Journey to Japan

What does an 18-year-old girl from England have in common with Japan? Beth Hall has an answer for this question, and the path which led her to OM Lifehope (UK) and a future in missions began long before now.

At five years old, Beth moved from Bedford, England, to South Africa as the kid of missionary parents. She lived there for six years and came home to find that adjusting to her native culture was more difficult than she imagined. For two years, she struggled and had no success making friends. “Finally,” she says, “in my Grade 10 I was like, ‘Okay, I need to start to build some relationships.’”

Enter: Japan

One day in class, the girl next to her was showing some Japanese pictures and Beth took an interest. The girl was so thrilled about Beth’s curiosity she encouraged her to watch some Japanese films, as well. Beth did and was captivated.

“I started learning the language and became more and more interested in the culture,” she explains. As time went by, her passion grew. “It’s moved from just being interested in what [the Japanese] produce and their entertainment, to an actual love for the people,” she says.

Exploring missions

With this love in her heart, Beth has made the decision to spend her gap year on a Community Outreach team with OM Lifehope (UK). Serving in Coventry, England, her team works with Hillfields Evangelical Baptist Church reaching out to the local community. The training and practical ministry experience she receives is ideal preparation for the mission field in Japan.

One of the biggest blessings Beth has had during experience at Lifehope is deep relationships with other Christians. Remembering when she struggled to find friendships after returning from South Africa, she sees her friendships at Lifehope as a gift.

Sun on the horizon

Has Beth’s desire to go to Japan lessened since joining Lifehope? Not at all. “Japan is always there,” she says, “I am always thinking about it.” The programme at Lifehope has only intensified Beth’s desire to serve in the Land of the Rising Sun. Even her team leader is encouraging her about the future, assuring her that if God wants her in Japan, He will get her there.

There is still much to do now, however. Beth is halfway through her time at OM Lifehope, working on her Japanese on the side and making flexible plans for the future. Whether it means going to university first and heading to Japan in the future or heading to Japan straightaway, Beth is open to what God wants for her life.

Beth has taken part as a student in an accredited study programme through OM Lifehope that is helping prepare her for future ministry. For more information about OM Lifehope’s study programme, click here.

OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.