Michelle to Japan
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#MyOneWord this year is “CAN”. I didn’t choose it… it chose me! After 2 years of feeling like I literally could not do anything, God is showing me this year over and again how I CAN through Him. The “CAN” I am about to share is beyond what I could ever imagine! God is asking me to cross an ocean to Fukuyama, Japan, to help my friend tell her people about Jesus! Here is the crazy story...
About 20 years ago I was a sophomore in college at Campbell University in NC. I led worship each week at a Monday night Bible Study. It was there I met Yurie Matsuzaki. She is from Fukuyama, Japan, and became a follower of Jesus when she came to the US. One day in the cafeteria she asked me if there were any missionaries in Japan. I told her I was sure there were. She then asked me why she did not hear about Jesus until she came to America. She THEN asked ME to come to Japan with her to tell her family and friends about God.
God provided (through my broke college friends) enough money for my plane ticket and gifts for her family. It was miraculous! We went for 14 days and on the last night we were there her mom decided she wanted to follow Jesus. One year later her dad decided the same after seeing the beautiful change in her mom! Then her aunt decided the same!

After college, Yurie and I lost touch. I have been looking for her for over 17 years. About two weeks ago, I sensed strongly I should try to search for her again online. What did I have to lose, right? So I messaged a list of all the Yurie Matsuzakis I could find on Facebook. (No doubt I scared a bunch of Yuries in Japan). There were no photos on the profiles so no way to know. I prayed specifically that day that God would bring my dear friend back to me.
The next morning, I woke up to a message from MY YURIE! Within moments we were video-calling on Facebook! 17 YEARS. To see her face. She told me the exact day I sent the message was the day she was praying to God that He would send her a friend who loves Him. She has been searching for me all these years too.
We have messaged every day since and talk often. This gift! So here is where "CAN" enters the picture. Yurie has asked me again to come back to Japan to continue the work we started together. There are very few Christians in her city. In fact, less than 1% of the population of Japan are Christians. She rides the bus two hours each way to get to church in Hiroshima because there is nowhere to go near her. She wants her people to know the hope of Christ and asks that I help her bring His message closer to home August 16 - 27.
This goal amount will cover a round-trip plane ticket, train and bus tickets, lodging and food expenses while I am there. If there is above and beyond, it will be used to bless people in her city and can be donated to her church. Nothing will go to waste.
We need your help! I am floored by this story God is writing and I am willing to go. He knows that of all years, this is the year Jeff and I are unable to fund this ourselves. Though we can't, God CAN. If you want to help Yurie and I reach more of her people with the love of God, please give! I will update you the entire way.
Much love to you and thank you!
Michelle Dolan
Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

After college, Yurie and I lost touch. I have been looking for her for over 17 years. About two weeks ago, I sensed strongly I should try to search for her again online. What did I have to lose, right? So I messaged a list of all the Yurie Matsuzakis I could find on Facebook. (No doubt I scared a bunch of Yuries in Japan). There were no photos on the profiles so no way to know. I prayed specifically that day that God would bring my dear friend back to me.
The next morning, I woke up to a message from MY YURIE! Within moments we were video-calling on Facebook! 17 YEARS. To see her face. She told me the exact day I sent the message was the day she was praying to God that He would send her a friend who loves Him. She has been searching for me all these years too.
We have messaged every day since and talk often. This gift! So here is where "CAN" enters the picture. Yurie has asked me again to come back to Japan to continue the work we started together. There are very few Christians in her city. In fact, less than 1% of the population of Japan are Christians. She rides the bus two hours each way to get to church in Hiroshima because there is nowhere to go near her. She wants her people to know the hope of Christ and asks that I help her bring His message closer to home August 16 - 27.
This goal amount will cover a round-trip plane ticket, train and bus tickets, lodging and food expenses while I am there. If there is above and beyond, it will be used to bless people in her city and can be donated to her church. Nothing will go to waste.
We need your help! I am floored by this story God is writing and I am willing to go. He knows that of all years, this is the year Jeff and I are unable to fund this ourselves. Though we can't, God CAN. If you want to help Yurie and I reach more of her people with the love of God, please give! I will update you the entire way.
Much love to you and thank you!
Michelle Dolan
Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]Organizer
Michelle Dolan
Organizer
Leland, NC
