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Released 19 October 2012
Submitted by Captain Chris Marques,
Assistant to the Territorial Youth
Secretary, Japan Territory
It seems impossible that I have already completed half of my overseas term in Japan. Although I can converse and read a lot more Japanese now, I am still taking classes and studying in my spare time. After all the effort I have put forth, it is something I hope to keep up, even when I return home.
When I am not planning events or doing routine work at THQ, I am usually out supporting various corps in the Tokyo area: leading devotions, messages, games or teaching English, for example. But I really enjoy getting out of Tokyo and seeing more of the country whenever possible. I was blessed to visit Hiroshima for youth councils and Kyoto/western Japan for youth camp this summer.
While in some ways it is liberating to be able to focus 100% on youth, there are certainly things I miss from being a corps officer such as having my own office, being able to drive, investing in the same group of people every week, and being able to manage and do more individually - not to mention food, family, and friends.
Most of the youth are concentrated in the greater Tokyo area, leaving the rest scattered across western and northern Japan. There are many challenges such as the aging population, low birth rate, connecting Christian youth across the country, and extremely busy schedules of youth and adults. Enjoying free time without feeling guilty and using more than a week of vacation a year is a big challenge for most Japanese- especially those in the Army!
Next year, the territory's theme will be focused on youth. There will be a national youth councils and youth camp, as well as an opportunity to visit Korea's Youth Congress. Beyond the events and programs, I am really praying for relationships to be made and for us to be more open to people who are new to the Army.
I want to encourage and challenge our corps to make youth a real priority in their weekly schedules. We need courage and compassion to reach out, and determination to keep trying despite setbacks or disappointments. Japanese people tend to stay in close concentric circles of select friends or family, and it can be hard for them to open up to strangers.
Please pray for increased partnership between the few churches of Japan, more passion for youth outreach in each corps, and finding creative/fresh ways to connect regularly. I also certainly appreciate your prayers for me to learn more of the language, and to be spiritually strong as well.