The College Mission Program has been a truly life-changing experience for me. Last year, God blessed me with the opportunity to serve through CMP Sapporo 2025 (Japan). For years, I felt a clear calling from God toward the mission field, but I often struggled with uncertainty about how that calling would realistically take shape. I knew that I wanted to serve cross-culturally and share the Gospel, but I lacked the experience and training to take meaningful steps forward. God was able to clear my doubts through CMP and provided a tangible path for me to grow in both faith and ministry skills. Through CMP, God opened doors that I never could’ve opened on my own. I was allowed to step into cross-cultural ministry in a real way, rather than only learning about missions in theory. I gained valuable insight into the wisdom, flexibility, and readiness required to serve in another culture. CMP taught me that ministry is not just about sharing the gospel, but also about listening, building trust, becoming a dear friend (or a faithful customer at the local bakery), and learning to serve people and evangelize in ways that honor their culture while remaining firm in biblical truth.
I was also personally and spiritually challenged. Living and serving in a different cultural context, and even every moment preparing for the trip, pushed me outside my comfort zone and forced me to rely more fully on God. I learned how to wait on God’s timing, navigate unfamiliar environments, and adapt when things didn’t go as planned. These experiences strengthened my faith and deepened my dependence on Jesus.
The summer of 2025 also started joyful memories and meaningful friendships that have lasted to this very day! I became close to my teammates, ministry partners, and even members of the local church, who encouraged and taught me throughout the program. We shared life,ministry, and wonderful memories, making my experience deeply impactful and enjoyable. I’ve even been able to maintain friendships with college students I met through outreach events while I was there!
Exploring new foods, places, and cultural experiences added so much fun and excitement in the process! It served as a reminder that God often uses community to edify us and bring us closer to Him. Each day was also a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and history. With each event and activity I was able to engage in, God was able to peel back another nuanced aspect of the culture’s beauty and struggles. Even through simple activities like wearing yukata (summer kimonos), my eyes were opened to ways I can pray for and present the Gospel to Japan.
Overall, CMP has played a crucial role in preparing me for ministry. It brought me to the mission field while equipping me with practical skills, cultural awareness, and spiritual maturity. I’m deeply grateful for how God used CMP to shape me. I continuously apply everything I learned as I continue pursuing His calling over my life!
Nalani Carrasco
CMP Student to New Life Church, Japan, 2025
