Allana Drianis: Vision Trip to Osaka, Japan
I'm so excited to share the details of my trip to Japan this summer!
Since high school, Japan has been a place that has captured my heart. My family had Japanese friends, I studied Japanese in high school, and I felt God telling me that Japan would be in my future. Since then, I've taken three trips to Japan. Every time I'm there, it feels like home; I feel a connection with the people and culture, and I feel drawn to this country that is among the least reached in the world, with only 1% Christians.
In 2017, I spent three months with missionary friends in Sanda, Japan (outside of Osaka). This is where I felt God confirm the calling to live in Japan long-term. My missionary friends then recommended Eternity Bible College to get more Biblical training in preparation for ministry. So, I moved to Simi Valley in 2018 and started classes at EBC! I have attended Cornerstone for the past five years, as well as worked on staff as an intern with the Global Ministry since the fall of 2020. I've been so blessed by my time of training here at Cornerstone! I am currently finishing my degree at Eternity Bible College and will graduate at the end of May with a bachelor's degree in Advanced Biblical and Cultural Exegesis. My EBC senior project about Japanese culture will be presented in the Cornerstone MPR on May 23rd at 6:30 pm (you're invited – email me to RSVP!).
This summer, I am making a 6-week vision trip with Encompass (sending agency) and Cornerstone (sending church). I will stay with Encompass' church planting team in Osaka, including Matt and Mai Higby, Cornerstone-sent missionaries. The purpose of the trip is to determine if it's the right team/location for long-term ministry. I'll be leaving for Osaka on June 19th!
I have a full itinerary while I'm there. For the first two weeks, I'll stay one week each with the Malaraes and then the Higbys (families on the Encompass team). Then for two weeks, I'll stay in a nearby rented apartment to get a feel for what it would be like living on my own if I move there. I'll spend lots of time with the team, experience Japanese culture, participate in any ministry opportunities, and discuss things like team dynamics, long-term housing options, and language school. Then for the fifth week, I get to take a week to visit my friends in Sanda, where I spent time six years ago! My final week of the trip will be spent back in Osaka with the team, along with an Encompass staff member who will be visiting. At the end of my trip, I'll travel with her up to Tokyo for a few days before flying out!
Update as of May 3, 2023: I am fully funded! Thank you so much for helping me reach my goal!
(4/30/23 Update) The total cost of the trip is $8,000, which will cover everything: travel, housing, food, ministry/cultural experiences, cell phone, Covid testing (for entering the country), insurance, and even a few language tutoring sessions! The goal is to be funded as soon as possible so that Encompass can book my flight. I've already received $3,680 toward my trip.
Checks can also be mailed to:
Encompass World Partners
P.O. Box 64528
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-4528
***Make checks payable to "Encompass World Partners," and include a *separate* note with my name and account number (don't write it on the check): Allana Drianis, #3142.
*All donations are non-refundable due to IRS regulations. If I end up going over my total goal, it will stay in my account with Encompass for future use. If you have any questions, let me know :)
I am so excited and thankful to get to share this with all of you! God's faithfulness has been so evident in my life these past several years. Being in Bible college has been a really long (and good!) season, and it feels like things are finally coming full circle with graduation and returning to Japan.
Thank you for partnering with me and joining me in the excitement! I would love prayer as I finish this season of school and transition to Japan.
Blessings,
Allana
japan.journey4@gmail.com
Feel free to stay in touch!