Epilogue & Iwakuni Marine Public Affairs office link to news story & Facebook page

     It has now been a week since we have been back, and life is returning to normal---but is it.  Lives were changed in Japan, and the lives of the participants were changed to.  As I reflected on the time in Japan, I am once again inspired by the faithfulness and kindness of the Japanese people.  They labor so diligently with so little and are generous with what they have, and never once was there ever a hint of complaint.  I know I could learn so much from them.  And the missionaries we met, the Luethys (Jonathan & Dorothy), the Reisters (Bob), and the Noars (Bill), had been so faithful, some ministering for over 30 years, just like Paul's parents did.  What an inspiration these people are.  I am sure there will a permanent impact on all the lives that were touched---on both sides of the ocean.  Thank you for your part.

   As a P.S., we were contacted after we returned by Lance Corporal Ramirez of the Iwakuni Public Affairs Office (the one you saw taking pictures and interviewing the girls) who sent a link to the news story & pictures that he prepared.  Also below is the link to the Iwakuni Youth Sports Facebook page.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni News Story
MCCS Iwakuni Youth Sports Facebook Page

Days 18 & 19, Final Camp day, Game, Travel Home

     Today was our final camp day.  We did a lot of soccer drills and then Coach Ray had the kids play games to practice the skills they learned.  We did skits, songs and contests during the break.  We ended camp at 10:45am, and then have a massive water balloon fight.  The parents supplied us with hundreds of water balloons, so we had many rounds of kids throwing at us and vice versa, 2 balloons at a time.  It was a lot of fun.  We had our final skit at the end led by Danielle about the story of the fiery furnace.  Paul gave the closing message and prayer.
    After the program was over, lunch was provided in the pavilion.  It was great to see the kids mix with the Seahorse coaches, signing autographs on the team brochure and the shirts.
     After the camp ended, we had a couple of hours of free time, and then it was catch a train south again to play the high school girls that were part of the game on Tuesday.  We played some 6 v 6 first as the entire field was not available.  We won 2-1, with goals scored by Ashleigh and Natalie.  Then we played the full game and won 1-0 on a goal by Savannah.  Before the "full" game started, the team was really sweet and wanted to honor Breeanna who couldn't play all tour because of a broken foot.  They had her do the initial kick-off at mid-field.
     After the game, it was the team and Japanese song, and then a testimony by Alex L.  Then we mixed with the team for a while until they had to leave.  After they left, we had some final words from Danielle, who was staying down south with some friends who had know her grandparents.
     The missionaries who sponsored this event, Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, came and told us about the impact that our Tuesday visit had.  Apparently, the faculty at the University didn't think the President should be paying for our food because we are a Christian organization.  Even though he (the President) is also not a believer, he insisted and said that if they wouldn't approve, that he would pay for it himself.  The faculty also came to the event and were moved by what they saw happening.  Apparently in Japan, they are stressing E.Q. (emotional quotient) as much as I.Q. and they really liked the E.Q. they saw happening.  Also, when Jonathan was asked by Paul to pray, it was the President's own initiative to explain to everybody what prayer is and why we do it (which he knows from his wife who is a believer).  The Luethy's were very encouraged by this.
     We were so late getting home, that we just went to bed

     It was an early morning 5:30am wake-up call to have the bus packed and loaded by 6am.  Then it was 5 hours up to Osaka, fly to Tokyo, and then fly to LA, landing at 11:45am, Japan Airlines JL0062. (This is being written in Osaka).  While on the bus, we did our third and final hynack session, and then each person had a chance to share their hi-light and low-light from the trip.  One of those hi-lights is you all who have supported us faithfully, financially and through prayer.  There will be many more stories you will hear when your individual participant gets home.

Pictures
Day 18 Video Montage

Day 17, Iwakuni Camp, Kintai Bridge & Castle

     Today was basically the same routine as yesterday.  Leave for breakfast at 6:45, for the field at 7:45, and camp at 8:30.  Having passed out the camp shirts yesterday, we started the camp with our camp picture.  Camp today was fun games (like crab soccer---use your imagination) followed by actual games (in each age group) using the skills from yesterday.  Water breaks continued to have games and contests while keeping everyone hydrated.  Thank you for your prayers as the weather, although very warm and humid, has not been as bad as prior years.  Joining us at camp for a second day was Corporal Ramirez, who was taking pictures to post in a base news story.  Our day at camp was completed with another skit led by Danielle---this time the story of the house built on the rock and on the sand from Matthew 7:24-27.  Paul followed this skit with his testimony and a very clear presentation of the gospel.  At the end, he gave an invitation for the kids (privately) and then encourage them to tell their parents tonight, and the coaches tomorrow if they made a decision. We haven't had as many of the kids stay as we would have hoped, but God is in control and knows who needs to be there.
     After camp, walk to the mess hall and then back to the dorms.  (We shouldn't gain any weight with all of the walking we are doing).  We had a couple of hours to rest/shop and then took taxis to the Kintai bridge and Castle.  This is a very beautiful area, and is where Paul grew up.  We took a cable car up the mountain and then walked to the castle.  It is beautiful and the view is spectacular.  If was fun to imagine Paul growing up in this environment.  We took taxis back to the base, and since we stayed late, everyone was on their own for dinner, and all chose to eat at the food court (subway, burger king, KFC, Taco Bell, etc.)  The evening was free, although some were going to an on base soccer tourney tonight from 8-9:30pm.
     Please continue to pray as there have been some significant issues that have arisen (external).  Your individual tour member can update you when they arrive home.  Thank you for your support.

Pictures
Day 17 Montage

Day 16, Iwakuni Camp, Tokuyama Game

     Today was our first full day in Iwakuni.  It saw a radical change in our schedule.  We had to be ready to leave our dorms by 6:45am to walk 15 minutes to the mess hall.  After breakfast (about 7:30-7:45) we would walk another 15 minutes to the field were we were going to do our camp.   Camp began at 8:30 with an introduction to the coaches who all picked cute camp names.  The camp was broken up in to age groups (6's, 7's, 8's, 9's, 10-11's, 12-13's) and then a group of older guys.  Most of the day was spent with various soccer skills and the different age groups rotating around the different soccer skill stations.  There were frequent water breaks due to the heat, so during those breaks (under the pavilion), we did songs, games and contests with the kids.  Although it was hot and humid, we were not "black-flagged" (meaning it was so bad we would have to end the camp for the day).  Camp ended at 11:30 and those parents who chose not to have their kids stay for Bible time pick them up.  At 11:40, we do our Bible time, which consisted a skit about Noah and the ark led by Danielle.
     After camp it was another walk back to the mess hall, followed by another walk back to our dorms.  We had some rest time, and then it was another 15 minute walk to the bus station to catch the bus to the train station.  There was a mixup with the bus information somehow, so Paul had to scramble to get six taxis ordered to take us to the train station.  Paul was able to ask a passerby to call on her phone for us.  Well, we finally got to the train station and then it was about a 45-minute train ride south to Tokuyama to play the Tokuyama University women's soccer team.  When Biola played them 2 years ago, Tokuyama won 5-0.  This year, we won 3-0 (Morgan scored 2 goals----almost 3, and Emily scored the other goal).  After the game and a shower, we went to the cafeteria to eat dinner with them.  We were hosted by the University President and the President of the Athletic Department.  The University President's wife is a strong believer, but he is not---yet.  Paul was able to introduce the missionary Jonathan Luethy by asking him to pray.  The University president spoke up then and explained to the girls that this was an American custom and to go ahead.  It was nice to have his support even though he is not a believer.  It was a great time of mixing and building relationships---we first played this University's mens team back in 1999.  Ashleigh concluded the evening with her testimony.
     We were joined at the game by missionaries Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, who have been missionaries in this area for about 35 years.  Their son Ben toured with the Seahorses to Japan in 1998-1999.  Thursday we will be playing another game in the Luethy's area to help them build contacts there.  Another missionary named Bill was there who knew Danielle's parents and grandparents.  To those who haven't read all the previous blogs, Danielle is our certified athletic trainer, whose grandparents took over the ministry from Paul's parents.  Bill also brought a Japanese man who was a student when Danielle's father was a teacher here.  It is wonderful to see both the commitment of these missionaries, and to see how God's tapestry weaves through many generations.  Pray that we will finish strong as we leave on the 25th---early.

Pictures
Day 16 Video Montage

Day 15, Travel Day, Osaka to Iwakuni

Everyone was up this morning at 7:30am for breakfast at 8, and time to pack and clean up the church, then walk to where the bus would pick us up (it is too big to park in front of BJ’s church) for the trip to Iwakuni.  We drove for 2 hours, ate lunch, drove for another 2 hours and had a quick pit stop, then 1 more hour to the base.

One would think that on a travel day, that there would not be anything substantive to report.  Well, not so as God showed up big time in the most unusual way.  It happened at the first truck stop where we were doing lunch.  Gil was deciding between an ice cream and Starbucks and then chose the ice cream.  Then, he decided he wanted Starbucks too.  Paul decided to accompany Gil to the Starbucks instead of back to the bus.  As Gil went to order his drink, Paul went to sit with the others.  The Starbucks employee (Sarah-Japanese), speaking perfect English, asked Gil if he was going to Iwakuni with the girls.  She asked because Gil “happened” to be wearing his Iwakuni shirt.  It turns out that she grew up in Iwakuni, and her mom still worked on the base.  Gil thought this was so interesting, he introduced Paul to her.  Well, it gets better.  Paul recognized Sarah’s last name and told her that she had been led to the Lord by Paul’s parents!  She said, “Oh, you mean Papa Gizzi?”  So she was very familiar with who Paul’s dad was.  What are the odds!?  A random truck stop, and a Starbucks employee whose Mom was led to the Lord by Paul’s parents.  God is so good!

The second leg of our ride found us holding our second hynack session.  For full discussion of hynacks, see blog for the last travel day.  In short, we accuse each other of cultural faux pas, or just regular silly things.  You will have to check with your individual team member for details as these were internal things and/or a “you had to be there” kind of thing.

We arrived on the base and checked in with no problem.  With us on the bus was Oksana.  She is the community services liaison for the base who helps coordinate the details of our visit.  She made sure we had our individual passes, and gave us instructions for eating, getting around, and the dress code.  It is VERY strict on the base.  Among others, no sandals (must be tennis shoes or the like), no shorts above mid-thigh, no muscle shirts or spaghetti straps, and since we are eating in the mess hall this year with military personnel instead of the food court, no sportswear of ANY kind.  We were not expecting to eat there.  They had not told us that so some were not prepared.  We are scrambling to see that everyone has something appropriate.  Our rooms are another story too.  We were all looking forward to the individual rooms with air conditioning were we could get the occasional respite from the heat and humidity.  Well, there is a HUGE amount of construction going on on the base, which includes our dorms.  The air conditioning, programmed to go no lower than 70 degrees, does not do even that.  Temperature in the rooms when we arrived were between 80-86.  Most of the rooms could get no better than 78-80 degrees.  Just one more thing to deal with.  At least the weather report for Tuesday is only 85 degrees with 60% humidity.  Pray for our endurance.

After settling in our rooms, we left for a 15 minute walk to the mess hall for dinner.  Nothing like working off the dinner BEFORE you eat it.  After dinner, a short staff meeting and then a team meeting going over the general details of our 3 days here and specific details for tomorrow.  We closed the evening with a time of sharing and prayer led by Susan.

Pictures

Day 15 Video Montage (short, we didn't do much)

Day 14, Church, Games

This morning was different for the whole team, as last night we were split up into 7 groups of 2 and one group of 4 for individual homestays.  Most groups went to their host churches, and a couple came back to BJ’s church.  Those of us at BJ’s church enjoyed lots of singing, BJ’s sermon, and Susan & Gil’s testimony.  We also introduced ourselves and sang our song.  After the service, we met up with most of the others and enjoyed a ramen lunch. 

After lunch, we went to the soccer field for a series of five games.  Not as bad as it sounds.  There were three teams, a rotation of games, and each “game” was only 20 minutes long.  We played 2 games, then a break while the others played, 1 more game and then a break, and then 2 more games.  The first and fifth games were against the Izumi FC Papas, which is is BJ’s team, and the team which Mr. Mizuno is the head of.  We lost the first game 2-0 and tied the fifth game 2-2.  Morgan, who had just missed goals for two days, had the honor of scoring the first goal that BJ (he is the goalkeeper) had allowed all day.  Our second and fourth games were against the Ritsumeikan University women’s team.  We won the first game 1-0 (Ashleigh scored) and tied the fourth game 1-1.  Our third game was against the Kansai Ryo Medical University team.  We also tied this game 1-1.  After the game, we did both the team song and the Japanese song, and Ray did his testimony again.  He wrapped it up wonderfully by making sure he introduced them to BJ, made sure they knew he was a pastor, and encouraged them to seek out BJ if they had questions.  We had also been joined at the game by Joe Adams and Naoko (see yesterday’s blog). 

After the game, we proceeded to the food court and then the sento.  However, we spent so much time fellowshipping with the other 3 teams, that it was decided to stop quickly at McDonalds and then eat on bus while on the way to the sento.  After the sento, it was back to the church for a team meeting and instructions for cleanup the next morning.  The meeting closed with a time to bless and thank BJ & Mary for their hospitality (since BJ had to leave at 4am for the airport).

Pictures

Day 14 Montage 

Day 13, Masa's Soccer Club

    We had a slower morning again, which was needed.  Everybody is really tired.  We boarded a bus this morning for the outing to Masa's Seahorse International Soccer Club.  This is a great ministry that Masa started 4 years ago, and has grown from an initial membership of 3 to about 45.  They need about 100 to be self-supporting (if you are interested in supporting them, it can be done through MAI-Seahorses--contact the Seahorses through their website @ www.seahorsesoccer.com).  Today, we had about 56 kids (in the pictures, the ones in the orange shirts are members of the club, the others are friends--of the friends, about 8 had never been before.)  Lots of parents showed up too.
    We had a lot of soccer drills, games with the kids, games between the Seahorses and the dads, it was a great day (see pictures and videos).  After the clinic, which went from 10-2, we went to the food court in the building and ate lunch.  Everyone was really hungry since we hadn't eaten since breakfast at 8.  After lunch, we went back to the church and the girls packed for their homestays (leaving at 5:30pm).  The staff stayed behind at BJ's.
     While the report of what we actually did today is rather short, the ministry that happened was not. First, it was wonderful to see so many kids and parents at the event.  Hopefully those who are not currently a member of the club will be encouraged to join by today's event and that it will give Masa additional status.  They all also heard Paul's testimony at the end.  For some, it was probably the first time to hear about Jesus.
     Secondly, we were joined by Emi and her parents (her mother Shizuko you "met" earlier on the tour).  Emi became a Christian in 2008 and played 2 years with the Charlotte Eagles.  She was able to give her testimony on the 2012 tour, with both of her parents present.  This is the kind of continuing relationship building that is so important in this ministry---building on prior contacts, one step at a time, slowly, but hopefully fruit-producing in the end.
     Next we also had a surprise visit from a couple doing ministry in the area, Matt & Jessica Whelchel.  Jessica is the daughter of Ron & Sherry Rallis, who are members of Sonlight Fellowship at EV Free Fullerton with Paul & Gil.  It was great to connect with them.  Who knows what fruit/partnership might happen in the future.
     Lastly, we had a really surprise visit from Joe & Naoko Adams (and their little boy Sunemasa).  This is quite a story.  Joe is former Seahorse PDL player (who actually lived with Gil for 4 weeks in the summer of 2007), who became engaged to Naoko.  Naoko then was an observer of the tour in 2008, and not a believer at the time.  That was the year that a girl named Megan became VERY sick.  The girls loved on her and prayed for her.  Megan was also depressed that here she raised money for the tour and it was being "wasted." She later got well, but was never able to play.  Later in the tour, Naoko gave her life to Jesus and explained that it was because of how she observed the girls loving and praying for Megan.  Paul told Megan this at the end of the tour, and she broke down in tears as she realized that her time in Japan was not "wasted" after all.  Well, fast forward.  Joe and Naoko had been living in Kentucky for several years and had been trying to get back to Japan.  Naoko returned 2 months ago, and Joe kept putting off coming.  Finally Naoko just bought his ticket and said Joe you are coming.  He arrived in Osaka on Wednesday (the same day we did!).  Naoko wondered whether the Seahorses might come to Japan in 2014, so she checked her Facebook, which led her to the Seahorse Japan blog site, and behold, not only were the Seahorses coming, they were in Osaka at that very moment.  Definitely a God thing on the timing.  What a joy to see how God can orchestrate this!  Joe is looking for what God wants him to do in Japan.  Maybe work with Masa?  Well, time will tell.
    So, what a wonderful day of watching God work!  Thank you for your prayers

Pictures
Day 13 Video Montage
   

Day 12, Morning Clinic, 2 Preschools, Masa's Soccer Club

     Well, the slow mornings ended with a crash this morning.  We had to be ON the bus by 7am this morning.  We didn't even have time to eat breakfast here at the church.  BJ had packed two coolers full of drinks, fruit jellos, fruit, and bread, which we ate on the bus on the way to the early morning clinic.  This is the same clinic that the 5 girls went to yesterday, except that today we took the whole team.  On our way to the clinic, we passed by the huge building that is the headquarters of the Shinto cult that rules this area.  We ran the clinic from 7:30-8:05, and concluded with our song and a short testimony by Paul.  While BJ would not be allowed to say anything, it was OK for Paul because he is a foreigner.  As small as it may seem, it was actually a big step forward for BJ.  In his testimony, among other things, Paul mentioned that BJ was a pastor.  Several of the boys came up to him afterwards and said that they didn't know he was a pastor.  At least the word is out, the initial seed has been planted, so pray for BJ that he may have opportunities to water, cultivate and eventually harvest.

     After the clinic, it was back to the bus for a ride to two different preschools.  We split up the group

Day 11, Temple, Sushi, Game

Since breakfast was late this morning (9am), we got up before that and left at 8:30am for a walk to a local temple.  It was both for exercise and for sightseeing.  After breakfast at 9am, we had a time of worship led by Mike, and then a devotional by Coach Ray of the 5 habits of a successful leader.  Then the women had some time on their own with Team Mom Susan, while the men had their own prayer time.
     Lunch time saw a trip to Hamazushi, a very popular sushi bar.  It was a great experience for the girls.  Back to church for a rest and then at 3:00 we left for the Otori junior high school for a game (this is the school where BJ's son James goes to school). They had 3 teams, each a different level of play.  We played a 30-minute period against each of the three teams.  The final score was 1-1.  These boys are very good and very fast.  After the game, we did both of our songs, and then the boys did their own song.  Mike gave his testimony today.  Then we just did a lot of spontanious mixing.   Also today, we got a visit from Shizuko.  For those new to the Seahorses, Shizuko's daughter Emi became a Christian a number of years ago, and even spent 2 years in the US playing with the Seahorse counterparts in Charlotte---the Charlotte Lady Eagles.  While Emi is a Christian, her mom Shizuko is not.  Yet she loves the Seahorses and shows up every year and showers us with gifts.  Paul keeps a continuing relationship with her due to Emi, and we pray though that, as she likes to gift us, one day Shizuko will accept God's ultimate gift.
     After the games, we went to the sento to clean up and then back to the food court for dinner.  At dinner we got a chance to meet Masa, who we will be working with for the next couple of days at his soccer academy.  He showed up at the food court to see Paul & BJ and go over the details of what we will be doing the next couple of days.  It was good to see him again.  When we got back to the church where we were staying, we had a short team meeting to go over the details of the next day---including getting up early and ready to LEAVE by 7am.   It was good to have a really slow day today (although it was really hot for what we did do), as the next 3 days are going to be very busy.  Thank you all for being understanding if your tour participant is not able to contact you.

Pictures
Day 11 Video Montage

Day 10, Travel Day, Iwata to Osaka.

     Today was a sad day in some respects as we had to leave those we love so much.  Even though it had only been 4 days, everyone felt like they were losing their good friends.  For those of use who have been several times, even though it may be years since we have been there, there is an instant feeling of being home, where one belongs.  Not that it replaces our home, but it is that welcoming.  We had an early 7:30am breakfast so we could have 2 hours to pack between 8-10.  The girls were so efficient that everything was packed, and the church was cleaned up by 9:10.  At 10, we packed the heavy luggage in vehicles to be taken to where we would get the bus (the streets were too narrow for the bus to be parked there for the length of time we needed it to.  Then we walked about 4 blocks to the bus.  It wasn't easy saying goodbye, as some realize that they will never come back.  Once we had boarded the bus, Pastor Hasui got on to say a final goodbye by reading 1 Cor 13:13 " . . . but the greatest of these is love" and then saying, "Thank you for love."  What a servant man.  We learned

Day 9, Worship, Sightseeing, Game

     It was great to have a 9am breakfast this morning. Many of us used the time to catch up on sleep, although a few are still struggling with jet lag.  After breakfast we were not due to leave for sightseeing until 11, so we had time for some worship and team sharing.  It is so great to have a worship leader in Mike.  After several worship songs, we shared some experiences that we had had to encourage one another.
     After worship and sharing, the wonderful people of this church again volunteered their services for shuttling us.  First we went to the Mitsuke School Historical Site.  It was the first school in the area and was built in 1874-5.  After the school, we went to a local temple.  Pastor Hasui explained that the main building was structured very much like a Jewish temple, with a building similar to the Holy of Holies, and the main temple where a ceremonial washing was required before entering.  It was said again to see the prayers that were thrown into the box, waiting to be burned so they could go up to God, or those prayers tied to the strings, again in the hope that God would answer them.  While sad, it was a blessing to see that and to know that our God knows

Day 8, Slow morning, Afternoon Shopping at Lalaport, Evening Game/Dinner with Sangyo University girls

     It is good that today is kind of a slow day (& tomorrow to) as the girls are still recovering from jet lag.  Despite that, a little over half of the team was up at 4am to trek up to the third floor of Pastor Hasui's church to watch the final of the World Cup.  During the game, the camera showed this beautiful shot of the Christ the Redeemer statue with the sun behind it (see pictures).  After the game was over, most everyone went back to sleep.  Breakfast and a team meeting followed.
     At 11am, it was hop the bus to the Lalaport mall for some shopping and lunch.  It was a huge mall.  We didn't have a lot of time, but it was a fun experience.  One of the girls from the Sangyo team works at the mall (Yuka, who visited us 2 days ago and is coming to the US next year), so we went to visit her.  We left the mall at 2pm and came back to the church, where the ladies took a long time to work on the Japanese song to get it ready for its debut tonight.  This is a very dedicated group of girls.
    A number of church volunteers showed up about 4pm to shuttle us in cars to the game site.  It was exciting to see how the players and coaches were excited to see us, particularly since it had only been since March when they had been to the U.S.  We played 2 30-minute periods and Sangyo won 3-0.  They are a VERY high-level team.  Then we played another 30-minute period with the teams mixed.  After the games, we continued our ministry with our team song, which we had translated afterwards so they knew the meaning.  Then we sang our Japanese song, followed by Natalie giving her testimony.  I am sure the Sangyo girls were moved by Natalie's obvious passion and love for them evidenced in her testimony.  We then passed out the team brochures and mixed for a while, and then off to the university showers to clean up.
     After showers, it was off to the Gusto restaurant for dinner together.  This is where a lot of ministry happens.  It also demonstrated this year the benefit of repeated contacts.  As Mike noted, last year there were only about 6 girls who came to dinner.  This year, we had the entire team show up---24 players, 2 coaches & 2 assistants.  It was great to see ministry happening for almost 2 hours.  It was hard to break it up.
     We got back to the church and had a late, but short team meeting.  At the meeting, Paul asked the team how many of them "Facebook friended" someone or were asked to be.  EVERY hand in the group went up.  Many seeds were planted tonight and it was exciting to see the growth in their interest.  Thank you for your prayers.

Pictures
Team Songs & Words
Day 8 Video Montage

P.S.  For those who already saw yesterday's (Day 7) video montage, it has been changed.  I noticed and had a comment, that the segments were too short, so I lengthened them.

Day 7, AWANA, 2 Churches, Lunch with each Church, Evening Praise Service

    Fortunately we are not doing anything really early, so we didn't have to be up until breakfast at 7:30.  Since the ladies are sleeping in the sanctuary, all of their stuff had to be cleaned out of the room and stuffed into the room at the back (see picture/video montage) which is Susan's room.  At 9:30, Pastor Hasui's church had AWANA.  Pastor explained that AWANA at his church is for training the youth of his church, while at some other churches, it is used to reach out to the community and draw them in.  Worship at Pastor Hasui's church (Iwata Christ Church) was 10:30 for group 1. Group 2 left at 10 for worship at the Iwata Japan Alliance Christ Church & Iwata Immanuel Christ Church (combined meeting).  Group 2 worship sat in 3 groups near the back of the church so that each group could have its own translator.  We were also given a copy of the program outline in English with the main points of the pastor's sermon (Acts 6:1-15, Stephen the first martyr).  The church had about 50 people including children.  Gil Mellis gave the Seahorse presentation and the main testimony.  During the service, we were called up front to introduce ourselves and asked to sing a song.  We were really unprepared for this, but the girls sang our team song (without hand motions) and did a great job, even though we have had such a short time to practice it live.  Flexibility is the word!
     After church, we rearranged the church pews and

Day 6, Slow Morning, Clinic, BBQ & Game

     So tired all of us, but most everyone talked about how they woke up around 4-5 and it was so light out it was hard to get back to sleep.  Fortunately, the schedule had planned for a slow morning of a late breakfast and showers.  Breakfast was good, but it was the first time that I had corn on the cob for breakfast (see picture).  After breakfast, Mike lead us in a time of worship.  It was so good to have Mike be able to join us and lead us in a worship time too.  After leading us in worship, Mike lead us in our Japanese song.  Pastor Hasui even sang a solo for us.   Following worship, Pastor Hasui did some orientation, including some history of Christianity in Japan (see the book Silence by Shuzaku Endo).  Paul then went over our schedule for the next two days.
     Since our goal is to build relationships here,

Days 4 & 5, Travel Day

    Today was a more leisurely travel day than in the past, as we didn't have to be to the airport until 10:45am for a 1:45pm flight.  We flew Japan Airlines.  Check-in at the terminal was smooth, security went without a hitch.  It was almost as if something was waiting to go wrong, but it never did.  The flight was about 11 1/2 hours.  More security and then a four hour bus ride to Iwata.  We ate dinner at a truck stop along the way, so it was like we had four meals today.  At least this dinner was more interesting than the second one on the plane (see pictures).  We finally arrived at Pastor Hasui's house at about 11:30pm.  Long day, but fortunately a late morning tomorrow.
     In a previous blog, it was mentioned about something that happened that would have more details later.  Ashleigh's mom was having chest pains and had to call 911.  She found out at the soccer game and we wanted to wait until we knew more before we published the details.  Well, the doctors think that it is some electrical charge thing in her body and not a heart attack.  Don't know what that means, but it is not as serious.  Thanks for praying even though you didn't know (the Holy Spirit did, Rom 8:26).  Pictures.

Day 3, Orientation, Testimony/Song/Skit practice, Game

    The morning started at 9am at Paul's house, with cultural orientation, including the video of God's fingerprints (see blog tab if you want to view).  It was amazing to see how the Japanese culture is prepared for the gospel through the concept of a Creator God, that has been a part of that culture for hundreds, may a thousand years.  Then Paul briefed us on the how to prepare a testimony for Japan, followed by a time for each team member to work on their individual testimonies.  Following testimony practice, we went to Costco for lunch.  After lunch, the team voted to skip the World Cup game to practice the team song and to discuss potential skits.  After song practice, we left for La Mirada High School stadium where the team will play a game against the Biola girls.  There wasn't really an official score as both of our goalies played (for the practice) on opposing teams.  It was 2-1 unofficially (Biola won).  Our goal was scored by Savannah after a wonderful steal by Diana.  This was followed by dinner brought in by Chick-fil-A.  Half-time entertainment included the Chick-fil-A cow shooting goals at our two goalies, Briana & Alexis.  After half-time of the PDL Seahorse game, we had our send-off with the parents, a send-off prayer by Vickie, and then departed early for our homes.  We meet at the airport at 10:45am tomorrow. (Not as bad as previous years)  Please pray for Mike Gentry still that he can clean up the damage to his house in time to come, and that the base will go off lock-down in time.  Also pray for something else that happened tonight (details at a later time).   Pictures.
Chick-fil-A cow shoots at Alexis
Chick-fil-A cow shoots at Briana

Day 2, Afternoon Orientation, Scrimmage, Dinner

     After relaxing watching Brazil get embarrassed by Germany, we were blessed to hear from Yukiyo Matsumoto.  Paul met her at a Seahorse game as she was the trainer for the other team.  She agreed to come to our orientation meeting and tell us what young people in Japan are like from her perspective.  She is a Christian now but wasn't when she came to the States.  Her story is quite amazing.  See the tab for "A Japanese Perspective."  After Yukiyo, the team was off for more practice and an intrasquad scrimmage.  Then dinner at Chipotle, and back to bed.  Pictures.

Day 2, Morning practice, orientation & lunch, typhoon update, 7/8/14

    A relatively easy morning.  Some slept real well, and some didn't sleep much at all.  After breakfast at the host families, we had soccer practice at 8:30 where coach Ray ran the ladies through some drills.  After practice, we went to the La Mirada regional center for some more orientation on the spiritual battle to be faced, and building relationships, even if it is only a single contact.  After orientation, we went to Chick-fil-A for lunch and then on to Paul's to watch Brazil vs. Germany in the World Cup (we adjusted our orientation schedule to make time.)  Prayer:  We have several members with colds and 1 with a hamstring tenderness.  Praise:  The update from Okinawa is that the emergency has been declared over and our worship leader Mike Gentry said they survived with minor damage and will see us in a few days.    Pictures.

Day 1, Welcome and Orientation

   It was a great start to the trip.  13 of the girls (2 are arriving tomorrow, and 2 are in Japan already) arrived and spent a leisurely evening getting to know each other.  We spent some time by the pool introducing ourselves, dinner, and then an orientation introduction as to what would happen in the next two days.  Staff members Susan & Gil gave some of their insights from prior trips and Paul finished with some initial orientation.  After closing in prayer, we passed out equipment and then it was off to the host family homes.  Tomorrow we will show a video on God's Fingerprints in Japan. It is a wonderful video (length, 31:11), showing how God has prepared the Japanese to see him through their own culture, a "redemptive analogy" kind of thing.  See the "God's Fingerprints in Japan" tab.   Pictures.

In His Service,
Gil

Japanese Song to Learn

     The post that had been done in March with the links to the Japanese song has expired.  That is, those links to YouTube are for some reason no longer valid.  Here are new links to the song in different versions of "God Bless You."

Solo Lady voice
Mens voices
Korean Japanese version
With Guitar Chords
Choir version
Special version
English version

Please Pray---Typhoon is coming

Hello All,

    So it has begun.  Please be praying as a SUPER Typhoon is headed for Japan---Okinawa and then the mainland (for news, see link).  In addition to praying for the people, this could directly impact the tour.  One of the staff, our worship leader Mike Gentry, lives in Okinawa with his wife who is stationed there.  If the damage is too bad, he won't be able to come on the tour.  "And the men marveled saying, 'What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him.' "  Matthew 8:27

In His Service,
Gil

Sangyo Visit Post #3: The rest of the visit

     Well, there hasn't been a post for while as we were so busy and I got sick and couldn't do this, but there was even God's timing in that (more on that later).

     Friday morning saw a tennis lesson by one of our drivers (Jim Emerson), who was the mens tennis coach at Biola for many years.  The girls really seemed to enjoy themselves and learn some skills they can carry back to Japan.  After tennis, it was off to Vinny's Italian restaurant in La Mirada for pizza, and then on to Westmont for a game.  The game was supposed to be against another school, but a conflict arose and the game was rescheduled (weeks ago) to play Westmont.  The gave the girls a chance to experience the coastline drive.  God protected us too as we saw two accidents on the way up (opposite side) and then two more accidents on the way home (that we were stuck in, one a complete stoppage for a police car, 3 large fire trucks and two ambulances).  The game was good as they played two 45's, with the final score, Sangyo 4, Westmont 3.  The best part of the day was after the post-game team meeting, the Westmont girls came over and mixed and fellowshipped with the Sangyo girls for 30 minutes.

Sangyo Visit Post #2: Game vs. Cal-State Fullerton

     The girls had a fun afternoon of spending several hours at the Brea Mall shopping and then traveled to Titan Stadium to play the Cal-State Fullerton team.  The first half saw a very tight 1-0 lead by CSUF on a questionable call.  The second half though, CSUF's division winning team scored 3 more for a 4-0 win.  Tomorrow the girls travel to Santa Barbara to play Westmont, and then Saturday at 3pm they the Biola women's team at Biola.  Eight more pictures were added to the picture album, and 1 video of an almost goal---a shot off the post.

Shizuoka Sangyo Univ Visit

     The team arrived yesterday (March 19th).  They arrived at 1:40pm but it took them 2 hours to get through customs.  The head coach almost didn't make it as his passport expired in four more months, and a 6 month window is required.  He was finally allowed in.  Thank you Lord.  After a quick stop at the hotel, it was over to Paul's house for a BBQ dinner, fellowship (lots of ping pong and bean bag toss), and a short video.

     Thursday morning saw a practice at the Fullerton Sports complex, lunch at Chick Fil-A, complete with a visit with the Chick Fil-A cow.  The owner Thomas Purtel, is a wonderful Christian man who had a wonderful spread set up for us.  Also, thanks to Linda and Kim who worked with us.  As we were leaving, Thomas grabbed Paul & Pastor Hasui to pray for them.  Check the morning's action in the pictures.

Japanese Team Song to Learn

     We have been requested to learn a song to sing in Japanese.  To get a head start on it, below are the links to the English version so as to understand what we are singing, a Japanese slow version to practice pronunciation, and a Japanese normal speed version to get the tempo.

English version
Japanese slow version
Japanese normal speed version

This is a test post to practice the picture link.  Check out the pictures from the last tour I was on in 2011.