeting. This present time of economic stress has been no exception.

Despite the economy, new CRM personnel have been added to our teams worldwide throughout 2009. Leaders in existing churches and those starting fresh expressions of the church have been empowered. Our missionaries living on the fringes of society who minister among the poor and the marginalized have continued to give of themselves, living out in word and deed the presence of Jesus. Our work has continued to thrive and even expand as committed and highly skilled men and women continue to step forward in the spirit of Isaiah 6, “…here am I, send me.”

At this time of year, I usually exert “executive privilege” to write this November Just Between Friends, first to thank you for your prayers and your giving toward the support of Sean and Alice. Against this economic backdrop, that gratitude is more poignant and deeply felt than ever. On their behalf, Thank You!

I also use this opportunity in November to lay out once a year exactly where Sean and Alice are in their financial situation. Because you believe in them and have supported them with your resources and prayer, we believe you would want to know straightforwardly what their needs are. We have confidence that those who love and back these folks can hear from God and know how he would have them respond.

Presently, the Collier’s have been running 20% short of the budget prescribed for them by CRM. They need to raise that additional amount in the coming months.

These budgets are carefully constructed and the salary portions are modest by almost any standard. They also include a host of other items beyond salary, such as health insurance, disability, ministry expenses, and retirement. Particularly in times like these, CRM and those who serve with us are committed to using your gifts effectively and being the best stewards possible of your hard-earned dollars.

Would you prayerfully consider what part God would have you play in meeting the need I described above? Perhaps you are in a place where you can help out, and particularly help pick up the slack from others who have been hurt in the economic downturn. Whatever you can do will go a long way. You can respond online here.

Again, thank you for your friendship with the Collier’s and the encouragement you’ve been to them. We are honored to have them serving with CRM and honored to have your partnership in ministry.

Gratefully in Christ,

Dr. Sam Metcalf
President, CRM

Shame - A Blanket that Covers Japan

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-10-24T21:51:37+09:00

“What I have done is unforgivable… I am truly, truly sorry…”
--Noriko Sakai, a famous pop idol in Japan

Recently the tearful face of a pop idol, Noriko Sakai, covered the news in Tokyo, as she publicly apologized for her use of stimulant drugs.

Even though only a small amount of the drug was found at her residence, her recording company has dropped her. Any contracts she had with other products have been cancelled, and her acting career is over as well. She is being made a public example of to keep others from doing the same.

Shame has covered this poor woman. She has been blacklisted, scorned … an outcast in her own country. Even if this woman were to turn her life around, the entire country has effectively said, “You have done the unforgivable. We will never receive or accept you back into society.”

No Second Chances
While it’s certainly true that we reap what we sow and it’s important that people understand there are consequences for their actions, an unconditional refusal to forgive or provide a second chance to those who’ve made mistakes (even after they’ve suffered the consequences) seems to constitute cruel and unusual punishment. It also shows a lack of mercy and grace.

Unfortunately, this is a typical response for those who’ve messed up in Japan. The Japanese live in fear of ever making mistakes because they know there are no second chances.

Negative Motivation
Shame is like a blanket that covers this country. There are countless unspoken rules here. When people don't behave according to these rules, others shun them-- both verbally and nonverbally.

Ironically, shame is what makes Japan such a safe place to live – people are motivated to “stay within the lines” so that they can be socially accepted.

Shame in the Church
These unspoken rules in society are so programmed into life in Japan that we even see them pop up in the church. For example, the order of meetings, the service or even the way people share a casual testimony all have a certain form and structure. When people do things the “wrong” way—even if by accident--they are often frowned upon.

Furthermore, when a believer backslides or stops attending church for a while, for most, the biggest reason they don’t return is shame. Even though they may want to return, the shame they feel of having failed to meet other’s expectations keeps them from returning.

They feel that no matter what they say or do, there will always be people who will judge them for having left. They feel that they will never be received back into the church and loved or forgiven unconditionally.

Freedom in Jesus
Jesus never meant for it to be this way. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman believers, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). I believe the issue of shame was one of the biggest reasons Paul was prompted to write this word of encouragement.

We want the Japanese people to know that nothing can keep them from the love of Jesus. No matter what they’ve done or may do, even in the future, they can find unconditional love and forgiveness when they turn their lives over to Jesus and make Him their Lord, Savior, and Master.

Will you pray with us that the Holy Spirit would move mightily in this land and break the chains of shame that bind the Japanese? Pray that the Holy Spirit would reign, because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Waiting for "The Big One" (Earthquake)

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-09-24T13:37:46+09:00

“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” –Ephesians 5:14

Waiting for the “Big One”

Last month, three fairly strong quakes shook the Tokyo area, within a week’s time. Conversations on the street suddenly changed from how hot the weather was to what everyone was doing when their houses or apartments swayed from the force of the quakes.

The news was suddenly filled with the big question: Are these earthquakes leading up to the “Big One” that is predicted to hit the Tokyo area?

The Tokai area, which centers around Shizuoka but would strongly impact Tokyo, has not had a large earthquake in over 100 years. It is believed that earthquake energy is building up in the Tokai area, and that a massive, catastrophic earthquake is expected to occur in the near future. As one article writes, “It would not be surprising if a big one occurred tomorrow.”

Are We Prepared?

Most cities in Japan have detailed information on their websites and in their city halls on how to prepare for the big earthquake. Even Kadin’s kindergarten has a special suit for each child to wear in case of an evacuation. We have an evacuation bag, including hard hats, stored in our entranceway.

And, even though all of our Japanese friends tell us how frightened they are of earthquakes, we are very surprised when they tell us that they have not made any preparations in their homes or for their families.

A Sleeping Giant

How easy it is to procrastinate making preparations for something that could mean the difference between life and death. Our friends tell us themselves that they are lazy when it comes to disaster prevention/preparation. “One day I should really think about it…” they say.

Unfortunately, for most people here, it will probably take surviving a major earthquake before they actually prepare for one!

We find this is similar to the spiritual state in Japan. Just as in a true revival, it will take a spiritual earthquake before people take the Gospel seriously and genuinely make Jesus their Lord.

Unlike many countries where people are literally opposed to the Gospel and Christians experience persecution, the Japanese are open to talking about Jesus. They are just too consumed with what is happening in the NOW to realize their need for a Savior.

Would you please agree in faith with us for a spiritual “earthquake” to happen in Japan? Pray that the Lord would stir their spirits that they might wake from their spiritual slumber and walk in the light of Jesus. Only through prayer can this happen!

The Importance of Community

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-08-24T13:22:50+09:00

“Come to me all you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” --Matthew 11:28 (NCV)

This summer has been full of ministry opportunities! While are bodies may be tired from full schedules and the Tokyo heat, we are learning to rest in Jesus and enjoy the adventure!

Open Hearts in Mommy Circle

Using our words to speak life over our children, learning to trust God for His strength… these are some of the topics that Alice is discussing with several “seeking” moms who come to a parenting circle in our home.

What a joy to see lights start to come on as these women take in God’s word! Not only are they trying to apply God’s word to their own child-raising skills, they’re also sharing what they’ve learned with their other friends. God’s word is full of life, and it’s contagious! Please pray with us for these women and their family’s salvation.

We have also started a bi-weekly children’s English and Bible class in our home. What a lively time! Please pray that the Word will take root in their young hearts, and that God will touch these families.

CRM-Asia Staff Conference in Indonesia

Earlier this summer, we traveled to be with almost 50 other Asia-based and US-based CRM staff for a time of mutual encouragement and professional growth.

Conference Highlights:

* Connecting with CRM family who serve in other Asian countries

* Learning from Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter, author of Leading Cross-culturally, and growing together in our ability to lead in Kingdom Ways as we face challenges of living and ministering abroad.

* (For Alice) the opportunity to lead intercession at the conference and film interviews of CRM-Asia staff. (These stories from the field will be edited and posted online so that others can hear what God is doing in Asia.)

The Importance of Community in Japanese Culture

Japanese people place a high value on community. Whether a tennis circle or a high school class, groups in Japan fill a need for belonging.

We are discovering that this is no different with pregnancy! When one of our friends and Alice both found out they were pregnant, other women in our circle of friends decided it was time to try for another baby as well. Now a number of us are walking through a season of pregnancy together!

In the U.S., we have high school class reunions. But, in Japan, the gatherings for “dokyusei,” or classmates start from kindergarten. This level of community in Japan lasts a lifetime.

We praise God for using our growing family as a means to share His light, and as a way to build deeper relationships with Japanese seekers around us.

Thank you for being a part of our “community”—we couldn’t be here without your prayers and support!

The Parable of the Talents, Applied to Soccer

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-06-24T13:14:19+09:00

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Applied to Soccer

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the parable of the talents. I love to share this story with my team to encourage them to focus on God instead of just trophies, wins and losses.

In this story, three men were entrusted a different amount of property to take care of. Their master evaluated them on the basis of how faithful they were with what they received. Two of the men were diligent and faithful with what they were entrusted. God honored them and gave them even more.

But the other man was punished for his lack of faith and effort. He was so fearful that God would be disappointed in his results that he didn’t even try.

In today’s world—especially the sports world-- it’s easy for people to get caught up in the end result (wins and losses) and forget about what we can learn along the way. We’re often guilty of evaluating ourselves simply on the basis of what we achieved (or didn’t achieve). As a result, we miss what’s most important in God’s eyes: being faithful to His purposes and becoming more Christ-like along the way.

Worldly Significance versus Eternal Significance

This season, CAJ ‘s soccer team went into the Far East soccer tournament ranked first. Last season, we made it to the final but lost a heartbreaker in double overtime. The guys were eager to win it this year!

Even though I was optimistic about our chances, I wanted the guys to know that the measure of their season would not be whether or not they won the tournament, but by how much they learned and the measure of Christ formed in them (Christian spiritual formation).

I encouraged them to realize God had given each of them a measure of ability or talents and that His chief concern was not whether they won or lost (significance in the world’s eyes) but by how faithful they were to His purposes during the process (significance in God’s eyes).

To this end, I challenged and exhorted the team to:

*Seek God first and His Kingdom’s purposes (Matthew 6:33)

*Compete with all of their hearts, for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).

*Conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, no matter what happened” (Philippians 1:27).

In the end, by God’s grace, He chose to give CAJ the victory and the championship. But the greatest satisfaction for these guys came from running the race in a way that gave God glory and finishing well. For them, their reward was God’s affirmation, “Well-done, good and faithful servants” (Matthew 6:21)!

Playing Soccer for God's Pleasure, Feeling His Favor

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-05-24T13:00:17+09:00

Playing Soccer for God’s Pleasure, Feeling His Favor

It’s springtime and we’re in the heart of soccer season at the Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ). This is one of my favorite times of year because through coaching at CAJ, God provides me with the unique opportunity to invest heavily into the lives of 18-25 young men who are in a very strategic and formative season of growth in their lives.

As I reflect on my years growing up and competing as a young athlete, I don’t recall having many Christian teammates. Furthermore, the few Christian teammates I did have were quiet about their faith and it didn’t seem to have much impact on their lives (or their athletic abilities).

To me, this is tragic because I believe with all of my heart, I would have been more successful as an athlete and enjoyed the journey much more if I had been following Jesus rather than my own selfish desires.

One of the reasons I am so passionate about coaching young people in sports is that it provides me with the chance to share with them that the Bible is as valid and applicable to their participation in athletics as it is to participation in traditional ministry. The idea that some activities are more holy or sacred than others is a fallacy that is deeply engrained in the minds of many Christians, regardless of their theological or church background.

The Bible is very clear however, that there is no distinction between holy and secular activities. Regardless of our vocation, the Bible says we, as believers are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that we may declare His praises.” (1 Peter 2:9).

As a soccer coach, I strive to encourage these players that whatever they do, whether it’s playing soccer or singing in a church choir, or serving at a youth camp, that they should do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and “work at it with all their hearts, as unto the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:17, 3:23).

Many people are familiar with the movie Chariots of Fire, a true story about a young man named Eric Liddell who won a gold medal running in the 1924 Olympics. During the time he spent training for the Olympics, his sister criticized him for training so hard and in her mind, neglecting the Lord’s work.

Liddell’s response is classic. He says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”

This is one of the reasons I find such joy in coaching—helping young people realize that it brings God great pleasure when we they delight in using the gifts He’s given them for Him.

Please pray for these young men, that they would train and compete and play soccer as unto the Lord, and not unto men. Pray that God would mold their character through soccer and show them just how much He longs to use every aspect of their lives for Him.

All Because of a Little Prayer Warrior...

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-04-24T12:37:26+09:00

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Dear Friends,

Our Little Prayer Warrior
Kadin prays for his Japanese friends every night before he goes to bed. A couple of months ago while back in the States, Kadin cried out in the middle of the night. I went to his bedside, and he cried, “Momma, pray for ‘M San’! PLEASE pray for ‘M San!’” I was quite amazed by this spirit of prayer that seemed to have come upon him.

“M San” is one of my closest friends in Japan. We daily pray for her salvation. Her daughter is one of Kadin’s best friends.

So, Kadin began praying, more earnestly than I knew a three-year-old was capable of -- “Lord, Jesus, please…” and then he let me finish praying for her protection, her salvation, and for the baby that I knew she had been trying to conceive.

When I finished praying, a peace seemed to come over him, and he went back to sleep.

Upon returning to Japan, we couldn’t wait to be reunited with “M San” and her family! And she couldn’t wait to tell us her good news: she was finally pregnant with baby number two! With tears, I rejoiced with her, and shared how Kadin had prayed for her and for the baby. What an open door to speak into her life!

It seemed that something melted in her heart at that moment. I believe that at that moment, even more walls came down between her and the gospel.

In the past couple of months, we have seen “M San” and her daughter several times a week. I watch her daughter during “M San’s” doctor’s appointments, and we are preparing for Kindergarten together: Kadin and her daughter will be in the same class!

When “M San” spends time with our family, I notice that she observes the way we talk to our kids, the way we train them, and the way that we communicate with each other.

She asks me questions about where I learned so much about training our kids. I shared with her that the Bible has the best wisdom for raising kids, and for how we can love and respect our husbands more.

“Can I really become a softer and more loving wife if I become a Christian?” she asked. “I really need healing to become a more forgiving wife,” she confessed.

I shared with her, very simply, as kids ran around us chasing each other, how Christ living in us can do this work. She listened thoughtfully, and then we moved on to something else.

I praise God for this new season with friends I have been praying for, like “M San.” Please pray that God will soften her heart even more, and that the gospel will be planted on fertile soil.

Please also pray that God will give us the right words to share with our friends who are weary from “trying” to be good parents and good spouses. As “M San” put it, “They all need healing from trying to do things in their own strength.”

"…This is my covenant with them," says the LORD. "My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children… from this time on and forever." --Isaiah 59:21

Prayer IS the work!

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-03-24T10:10:36+09:00

“Prayer is not preparation for the work. Prayer is the work.”
--Oswald Chambers

Dear Friends,

For the past three years, I (Alice) have been privileged to become “family” with about 15 other CRM-ers scattered across the globe who feel called to champion prayer throughout CRM and beyond. We are diverse, ministering worldwide in various capacities, but we have a shared passion for prayer. I have been a “virtual” part of this team, praying together for needs over email and phone. The Intercession team also sent me as their “on-site” intercessor to the CRM-Asia conference in 2007.

In January, while we were still Stateside, I was able to fly to California to be with the Intercession Team for their annual winter prayer retreat. It was my first time to meet many of them face to face, but I felt like I had known them for years. Our hearts had been bonded in prayer for a long time.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be at this gathering. There is just something very special about setting a weekend aside to LISTEN to our Lord, and to agree in faith together for His will to be accomplished in our lives, and in CRM as a whole.

I believe that prayer is my most important calling – not just asking, but listening, too. No matter what season of life I am in, I want to make it a practice to sit regularly at His feet and listen to His heartbeat.

While it is important to petition God with our requests, the Scriptures also speak of the Lord’s delight in sharing His heart with us. The message is clear: God rewards those who take the time to listen!

"Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:6-8)

“The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” (Psalm 25:13-15)

This summer, I will have the privilege of representing the CRM intercession team again at our Asia Conference. Preparing the road in prayer now is an exciting time of my day. Learn more about the CRM Intercession Team online at www.praycrm.org

Closing Thoughts
Words can’t express how grateful we are for your prayers for us! There’s never been a time where we need your prayers more than we do now. If you’re not already, may we invite you to sign up to receive our prayer updates by e-mail? This is great way to know how you can pray more specifically for us and for our ministry. If you’re interested, just let us know by e-mailing us directly or through our website.

Thanks for being a part of our ministry and what God is doing in Japan!

It is Good to be Back Home in Tokyo!

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-02-18T22:52:00+09:00

We arrived back in Japan on February 17th. The last few months of itinerating in the States were a whirlwind for our little family. We were overjoyed to get to spend time with many of you personally! And, even though it was hard to say good-byes (especially for grandparents!), we are excited to be heading “home” to Tokyo.

Here are a few highlights of the past six weeks:

A Taste of Japan in Atlanta
During one of our road trips in the States, we visited one of Sean’s former Japanese soccer players, Bobby, from last year’s team. Bobby’s parents were called to pastor a Japanese congregation in a suburb near Atlanta.

Bobby wasn’t just one of Sean’s players… he was a spiritual leader of the team who was a delight for Sean to mentor. Sean enjoyed reconnecting with Bobby and helping him process this move to the States (his senior year of high school). We also were refreshed by his family’s gracious hospitality!

On a Mission
Recently, we visited one of our partnering churches-- Life House Fellowship of Athens in Georgia. Later this year, they are planning to send a team of young people to Japan to partner with us in our ministry.

During our visit, we were able to attend one of “Team Japan’s” preparation meetings. It was awesome to see their enthusiasm, passion and hunger to be used by God for Japan.

Please pray for these young people (pictured) as they prepare spiritually, and as they raise support to come and serve in Japan.

Retreating to Pray
In late January, the CRM Intercession Team gathered together in California for their Winter Prayer Retreat. This year was Alice’s first time to be able to attend. She has been praying with this team for almost three years now (in spirit!), so it was a thrill for her to FINALLY see many of them face to face.

What an honor to come together and pray for God’s will to be done in CRM, and in the lives of the individual families serving all across the globe. Lord, may you alone be our source, and may your glory be our only goal.

Looking Ahead
We’ll be writing more in subsequent updates but in the meantime, please pray for:

*Sean, as he begins coaching again at CAJ

*Kadin prepares to start Japanese school in just over a month! He will be entering “Shinmei Yochien,” a three-year Japanese pre-school that is only a five-minute walk from our house.

*Smooth cultural readjustment for us, and especially for Kadin and Rylee.

*For vision and clarify for ministry in 2009

Filling our Lamps with Oil

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2009-01-21T02:08:17+09:00

“Lord, you have brought light into my life; you light up my darkness.” Psalm 18:28

Next month, we return to Japan. As I (Alice) think about the work set before us there for this new year, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. “Oh, Lord, there is so much to do! So many people still don’t believe in You! Where do we start?!”

My eyes are reading the signs of the times, my ears are hearing the catch phrase often repeated in Christian circles: “Time is short!” I believe this word, but when I hear it, I think of all the Japanese who still don’t know our Savior, and my flesh wants to dive into “work mode” and solve all Japan’s problems in my own little head. That can get very tiring! It feels as if my oil is running out in my lamp… otherwise known as “burn-out.”

Filling our “Lamps”
Recently, a friend challenged me with Matthew 25, the Story of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. It interests me that all the virgins carried their lamps as they went to meet the Bridegroom. What if these “lamps” symbolize a ministry that God has called us to, as God has called our family to Japan? Five of the virgins grabbed their “lamps” but no oil. Reading this passage, I think about how many times as a missionary I have held on to my work without letting the Holy Spirit be my source of fuel, feeling as the foolish virgins must have felt, helpless in my own strength.

“Extra Oil”
Five of the virgins were wise enough to take extra oil. Their lamps were full, and they were prepared when the Bridegroom returned. “Lord, what does this mean for us in our own lives and ministry?”

This year, more than ever before, my heart desires to let the power of God move through our ministry in Japan instead of trying to carry a half-empty lamp. I have come close to feeling that my lamp was “burning out.” Thank you, God, that we can learn from our mistakes!

May we be filled every day anew with the fuel of your Holy Spirit before we attempt to pick up our ministries and go out to meet you. Teach us to be prepared so that we can be alert and confidently wait for your return.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He . . . who will sustain you…. I will carry you: I will sustain you and . . . rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4

photo: What a heritage! Two couples in Alice’s family served in Asia as career missionaries. Pictured: Alice’s Grandmother (left) and retired missionaries, Dr. Paul and Vera Johnson.

Spring Highlights

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-03-19T12:57:26+09:00

It’s hard to believe that we’re already three months into 2008. Here are just a few of the highlights so far:

*Sean has been actively coaching and supporting pastors and leaders in the Japan Cell Church Mission Network. Sean took part in their annual meeting in January, a regional three-day conference last month, and is working closely with several of the pastors, in particular.

It’s been awesome to see pastors working closely together on a local and national level to bring revival to Japan. When leaders put Kingdom values above their own personal agendas, church rivalries and denominational differences, it’s amazing how freely and powerfully God can move!

*As a new member of CRM’s Creative Services team, Alice will be editing documentaries/promotional videos that portray what God is doing in CRM around the world.

In Alice’s first “official” project for the team, she will be assisting CRM’s main “video-storyteller” as he puts together a video of CRM-Singapore’s ministry. Please pray for Alice as she embarks in this new role!

*Kazu, a freestyle wrestler Sean led to the Lord and mentored since 2000, won the national championship in January! He is trying to qualify for the Olympics in Beijing this summer.

Please pray for Kazu, that he would be a light for Jesus as he competes, and for God’s favor and blessing in upcoming Olympic qualifying competitions.

*On a personal note, Rylee started sleeping through the night after just three months! Considering that it took Kadin over a year before he slept through the night, we are overjoyed to be getting lots of much-needed sleep!

Looking Ahead

*This spring promises to move at an even faster pace as we add Sean’s duties as the high school soccer coach at CAJ (Christian Academy in Japan) to our already full schedule.

Every year, we eagerly anticipate the soccer season! Very few activities provide such a unique opportunity to invest intensively in the lives of young men over an extended period of time (from one to four years). The lessons and character development in the young men can last a lifetime!

*We look forward to deepening relationships with friends the Lord has given us. Please pray for them… a hunger for Jesus, and a life-changing encounter with Him through their friendship with us!

*Please pray for more opportunities for Sean to coach and mentor emerging leaders for the church. And please pray for the Lord’s anointing in relationships where God is already using Sean to encourage, exhort, and equip men to live out their calling.

*Finally, please pray for Alice as:
-She continues building some great friendships with other young mothers
-She expands her role as a member of CRM’s Creative Services and Intercession Teams
-As she invests in other intercessors and worship leaders at our church
-As she manages two energetic children!

Thank you for your love, support and prayers!

The Breath of New Life

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-04-19T12:50:46+09:00

The Breath of New Life

“…Prophesy to these bones, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!... I will make breath enter you and you will come to life.’” Ezekiel 37:4-5

Spring has come! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and there is a sense of anticipation as Tokyo welcomes the new season. Dark clouds, clothes, and faces are being traded for sunny days, bright colors and expectant smiles. LIFE is being breathed into a land that has been in hibernation.

As we listen in prayer, we sense the Lord saying that “spring” has also come to our ministry. I (Alice) am sometimes overwhelmed with the “flowers” that we see blooming in the lives of the families that we have been investing in. The levels of trust continue to deepen, and so do the questions they are asking. I sense the Lord saying to proclaim LIFE over the dry areas in their lives -- that His breath may enter them and they may TRULY live.

We’ve also been seeing the Lord breathe new life into the “dry bones” of our church. The Lord has transformed dry times of worship into sweet times of being refreshed in His presence. He is building a team of rotating worship leaders with a vision to see walls torn down as we praise. Also, a special team of intercessors has formed to pray together before each worship service and for special needs. It’s exciting to be a part of these two thriving ministries!

Sean is experiencing new life, both as CAJ’s soccer coach and as a coach to pastors. Opportunities are springing up everywhere for his expertise to be used.

For example, this spring we are traveling to Kansai for the Japan Cell Mission Network Summit. Over 100 pastors and leaders will gather together for prayer and encouragement. We are excited about opportunities to connect with, encourage, and pray for these leaders, and we know that Kadin and Rylee will melt some hearts too!

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

On a side note, I (Alice) would like to share a recent experience that made me even more proud of Sean, both as a husband and as a father.

Japanese fathers are not known for being affectionate towards their children. In fact, a mommy friend of mine told me that her little girl would cry when her daddy even called her name!

Sean is a WONDERFUL daddy. Recently, while having dinner with a Japanese family, the little girl ran and jumped on her father’s lap. The father seemed surprised. “A few weeks ago my daughter wouldn’t have come to me like this. But, I have been learning from you, Sean. I watch you, and want to be a good father like you.”

Lord, please continue to use not just our words, but also our very lives to be poured out as a testimony of Jesus! May YOUR LIFE be breathed out in Japan!

A Rumble in the Spirit

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-05-19T12:44:31+09:00

“Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken…and everybody’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:26

Last month, we visited an earthquake museum, and experienced a six-point magnitude simulated quake. But, real-life earthquakes occur almost daily in Japan.

Most Japanese are so accustomed to smaller quakes that they do no more than lift their heads and notice that the light fixture is swaying. But, when a stronger earthquake shakes the ground with a powerful rumble, the force ripples through everything in its path.

A Rumble in the Spirit…
Last month we attended the Japan Cell Church Mission Network (JCMN) national summit. Over 100 pastors and leaders gathered in Kansai for networking, encouragement and prayer. As an intercessor, I (Alice) was very excited about what the Lord would do at this gathering. Something always happens when His people gather to seek His face!

Each time we met for worship and prayer, it seemed momentum was building in the spirit. And, on the last morning of worship, a freedom fell over the room as both older pastors and younger leaders alike began to dance and sing to the Lord. This flowed into a beautiful time of prayer for the salvation of Japan. It felt like we were standing in the throne room as we held hands and tearfully asked God to visit this dry land!

The roar of voices crying out to God felt like a RUMBLE in the earth. I felt like the Lord was saying that something was moving deep in the spiritual realm. Because of our unified prayers, God was causing a quake, a rumble under Japan that would cause chains to fall off people and set them free.

Other exciting things we observed at the conference:

ν “Flat” Relationships – Hierarchical relationships in Japan are a cultural barrier that often hinder the move of the Holy Spirit. Pastors are considered “unapproachable” and young people too “incompetent” to lead a church. At this conference, however, there were no walls of pride to keep pastors from being vulnerable and real with younger leaders. One young person commented on how awesome the unity was because of these “flat” relationships.

ν The Call to GO – This a strategic time for Asia, and God is burning His heart for Asia into Japanese believers’ hearts. We talked with young Japanese who feel called to go to North Korea and to China to share the gospel. Older Japanese are making plans to retire and move to China to become missionaries.

We wait expectantly to see what the Lord will bring forth through this RUMBLE in the Spirit as His people in Japan continue to gather and pray. What an exciting time to be here!

You can check out a video Alice made from the prayer time at the conference on our website at www.colliersinjapan.com. See the video page under our ministry section.

Nothing is Impossible with God!

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-07-19T12:36:40+09:00

Nothing Is Impossible With God!

Entering the Far East tournament this year, we had a good team but were definitely not the favorites. I challenged the guys to think beyond what they thought they could do in the natural and ask God to do the impossible in them. I believed that if that happened, win or lose, God would be glorified and they would be satisfied, whatever the result.

We talked about how God loves to do the impossible in us and that He is eager to do more in us than we could ever imagine. Furthermore, when God does the impossible, He gets the glory because everyone realizes that such a result could only come from God!

As the week progressed, we saw God move in exciting ways. Individually and as a team, CAJ played better than ever-- we hardly resembled the same team! We kept winning, and in the semi-finals we beat the number one ranked team, 4-0!

Praise Him in All Circumstances
Despite CAJ’s outstanding play, we were still underdogs in the final game. But the guys took to heart the words I’d encouraged them with, “Ask God to do the impossible. Seek His glory first and trust Him to give you a result you’ll be satisfied with.”

Before the game, the guys prayed, “Lord, we want to play this game for you. We want you to be glorified through us. We’re gonna praise you whatever happens—win or lose!”

An Unexpected Finish
CAJ played the game of their lives! At the end of regulation, the score was still deadlocked at 0-0. The game went into triple overtime. Finally, in the 104th minute, to our dismay, the other team slipped in a goal and we lost 1-0.

Despite our disappointment, I couldn’t have been more proud of the guys’ effort. I knew God was pleased too. The following is an excerpt that someone wrote in the Stars and Stripes newspaper that covered the game. It was so encouraging to see how God used CAJ to touch those in attendance, even in our defeat!

“One of the finest moments I have witnessed in my 22 years of coaching occurred in the Kadena HS gym about 30 minutes after Kubasaki defeated CAJ 1-0 in Golden Goal overtime of the boy's "AA" championship game. All of the teams (except a disappointed CAJ) were in the gym waiting for the awards ceremony, when Kubasaki coach Chris Kelly walked in and received a warm and well-deserved ovation initiated by the Kubasaki team and joined by the rest of the gym.

About 2 minutes later, the CAJ team began to trickle in to the gym in groups of 3-4 players...obviously disappointed in their loss...heads hanging down...and the "agony of defeat" on their faces...again, the entire gym erupted into the biggest ovation of the day, and as the cheers grew...as the entire gym rose to it's feet, you could feel the entire crowd trying to lift the CAJ players spirits as they cheered and clapped and whistled again and again.

The ovation lasted for almost 2 minutes until all of the CAJ players were standing together on the gym floor and were obviously overwhelmed by the appreciation that all of us showed for their efforts on the field all week. It was the finest moment that I have witnessed at a Far East tournament, and one of the most touching moments I have ever seen in H.S. sports…”

Thank you, Jesus, for doing the impossible in us.

A Meeting of "Destiny"

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-08-19T12:02:04+09:00

Three years ago I met a special friend named Chika through a pregnancy class. In the last months before our boys were born, we spent time together sharing our hopes and fears about motherhood. I felt God’s favor over our relationship, and it was very easy to be with her.

Even though our due dates were three weeks apart, Kadin and Tai-ichi were born on the same day, just a few hours apart. We were both so surprised! For me, it was a very precious gift from God.

As per standard procedure in Japan, we stayed in the hospital for a whole week recovering from the births, and learning how to take care of our babies. It is amazing how close you can get to someone when you are spending time together every three hours in a nursing room (even at 4 am!)!

Pushing For A “Result”
When our boys were three months old, I pushed Chika to come to an outreach at our church. I didn’t have complete peace about it, but isn’t that what a “missionary” is supposed to do? Unfortunately, Chika was not ready for the pressure, and she pulled away from our friendship.

The Ugly Truth
What followed was a time of being quiet before the Lord, and realizing that His timing for Chika and my plans for her salvation were very different. The truth was very hard to acknowledge… that sometimes the desire I’ve felt as a missionary for people to get saved hasn’t been for the right reasons. Instead of waiting on God’s timing, I’ve wanted to push for results to show my own “success” as a missionary, so that my work can be praised.

Growing Pains
After 10 years of serving in Japan, I’m finally learning to discern the difference between when the Lord is moving in my relationships and when I am just trying to make something happen in my own strength. I am learning how refreshing it is to wait on God to open a door in someone’s heart!

Last spring, Chika and I found out we were pregnant again at the same time. God gave me favor again with Chika. But this time, we were both sensing something supernatural about our friendship…

Recognizing God’s Hand
When we spent time together, we both sensed a peace surrounding us, even our boys. Then, our Rylee and her Haruki (second boy), were born only a few days a part. Next we found out that OUR birthdays are only a day a part. To some people, all this might not mean anything. But, God is using these small “coincidences” to open Chika’s heart.

A few months ago, Chika’s mom passed away. When I expressed my condolences to Chika, she smiled and said, “The last conversation I had on the phone with my mom before she died was about you, Alice.”

I was very surprised to hear this!

“Mom said, ‘the coincidences in your friendship with Alice aren’t by chance. There is a special destiny that you two have. Don’t take it lightly’.”

Now Chika and her husband are looking for a place to live closer to us, and we are talking about putting our boys in the same kindergarten. It is exciting to see God at work, giving us favor. I am praying and waiting for His move of when and how to say more.

Please pray with us for Chika and her family, that this walk with “destiny” will lead her straight to Jesus.

Our Worlds Combine

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-01-22T12:36:31+09:00

Our Worlds Combine; a story of an international wedding

Over the past few years, we’ve shared with you about our dear Chinese friend Joy, a doctor, who came to know the Lord in Japan through Setsu, one of our church members. You may also recall that Joy led several of her family members (living in China) to Christ, and last year, baptized her mother and sister!

For a season, Sean and I (and our church family) had the awesome privilege of walking with Joy and helping her to discover the rich life that God intends for all of his children. God has blessed and encouraged us greatly through Joy’s love for Him and her passion to reach the lost.

Our Worlds Combine…

When we were first getting to know Joy, one of her desires was to meet other doctors who shared her passion for Jesus. She had never worked with any Christians, and naturally, she wanted to talk about her faith with someone who could understand the unique issues she deals with in her profession.

Immediately, we thought of one of our close friends, Kris King, a chiropractor from Alice’s hometown. Not only was Kris a doctor, but he also had been actively involved in outreach to Chinese students for over 10 years and was prayerfully considering going to China as a missionary.

Soon afterwards, Joy and Kris became good friends and eventually decided to get married! Their wedding ceremony was held last month in Mississippi.

The Grand Entourage

God worked it out so that we could attend the wedding after CRM’s worldwide mission conference in California. Four Japanese women from our church in Japan joined us, including our pastor’s wife, and Setsu (who led Joy to the Lord). Also in attendance were Joy’s mom and brother (who flew in from China), and her bridesmaid, Yumi, a woman she worked with in Japan. Talk about an international wedding… Three languages were being spoken throughout the whole wedding weekend!

In Christ, We Speak The Same Heart Language

One of the highlights came on the morning of the wedding. My mom and I hosted a “brunch” for Joy and the women in her wedding party. I guess a brunch the morning of the wedding is a truly southern thing to do. We have done many, but this one was by far, the most special.

Our pastor in Japan had prepared a DVD for Joy, with photos that spanned the time of her baptism in Japan until the time that she left Tokyo for the USA a year ago. Joy wept tears of joy (most of us did!) as she watched the video of her spiritual “home” in Japan and listened to congratulatory messages from her first church family.

We rejoice with Joy and Kris as they celebrate their new life together! Isn’t it exciting that we can be a part of God’s wonderful plans and divine purposes? Thank You, Jesus!

Light Shining in the "Buddhist Belt" of Japan

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-01-19T12:35:39+09:00

It All Started in Fukui…

In 1995, I (Sean) moved to Fukui, a rural part of Japan, to teach English in the public schools. I was only 24 then and was exploring a relationship with the Lord whom I’d fallen away from. My friends and family were concerned that my “shaky” faith might not survive a move to a non-Christian country like Japan.

No one ever could have anticipated what happened next. God provided two churches nearby, a Japanese church and a small international fellowship. I got serious about my relationship with the Lord, read the Bible voraciously, and enjoyed being a part of spiritual community that I had never experienced in the U.S. God changed my life! My relationship with the Lord flourished.

From 1995-1998, God gave me many opportunities to serve in the church and I especially enjoyed leading Bible studies and preaching in the local churches. God gave me a burden for the Japanese and I knew that God had called me to serve here long-term.

You Can Still Pray…

I finished my teaching contract in 1998 and felt the Lord calling me to move on to a new work. Nevertheless, my heart ached when I thought of leaving my students, friends and colleagues, most of whom didn’t know the Lord.

I had been praying for them for three years and briefly considered changing my prayer targets when I moved away. But I distinctly remember the Lord’s response, “If you stop praying for them, they may never be prayed for again, or meet another Christian.” I made a vow in my heart never to stop praying for them.

My Father is always at His work… and I too am working.” (John 5:17)

Since I left Fukui, I’ve stayed in touch with my friends, continued to pray for them, and visited several times. This past summer, we went to Fukui as a family and spent time with nearly 30 of my friends/co-workers. We can see God answering our prayers and working in these relationships.

For example, we were able to share the gospel with Susumu, a man who is really searching for purpose. Afterwards, we prayed for him in the parking lot before he left. Even though he wasn’t ready to embrace Christ, the Lord clearly moved in his heart.

In an e-mail he wrote: Thank you very much for all your thoughts the other day. I was really moved when you two prayed over me; I was just one click away from crying. I can't forget about it.

Please pray for Susumu, and that his heart would really hunger to know the Lord. And please pray for the people in Fukui and other rural areas of Japan, many of which do not have a single church.

A Prayer Answered after 45 Years!

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-02-02T12:34:36+09:00

Never Stop Praying!

The weekend after we returned to Japan, our church celebrated a very tearful and joyful event – the baptism of Mr. Okui. Mr. Okui became a Christian in large part because of his wife, Mitsuko, who prayed unceasingly for her husband’s salvation for 45 years.

Mitsuko was still rejoicing when we saw her the following week. She said, “I can’t come down from this cloud I’m on. I don’t want to wake up from this dream! This week we started having devotions together. It is so wonderful!”

Mitsuko’s 45 years of unceasing prayer for her husband reminds us of Jesus’ encouragement to the disciples to always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1). It is also a reminder that the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, but is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

One reason this story is so encouraging is that, statistically speaking, the vast majority of Japanese Christians are women and very few men ever come to know Christ. In a society that celebrates hard work, company loyalty and self-reliance, it is rare to find men willing to acknowledge their weakness and need for the Lord.

Therefore, we ask you to pray specifically for Christian women here, that they would not give up praying for their husbands. And pray that God would move mightily in men’s hearts and that entire families would call on the name of the Lord.

A Seed is Watered through the Tokyo Marathon

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-02-19T12:33:36+09:00

Last week, I (Alice) had the honor of running in the inaugural Tokyo Marathon. Out of 100,000 people who applied, only 30,000 runners were chosen—what a thrill to be selected! The day I ran this race will stay in my heart as one of my best memories in Japan.

Although race-day conditions were HORRIBLE, the pouring rain and cold winds couldn’t quench the spirit of the Japanese people. The pride they had over being chosen to run in the first-ever marathon in their capital was very moving.

I get teary-eyed when I think of the moment at the starting line when the gun went off. The crowd roared with passion and excitement. We all seemed to forget that we were shivering and soaked to the core...

The most amazing thing about the race though was not the running, but how God touched my running buddy, Yuko.

We had planned to run together, but the rain and the big crowd kept us from being able to find each other at our assigned starting block.

"Lord, please put her in my path..." I prayed. At about the 4-mile mark, to my delight, we found each other. From then on, we enjoyed talking as we ran together, and forgot about how heavy our shoes were from the puddles. It was thrilling to see the thousands of people cheering along the course.

Around the 18th mile, Yuko's pace started dropping, and I could tell she was struggling. By the 19th mile, she was really fading. "Come on, girl! We only have another 6 miles to go!" I said, trying to encourage her. All she could do was nod.

So, I grabbed her hand as we continued to run, and in a loud voice, I prayed over her in Japanese. "Lord, thank you for your strength. Please, help Yuko to finish this race with YOUR strength!" It was really a simple prayer, but in my heart, I was begging God to use this to show her who He is. Yuko is very precious to my heart. I have been investing in her for over two years and asking God for her salvation. Even though Sean and I have shared the gospel with her many times and in many ways, something has been holding her back... But something very encouraging happened the day after the marathon! Sean went to the Sports Center where Yuko used to work as a trainer. The new trainer asked Sean, "Hey, I heard about Alice and Yuko in the marathon! I heard that because Alice prayed for Yuko, that she had strength to finish the race!" Sean was very surprised that a non-Christian we hardly know was sharing this with him. "How did you know that?" Sean asked. "Everybody here knows. Yuko sent a mail out to all of her old friends here to tell them! How cool!" It seems that Yuko is already being a witness to those around her who do not know Christ! To us, this is a very encouraging sign to NOT give up... God IS working deep down in Yuko's heart. Please continue to pray with us for Yuko and the many others here in Japan who don’t yet know Jesus.

Getting Ready for Thailand

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-03-19T11:32:18+09:00

On March 23rd, we leave for the CRM Asia conference in Thailand. Over 50 missionaries will be gathering at this event from all over Asia. We are very excited about what the Lord has in store for us as we seek him together. Alice has been asked to represent the CRM Intercession Team as the onsite intercessor for the conference, and she has been spending a lot of time on her knees in preparation. There is an excitement in our hearts as we get ready to attend this event! Conference dates are March 23rd through March 30th. We appreciate your prayers for protection and travel mercies. Stay tuned for more after the conference!!!

Photo caption: Alice has help interceding for the conference in Thailand!

What a Joy to be Used by God!

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-04-19T11:31:02+09:00

What a Joy to be used by God! Thailand Conference Report

In late March, over 50 CRM staff from around the world gathered on a beach four hours south of Bangkok, Thailand, to meet with God and each other.
As the onsite intercession director for the conference, Alice had no idea what to expect. When asked two months before the conference if she would be willing to fill these BIG shoes, she didn't feel capable. But, God's nudging led to her say yes, and to begin yet another wonderful journey with Jesus on the road of intercession.

Here are some of the biggest praises:

- Learning persistence and seeing the fruit of our labor in prayer. God was so faithful to meet all of our needs at the conference. At the beginning of the week, the attack was strong. There was a real heaviness amongst us. Several people were sick with fevers and unable to "engage" with the Lord or with others. Our little Kadin was up at nights with a high fever, which left Mommy worried and made it difficult to concentrate on listening in prayer. But as we persisted in prayer, God did a beautiful thing! By the third or fourth day, the heaviness AND all the fevers just broke off from us. It was beautiful to look around and see what God was doing in people's hearts through the teachings and through divine moments of conversation that He ordained for different people to have with each other... to look around and see tired and weary missionaries being refreshed and encouraged with a fresh touch of God and a fresh vision... I love this "job!"

- Being able to pray "onsite with insight" for the Thai people. The first night that we were at the resort area on the beach, three of us ladies walked around the property of the three resorts we would be using and prayed. I see idols and altars with offerings to "gods" every day in Japan, but there was definitely a different feel, a different stronghold over Thailand that I sensed when we were covering the area in prayer. A few feet outside the room that we used for most of our meetings was an altar where employees would offer fresh "offerings" of cakes, rice, beer, etc. several times a day. My spirit was so grieved every time I passed by this altar.

Before we started our meetings, I spent time praying over our room, asking God for forgiveness for anything that had ever taken place there that did not bring glory to His name. We claimed authority over that meeting room, that God's spirit alone would reign and move freely in our meetings. Something definitely "broke" in the spirit. A momentum began to build and the annointing seemed to increase every morning that we met for prayer before our meetings. By the end of the week, God's presence was meeting us so strongly in our meeting times together that I know the resort staff sensed something "different" about us. The owner even came and gave us a speech and gifts the last day that we met together, promising that when we came back, there would be more rooms and bigger beds for us to sleep in!

Probably the most exciting thing about the conference for me, Alice, was being used in prayer for a specific CRM missionary. Here's a very short version of the story that I got to play a small part in: Two months before the conference, when I started preparing in prayer, God kept putting this young pastor serving in Asia on my heart. He was to lead the worship at the conference. I sensed major oppression over this young man. When I prayed, I saw a vision of him wearing a very heavy coat that was weighing him down.

I kept asking, “God, is this really from you?” but I never got a release to stop praying.This young man emailed me a few weeks before the conference and asked if I would help with vocals for worship. He also asked if I felt that worship needed to go in a certain direction. “Sacrifice” was really on my heart, so I wrote him and told him that I felt God wanted to speak to us about sacrifice through the worship.

Once we got to the conference, my heart was still quite heavy for this fellow CRMer. Finally, on the second morning, he told me that he was stepping down from leading the worship that week. He wouldn’t even be attending the sessions at all, because he would be meeting with one of our staff development and care counselors to work through some things.

I was in contact daily with the CRM intercession team in the States to give them prayer requests, so I asked him how the team could be praying for him.

“Please write and tell them that I am a pastor who is very burnt out. God is speaking ‘sacrifice’ to me, and I don’t know what it means right now.”

At that moment I think we both remembered the email that I sent him about “sacrifice” somehow being connected to our worship time. Little did we know that that “sacrifice” was meant for HIM – not just to be giving up the worship, but to be laying every part of his life on the altar before God. It was so neat to be used to bring confirmation to him about what God was saying to Him.

By the end of the week, God had made the boundaries of “sacrifice” clear to this young man. He is taking a very big step and releasing his church to the Lord, releasing his life and ministry in the country where he serves, to go to North America and receive counseling for inner healing. This is a HUGE step for him, and it requires a whole lot of trust! I respect him so much for stepping out in faith, which is really scary right now, and giving up EVERYTHING so that God can bring healing in his life, bringing restoration so that he can bring even more glory to His name!

"Pro-bound!"

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-05-19T11:26:35+09:00

“Pro”-Bound!

Some of you now about my (Alice’s) background in editing… that I worked at a local television station in Mississippi producing commercials before I became a missionary. Since joining CRM, God has used my experience in the media world to enable me to live out one of my passions: to create short videos that capture God’s heart for Japan.

From May 18th to 22nd I will be attending a week-long course at Austin Film School to become professionally certified in the Final Cut Pro video-editing software.

Why now? Independent film-makers, Hollywood editors, and corporate video and event producers use this professional-grade software and it is an industry standard. Although the learning curve is very steep, I have already produced a few projects with this software, and have reached the point where professional training is necessary for further advancement.

Some of you have seen some of the videos we’ve created to help supporters see what God is doing in Japan. This training will help me to do that even better, and open more doors for ministry. I have already been asked to produce several short projects for the church in Japan. Internationally, I will be working with CRM’s “visual storyteller,” Andy Silk, to shoot/produce promotional videos about Japan for the CRM website.

We pray that God will anoint this time of training in Austin and that God will continue to use these videos to open people’s eyes to the spiritual poverty in Japan, and that they would be moved to pray for Japan.

Here are some other exciting things happening:

Kadin is going to be a big brother! Mommy and baby are both healthy, and we praise God for another easy pregnancy. The due date is Nov. 6th. Please pray for us and for the baby as we prepare for this new addition!

Church growth: Our church, Kiyose Grace Chapel, recently moved into a larger space as we were bursting at the seams. God continues to open new doors of ministry, especially with young couples.

Coaching at CAJ: From May 21 to 25, Sean’s soccer team from the Christian Academy in Japan will be participating in the Far East tournament in Okinawa with teams from all over Asia. This year’s team has bonded more than any other Sean has coached up until now, spending significant time with each other on and off the field.

Please pray for traveling mercies; that the guys will draw even closer to God and each other; and that they will have a memorable finale to a great season!

Going Pro and Gold Medals

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-06-19T11:25:17+09:00

CAJ Wins Far East Soccer Championship in Overtime!

Thanks for all of you who prayed for CAJ during the Far East Tournament in Okinawa. We're going to save the details for our July newsletter but here are a few tidbits. After playing to a 1-1 tie through overtime, we won the championship after penalty kicks. It was a tremendous game that put an exclamation mark on a fabulous week and season of soccer.
CAJ finished the season undefeated (a first for the soccer team) and won the Far East Championship for the 2nd time in three years. We give glory to God for everything the guys accomplished this year and believe that many of the lessons they learned this year will pay off for years to come.

Alice Goes Pro...

Thank you so much for praying for me, Alice, during my 5-day intensive video-editing class. It was very hard to be away from Sean AND Kadin, but our dear friends in Austin, the Grigsby's, took very good care of me while I was away! The training was very advanced, but SO helpful!
I was the youngest in the class, and felt a little intimidated being surrounded by true professionals in the film and media world. (One guy was flying out the very next week to shoot the music video for a well-known pop artist! ) I guess I had my own David and Goliath experience!
Thanks to all of your prayers, I was able to pass the certification exam! It was very difficult. I was one of only two in the class to pass the exam. I am now an Apple Certified Professional! May God use the skills and the training He allowed me to gain at the film school to spread His glory even more in Japan!

A Shocking Revelation

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-08-21T11:22:08+09:00

A Shocking Revelation

Recently, we were coming back from a morning walk, and witnessed an event that really shook our hearts. An older man walking on the other side of the street started weaving straight towards us. He made eye contact with us, then clutched his heart, and fell to his knees in the middle of the street.

The next few moments seemed to move in slow motion. The man cried out in pain, and continued to fall face down, flat on the pavement. He was struggling to breathe, and his body was shaking all over.

I thought, “Oh, God, please don’t let this man die!” Kadin sat in his stroller, staring at this man with fear in his eyes. All I knew to do was pray…

Sean asked a woman walking by to help us call for an ambulance. At first, she seemed unwilling to get involved, but when Sean shoved his cell phone in her face and pleaded with her, she couldn’t say no.

We waffled for a minute, trying to decide if we should turn the man to his side so that he could breathe better. Sean tried to turn the large man over, but couldn’t move him alone. At this point I realized that we had several interested spectators who had stepped out of their houses to see what all the commotion was. But, no one was willing to offer help. They stood at a safe distance shaking their heads. Others passed by looking indifferent.

“How can they just walk by and not be affected by this man who desperately needs help?”

Bicyclists passed by, with no more than a curious glance at the foreigners trying to help this poor man. Several cars weaved around us on the narrow road, only slowing down long enough to make sure they didn’t run over the man’s legs as they passed by.

Finally, the ambulance arrived, and the man received the care he needed. Apparently, he had had an epileptic seizure. We’ve seen him around since and know he is safe, but we don’t think he remembers us.

While we are thankful that this man is still alive, this experience has opened our eyes even more to the spiritual apathy of this country.

If a person isn’t concerned with his neighbor’s physical well being, how can he be concerned about their spiritual condition?

God continues to stir our hearts through this shocking experience, and has drawn us to our knees to pray even more for a spiritual awakening in Japan.

We know that Japan is not alone in its condition of spiritual poverty. Around the world we read stories in the news like this every day. That is why we are so thankful for you, who ARE interested in the heart conditions of those around you. Would you continue to pray with us for a spiritual awakening in Japan?

On a lighter note...

God continues to open new doors for us in relationships with those hungry to grow in Christ.

Kadin eats lunch with pals after swim class. The pool has been a great place for relationships with other young moms.

Many gathered at our home recently to celebrate Sean's 36th birthday

Burn-out/Exhaustion Plagues Japanese Men

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-07-19T11:22:07+09:00

“It is possible to move men, through God, by prayer alone.”
--Hudson Taylor

Earlier this summer, our church held a men’s retreat several hours west of Tokyo in the Japanese Alps. It’s not the sort of retreat that Christians in North America are used to, with lots of activities, a popular speaker, and so on. Most of these men are far too exhausted from working 70-80 hour workweeks for anything intense.

Instead, there’s lots of down time, where the men can be alone with God outdoors and just hang out with each other. It’s sad, but for most, this will be one of the few times this year where they will have an extended time with the Lord.

As you can imagine, years of working long hours and time away from family takes it’s toll. Many Japanese men, inside and outside of the church, will struggle with burn-out and depression. Stories abound of men who simply burn out and take extended leaves of absence from their jobs in an effort to cope.

It’s heart-breaking to see how the burnout and exhaustion can cause men to lose sight of their purpose and calling in Christ. One of the men at the retreat—a leader in our church-- when asked about his calling replied:

“I don’t know. I’m too tired to think about it. I’ll figure it out when I retire in six years. I just want to survive until then. After that, I can think about how to serve God.”

I know many men like this, men trying to survive when God’s heart is for them to thrive! My desire is to come alongside and support the men of Japan, the many who are tired, who have lost hope and are stuck in a spiritual quagmire. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest…”

Would you take some time this month to pray for the men of Japan? Pray for those who already know the Father, that God would touch their weary souls and bodies, refresh their spirits, and give them renewed vision to live out their calling in Christ.

Pray also for the many men who don’t yet know Christ. Pray that the Lord would stir up a spiritual hunger in them to know their Maker and the lover of their souls. Pray that the seed of the Gospel would fall on fertile hearts and they would be transformed by the life-changing power of Jesus..

Finally, please pray for me, (Sean) that God would provide more opportunities to come alongside and encourage these men whom God has called to be pillars for the church, their families and a nation.

Fall is Here!

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-10-19T10:55:43+09:00

It’s hard to believe it’s already fall! We had a terrific summer and hope that yours was a blessed one as well!

We’re expecting the arrival of Kadin’s little brother or sister on November 6th. We can’t wait! We covet your prayers for Alice and the baby’s health, and for a safe and timely delivery.

Summer Highlights

*I (Sean) spent time at a soccer school/ministry connected with a thriving church here in Tokyo. The head of the school, Coach Ortega, is a former member of the Argentina National Soccer Team. He is a phenomenal coach and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ.

In five years, the school’s enrollment has increased to over 250 children! I’m looking forward to learning lots more from Coach Ortega this year on how to more effectively minister through soccer in Japan.

*We had an awesome time of fellowship at our church’s annual family camp. We spent much time discussing and praying for God’s vision for the church over the next five years. God gave us greater unity and continued to stir up passion among the body to hear His heart for our church.

A huge highlight was seeing four children get baptized! All of the kids are elementary or middle school students. We were touched by their simple faith and love for Jesus. Please pray for their spiritual growth and that they’ll shine for Jesus in their schools.

A Visit to Sean's "Home-town"

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2007-12-15T11:53:32+09:00

Even though it’s the end of the year already, we’re still rejoicing over the great ministry opportunities we had this past summer. For example, we took what has become an annual trip to Sean’s “hometown” of Fukui in the countryside, where he lived and worked between 1995-1998.

In seven days, we reconnected with more than 25 friends (primarily non-Christian), many of whom we’ve prayed for more than 10 years! We long for these precious friends to know Jesus.

In addition, Sean preached at his former church, Alice sang, and Sean shared at a meeting for junior high school students from the school where he used to teach.

While we enjoy spending time in Fukui, we also experience a heightened sense of spiritual warfare. The grip of the Enemy there is strong, many people are spiritually oppressed and intercessory prayer is intense. Please remember to pray for the rural areas of Japan like Fukui, where there are very few churches and many people who don’t know a single Christian.

Other News

*Alice led a workshop at an elementary school teaching kids the art of card-making and stamping. The school (and the kids!) are eager for her to do another workshop this winter!

*Sean is mentoring one of the CAJ middle school soccer coaches in his first season of coaching. Sean is also helping to develop a mini soccer program for elementary school students.

*Alice joined CRM’s newly established Creative Services Team. Now she’ll be using her passion and gift for video editing not only for CRM-Japan, but also for CRM worldwide. We’re excited about this new opportunity!

Looking Back

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-01-02T11:52:09+09:00

Happy New Year! We are excitedly looking ahead at what the Lord has in store for us this new year! And, we are also reminiscing about what the Lord did for us in 2007. The last twelve months went by in a whirlwind, full of many exciting developments and changes. We look back at 2007 with much gratitude to the Lord. Take a walk with us through memory lane…

We celebrated the birth of our second child on November 9th. It’s hard to believe that in 24 months we’ve gone from childless to a full house. Joy, joy, joy!

Growing pains seems to be an appropriate theme for our lives and ministry. Growing is never painless and requires a mix of faith and perseverance. In the natural, our family has grown. And in the spirit, we are pregnant with expectation as God is giving new depth to relationships we’ve been sowing into over the past four years here in Japan.

Something about having children on the mission field… far from taking away from ministry, has added depth to existing relationships and provided opportunities for new ones. It’s as if people suddenly think, “They must be serious about their love for Japan if they’re willing to have kids here!”

Kadin at 3 months with Meg at 20 days. Growing up together... Meg and Kadin today

Some things we celebrate…

*Our church is growing and hopes to purchase land in order to build a multi-purpose center where we can minister to the community in a variety of ways.

*God is using Alice’s passion for prayer through her involvement in CRM’s global intercession team and through mentoring intercessors in our church.

*Sean coached CAJ’s soccer team to their 2nd Far East Championship in three years.

*Alice obtained her professional certification as a video editor and produced her first professional video for the Japan Cell Church Mission Network.

*Sean completed a professional coach-training program that has helped him to more effectively empower, equip, encourage, and support leaders.

*New relationships with families as opposed to relationships only with moms and their children.

We celebrate all of this and much more. We praise God for you and thank Him for the part each of you have played in sowing into God’s harvest in Japan. May the Lord bless you richly!!!

Pregnant With a Promise

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-01-19T11:50:29+09:00

Pregnant with a Promise

While many of us may never experience pregnancy in the natural, we all know what it’s like to wait longingly on the Lord for a promise to be fulfilled. As a mother must endure a long pregnancy and the intense pains of childbirth before she finally can hold her baby, we too need patience and perseverance in order to receive the Lord’s promise.

About a year ago, I (Alice) felt called to join our church’s intercession team. Ironically, around the same time, I found out I was pregnant. As our intercession team began praying together, we sensed God’s call on our little church, and ultimately, on the church in Japan. While I was pregnant in the natural, I also felt pregnant in the spirit with a longing to see God’s plan of salvation fulfilled in Japan.

Besides our regular prayer times, some of us felt such a burden to pray that we would go to the church early in the morning to pray, as well as prayer walk in our neighborhoods.

These times of “laboring” in prayer could get intense! Words cannot express the yearning we felt to see God pour out His Spirit afresh on our body. We longed for God to prepare our church for the harvest!

As my pregnancy progressed, I rejoiced when I began feeling our little girl move inside me. In the same way, as our team sought the Lord in prayer, we began to see things happen that confirmed God was moving in our midst.

One day during our prayer time, the Lord touched us with a deep sense of His presence, bringing us to our knees in worship. (I had never felt God’s presence like this in Japan!) The Lord also began to do a deep work in our church and in our worship services. The church truly seemed to be “pregnant” with a move of God!

Enduring the Wait

Of course, the Lord doesn’t always move quickly. Sometimes the waiting can be quite painful, and we can lose hope.

In my case, after our little girl’s due date had come and gone, I grew weary of waiting. I was tired of being pregnant! When the labor pains finally started, we rushed to the hospital, only to wait 48 more hours before Rylee was finally born.

During that time, the Lord taught me about waiting on His promises. In the midst of pain and frustration, I struggled not to lose hope. “God, did you forget about me? I don’t even feel your presence right now…” I prayed.

Then, I had a revelation… enduring the pain and waiting for Rylee’s arrival was like laboring in prayer and waiting for a breakthrough. Through the process of waiting, God refines our character, which in turn brings glory to God. Then, when God does fulfill His promise, we can rejoice knowing that it was God who made it happen.

Now, when I look at Rylee, the fruit of His promise, I think, “She was worth the wait and the pain! And the Lord reminds me of His promise for a breakthrough in Japan.

Our prayer in 2008: that we might run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, believing in His promises, and remembering that He is faithful! Our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15).

Breaking Through Cultural Walls

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-02-19T11:44:23+09:00

“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

I (Alice) come from Mississippi, the Hospitality State, where inviting people to your home is a natural way to build a friendship. Usually, the invitation is reciprocated and friendships between families grow, by sharing life together. But, here in Japan, there seems to be an invisible cultural wall built around people’s homes and private lives. Seldom are you really invited inside.

Between the two of us, we’ve lived in Japan for nearly 20 years. Over this time, we’ve learned that breaking through these barriers to build heart connections can be very challenging, and can sometimes lead to disappointment. When the breakthroughs do come however, relationships in Japan can be wonderfully deep and often last a lifetime.

We’ve gone through some lonely and tearful seasons, as we’ve slammed into this “wall,” when some friends have withdrawn, afraid to be transparent and move deeper into relationship. Recently however, we have seen some exciting glimmers of hope in several of the relationships that we have been investing in…

Sharing Christ by Sharing our Lives

We’ve grown close to two special families with whom we’ve shared many meals in our home. Our kids are the same age, and we enjoy spending time together. In fact, all of our two-year-olds are in the same swimming class right now. But, they seemed guarded, only willing to share their lives with us from a distance. Until recently…

Suddenly, it seems that the Holy Spirit is tearing down these walls! In two weeks time, we have been invited as a family to share a meal at BOTH of these family’s homes. They are beginning to trust us enough not only to let us into their homes, but into their lives.

One of the wives opened up to me about her struggles in communicating with her husband. The other couple has been vulnerable with us about the stress in their marriage because of his job and their difficult financial situation.

They are watching the way we raise our kids and our marriage relationship, and are starting to ask questions about our faith. Would you hold up these precious families in prayer? Pray that they would hunger for Jesus and that He would shine His love through us into their hearts?

A Safe Place

Another bright spot for us right now is our friendship with a young Christian couple at our church. We’ve been blessed to share our lives with them and to be able to coach and mentor them through some pretty big life decisions.

Recently, the husband said something to Sean that really encouraged us in our desire to truly touch people’s lives.

“I am indebted to many people in the ministry for helping me grow in my faith. But, in most of those relationships, it was very clear that they were the “sensei” (teacher), and I was the student.

But, you have been my FRIEND. You don’t talk down to me, or try to “teach” me, although you do give me advice when I ask. You see me as a brother in Christ. I can talk to you about any thing. I feel safe with you.”

Thank you for being a part of our ministry to the people of Japan. Without your love, support and prayers, we couldn’t be here!

War in the Heavenlies

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-11-19T07:38:14+09:00

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.” Psalm 138:1-3

Waging War in the Heavenlies

Two and a half million “gods” are worshipped every day at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine. These “divinities” are the souls of men who sacrificed their lives for their country during wars since 1853. Every day they are given offerings of meals and dedications of praise.

Needless to say, the spiritual atmosphere around Yasukuni, translated “Peaceful Country,” is very oppressive and dark. I, Alice, recently accompanied a team of Taiwanese young people on a prayer walk around this spiritual stronghold.

For most Taiwanese and others from Asian countries who suffered under past Japanese Imperialism, Yasukuni Shrine might not be on the top of the “to do” list when visiting Tokyo. Fourteen class A war criminals are among the “gods” enshrined here. The prime ministers’ visits to pray to these heroes who committed horrible war crimes are slaps in the face to surrounding Asian countries.

Also, Taiwanese who were forced to serve with the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II are enshrined at Yasukuni. There has been much controversy, as their relatives want them back. Yasukuni refuses to give them up.

Knowing this history, I felt so privileged to be able to accompany these young Taiwanese who have a heart for Japan, and who want to pray for healing over this nation. But, because of the sensitive circumstances, we had to be very careful. The students spoke only in English to each other and we entered in small groups.

Most tourists simply walk through the gate and take photos in front of the shrine. We, however, trying to be inconspicuous, walked around behind the shrine. This is the closest that tourists can get to where the actual “gods” are enshrined. As we walked deeper into the inner garden, I felt the darkness envelop us. It was hard to even breathe.

We sat in small groups on benches to pray, take communion, and to even pour out some of the wine on the ground in symbolism of God’s work over this area. At first, I physically felt pressure on my face as I tried to open my mouth and pray. But, after a few moments, all I could do was praise Jesus, over and over again in English. His name on my lips became easier and easier to proclaim. A Japanese sister was on my left, and Taiwanese Christians were on my right, each praising God in their own tongue.

What a glorious experience, to actually feel the oppression pushed back as Jesus’ Light was penetrating the darkness! What a beautiful sight, to see Taiwanese Christians asking God’s mercy and forgiveness over Japan.

Please pray for more opportunities like this and for more prayer warriors to come and help in this spiritual battle for Japan.

Reflecting on 2008

alice.collier@crmleaders.org — 2008-12-19T07:10:26+09:00

“God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

As we reflect on 2008, we are overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for God’s intimate involvement in our lives and ministry in Japan. And we have never been more excited about what God is doing than we are now!

Our hearts resonate with the psalmist who said, “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!” And we joyfully proclaim, “Surely the sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plans to his servants” (Amos 3:7).

Nearly 15 years ago, God began to share His heart with us for Japan. For the past five years, we’ve joyfully sowed seeds of love and prayer in Japan as a married couple. God has given us a vision that salvation will come, that an awakening will take place in Japan:

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” (Habakkuk 2:3).

We cling to this verse, and are SO thankful that despite the uncertainty of what is happening in the world around us (economically, politically, etc.), God’s promise stands. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)!

In the natural, things may be difficult, but we serve a God who is greater than our circumstances. It is He “who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were” (Romans 4:17).

That’s why we feel that 2009 will be a season of harvest in the relationships that God has blessed us with and in this ministry that we’ve been entrusted. We praise God for you and thank you for sharing your lives with us. We are ever mindful of your sacrificial giving and prayers that you’ve invested in us and Japan and we humbly thank you.

May the Lord bless you richly as you celebrate our Savior’s birth!