Hi Levi!
Oh hey!
Hi, how are you doing?
Yeah, I'm good thanks, how are you?
I'm good!
Are you ready to answer some
questions about Serve Asia?
Definitely let's go for it!
Ok, firstly do you want to introduce yourself?
Yeah, so my name is Levi.
Recently from the UK
I now live here in Yokohama, Japan
doing church-planting work.
And where are we right now?
So this is my local cafe
I live about 8 minutes that way.
Tell me 3 things you can't live without.
I would have to say
my bible
good coffee
and ultimate frisbee
so, be using this later.
If you wrote an autobiography
what would the title be?
Grit, Grace and a Ginger Gaijin.
What's the strangest nickname
you've ever been given?
Diesel, but it's also the only
nickname I've ever been given.
If you could have any superpower
what would it be?
Whatever it is Batman has.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Does baking cookies count?
Hmm, only if you're being mean
and not sharing them.
Fair enough.
What do you miss the most from home?
Family, friends, cheese.
If you could only do 1 karaoke song for
the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably eikou no kakehashi by Yuzu.
Do you want to sing some for us?
You really don't want me to.
If you could meet Hudson Taylor
the founder of OMF
what would you like to ask him?
I'd ask him about prayer and fasting
and beards.
Ok, puppies or kittens?
Definitely puppies
because kittens turn into cats
and nobody wants that.
One skill that you wish you had?
I wish I could remember people's names.
What are you most excited about
in life right now?
Today is another day to know Jesus better.
What's the best piece of advice
you've ever received?
Sometimes the only bad decision
is no decision.
Oh hey, I've got to go!
Where are you going?
Come on, I'll show you.
So Levi
how did you first hear about Serve Asia?
Through my university Christian Union group.
And what prompted you to
go on your first trip?
I wanted to experience Japan for myself.
What made you choose Serve Asia
instead of any other mission agency's
short-term programme?
It's their emphasis on experiencing mission
as well as growing as a Christian.
How long did you go for?
One year.
What did you do?
Mostly student outreach.
So, what did your average day look like then?
I wouldn't say I had an average day but
most weeks I was doing things like
teaching English, learning about Japan
hanging out with students
doing bible studies
snowboard trips, that kind of thing.
What were your expectations before going?
Experience Japan for myself
learn the Japanese language
and confirm my sense of calling to Japan.
Did you experience any disappointments
or frustrations?
Yeah, learning Japanese took much
longer than I was expecting.
In fact, I'm still working on it!
What's the most significant thing you took
away from your first Serve Asia trip?
I guess a more intentional and
focused mission mindset.
What did you do about this when you got home?
So, I planned my time to maximise
time I could spend with people
who don't know Jesus, like working
in coffee shops for example.
How many Serve Asia trips did you go
on before coming to Japan long-term?
Three
What's been your favourite moment on
a Serve Asia trip?
I'd probably say, one new years spending
time at my friend's house hanging out
with him and his family, and just feeling
really happy and at home in Japan.
Oh hey, its Alex!
Hey Levi!
So Levi, what was the most difficult thing
about adjusting to life in Japan?
Probably strict punctuality
ambiguous communication
and natto!
Oh, speaking of natto...
Dude, if you're eating that
then I'm going inside!
So this is the cafe I often come to
when I'm going to study.
Do you want anything?
Err, I'm fine thank you.
Ok
Konnichiwa, espresso onegaishimasu.
What did you get?
Espresso
So how did you deal with these
challenges that you faced?
I would observe people, ask questions,
find out what the cultural norms were
and adjust my behaviour to fit in.
With natto I'm still adjusting!
What did you learn about
the needs of Japan?
That they're huge
impossible even without God.
They require an ongoing
commitment to prayer
a genuine love for the Japanese people
a willingness to learn and grow
and obedience to God's leading.
What was your most dominant thought
or feeling each time you came home?
I want to go back!
What did the great commission mean
to you before Serve Asia?
A task to be accomplished.
And after?
A way of life.
What advice would you give to anyone
who wants to become a missionary?
I'd say, go for it!
Try pushing on some doors
if all the doors seem locked
look for a window!
If you weren't a missionary
what would you be doing?
Probably working for a
Japanese tech company.
Ok, last question!
Yep
What are you doing for the rest of the day?
Got a bit of prep to do for Sunday
but before that I'm going to go
practice some throwing.
Do you want to come with me?
Yeah sure!
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