For the past year, I’ve been pursuing my undergraduate studies at Southern Seminary in Kentucky. While I’ve grown in many ways, being away from my home in Japan, the place where I first served in ministry, has been deeply challenging. I’ve missed the church, the people, and being involved with the ministry there.

Japan has a population of 124.5 million people, but less than 1% of those people identify as Christian. Ministry there is often patient and relational and it moves slowly from a human perspective. Sometimes it feels like there’s more effort than visible fruit. But even small gospel conversations or quiet demonstrations of love can be used by God to move hearts, and should not be taken for granted but seen as small victories for the kingdom. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” That truth is evident in ministry in Japan.

This summer, I’ll be returning to intern at Nisshin Christ Church in their college ministry. I’ll be spending each day on the several campuses in town, in cafes, in the church, meeting with students, building relationships, sharing meals, leading worship, helping with events, and most importantly, sharing the gospel in word and deed. Whether it’s a camping trip, a baseball game, or just a late-night conversation, every moment is an opportunity to point someone to Christ.

I’m writing to ask for your prayers and support.

I’m raising $3,000 to help cover travel, meals and activities that will be shared with students. Tools to create meaningful connection and open doors to the Gospel. I’m not going back for my comfort or for a vacation; I’m going for the sake of those living without Christ. And I’m not asking you to give to me, but to give for them, that God might use your generosity to reach people who, like you and me, desperately need Jesus.

As this academic semester comes to an end and my flight to Japan gets closer and closer, I have been reflecting on what a privilege and grace it is to be able to serve God, and to be used as His messenger. I am unworthy for such a task, and yet, by His grace, He has allowed this sinner to show others the love that set me free.

I want to ask you to pray for me. Pray that God might use me to make His name known. That somehow, He will use my wicked tongue, that has caused pain, to speak His perfect gospel. That He would use my hands and feet that have caused hurt, to serve. That He would use my cold and selfish heart to love others the way that He does. That He would be glorified through me. There has never been anything throughout the course of my life that I have been more passionate and motivated about than to be used by God to share the gospel. Thank you for reading, praying, and walking with me in this mission.

With love and gratitude, 

Mitsuki Burns

Here is how you can donate:
go to : https://pushpay.com/g/canyonhillsglobalpartners?src=hpp

please choose: give one time fund→ MBsummer (scroll down to the bottom)

An Endorsement from the college ministry leader:

Not only was Mitsuki very effective in his own personal interactions with Japanese college students in our ministry but he also has a couple of skills that are particularly helpful to our ministry during the summer. One, he is bilingual. Every summer we have a lot of help for summer teams from America who do great job reaching out to students, but benefit greatly from having someone like Mitsuki there to help with language barriers. Also, Mitsuki is a good musician and will be useful in helping lead our college ministry worship nights this summer.

If you are looking for a good place to make a kingdom investment with your finances, I highly recommend considering supporting Mitsuki’s internship with Nisshin Church this summer. His help in reaching out to, evangelizing, and discipling local Japanese university students will be invaluable.