[Jeikobu]

みんなさん、今日は。Thanks for all the information in this enormous thread, this has been helpful so far. I've read the first handful of pages and now I have some questions of my own.

My calling is to spread the Lord's Gospel in Japan. I yearn for Japan every single day and can't wait to go there. I know I want to live there, and one thing I am positive of is that what God has called me to do, He has also enabled me to do. However, while He will open the necessary doors, I have an obligation to act as well. So, I am trying to prepare and learn what I need to do while I am still in the US.

First things first, I need a passport. I'm looking into that. As for my credentials, I regrettably don't have much going for me. I'm 21 years old and have been homeschooled most of my life, and still need to take my GEDs and SATs (it's in my plans, I know that's a must). I've taken 5 semesters at a community college and now can get my Associates degree. My GPA is pretty good, my only mediocre semester was one that I took online. Otherwise my grades have been fantastic. I have never had a job, but am applying for one.

My question is, what can I do with what I currently have? I know that my time in the US is short. God has made it clear to me that soon I will be called away, whether straight to Japan, or to somewhere else first. Either way, I feel it's safe to say I don't have time to pursue a Bachelors degree in the US.

I have a couple ideas. First, is what I currently have enough for me even to get a job teaching English in Japan? I don't want to teach English, but if that's what it takes to get a job and live in Japan, I will gladly accept it. If so, how do I go about getting that job (or any other for that matter). Where do I go? What do I need to know?

I've also heard about Temple University, and it sounds like a good place for gaijin such as myself to continue school in Japan. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Finally, can anyone tell me about churches in Japan? I don't yet know where in Japan God will call me, or even how He wants me to spread His Word, but that only gives me all the more reason to explore my options. I'm non-denominational, but I cater more to the Messianic and Baptist denominations than any other. Are there any positions I could take in churches in Japan to get a start and learn more about the ministry there? Are there any churches that would be particularly appealing?

Sorry for asking so many questions, and thank you in advance for any help that is given. God bless!