Well, it is kind of sad today to think that this is already our last full day here in Japan. We had a late breakfast at the mess hall at 9am, and then walked off base to church (Calvary Chapel). This is the church attended by Roy & Nancy Toma, who so kindly housed Matthew & Christian (see video, "A God Story"). It was really good to have a time of worship, and a sermon on Acts 7 and the defense of Stephen. After the service, I had a chance to personally thank Roy. In the course of the conversation, I found out that he was formerly with Campus Crusade and so he know Jody Kubo, the Campus Crusade missionary the Seahorses worked with when they first start coming to Japan in 1996! What a small world. On a personal note, Roy is now part of JEMS (Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society). I personally attend a family camp called Mount Hermon, near Santa Cruz, CA every summer for the last 30 years. The JEMS organization always comes and spends a week there too. When I mentioned this to Roy, he said that he was there this summer, and it was the week immediately following our week, so we very possibly could have been there the same day on the overlap day. What are the odds! Not huge, but just God showing up in a fun little way. Also, Spencer was joined at church by the Marine soccer player he met yesterday from the Cameroon. They deepened their new friendship and plan and continuing to connect after the tour. The Marine had not yet connected to a church, but since he attended this church to be with Spencer, he said that he was going to start going there on a regular basis! More fruit!
After church, it was back to the base, change, go to Crossroads (the food court on base) for lunch and then back to Kintai for a chance to see it in the daytime. We took a taxi this time instead of walking! It was a great time of relaxing, enjoying the scenery, playing in the park fountains (see video & pictures), and visiting the place where Paul grew up. Unfortunately due to timing, we were not able to go up to see the castle, but it was great to get to see the area in the daytime, and it was very interesting to see the place minus the vendors and 10-15 thousand people from last night.
We took taxi's back to the base, and then prepared for the game with the Japanese Navy. We did not play this game at Penny Lake, where we played the Marines and had our camp. We played on the field of the Matthew C. Perry field (see video montage), the on-base school that Paul himself attended when he lived here. It was special for him. The current soccer coach presented him with a scarf in the school colors and logo. Very nice. The Japanese Navy had really good ball control skills, but our guys must have really been warmed up as we won 8-1 (their goal came on a PK). After the game, we sang our Japanese song, Paul gave a few words of testimony (no video as it was in Japanese) and then we presented them with some gifts.
After the game, Paul presented the team with his surprise. It is always nice, but not always possible, when you are on a base with so many aircraft, to be able to get a tour of one of them. We have had tours in the past of the F-18 fighters, and the helicopters. This year, Paul tried hard to get a tour, asking several pilots, but since this was a Sunday, it just wasn't working out. Then he randomly ran into the soldier and was just discussing what we were doing here (as he always does) and it turns out that this soldier was able to connect us with a Sargent Busby, who is connected with the C-130 transport aircraft, and was happy to arrange a tour. It was a lot of fun. The aircraft is really huge. We had the aircraft explained (ask your tour member about it) and were able to go inside to see the huge cargo bay. The best part I think, was that we got to climb up into the cockpit, sit in the pilot & copilot's seats and look at and touch some of the controls. We all really enjoyed this part (see pictures and video montage).
When the tour was done, we went back to the rooms as Crossroads was closed. Paul had some fruit and snacks, but then surprised the guys again by ordering hamburgers and tacos and brought them to the rooms! A great meal for our final full meal here.
As I sit here on Monday morning finishing this, I reflect on what a short, but great time we had. There were a lot of fun experiences, but we saw God working in a lot of small ways. We had numerous opportunities to plant seeds in the hearts of those who do not yet believe, and we were able to encourage those believers here who do not have the support that we in the U.S. have with a the significant amount of fellow believers that we are blessed with.
This will be the last blog post (probably). Today is just travel home. It something significant happens today, then I will post that. Thank you all so much for following this trip and praying for us!
Pictures (8/9 only)
Video Montage
A God Story, Matthew & Christian
Japanese Song
Game Highlights (Japanese Navy)
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Day 8, 3rd & Last Day of Camp, Game with Marines, Kintai & Fireworks Show
One note about a prior day. It turns on that on 8/4 when we went to Kyoto, that I forgot to post the pictures. So, at the end of this blog is a link to those pictures, along with today's links.
Today sadly was the last day of camp. It was a lot of fun, but we were sad to see it end so quickly. We started off the day with a camp-wide game of "Capture The Flag", and played for almost 30 minutes. After the game, we broke into our 8 stations and worked on various skills. During break, we did some fun things like a mini-magic show put on by True, where he "levitated" someone and did an amazing card trick. The kids really enjoyed it. When camp ended, we all ate lunch together in the pavilion with Subway sandwiches provided by the base. After lunch, we did our American song, and Jarrett gave his testimony. He did a good job (see video). After Jarrett's testimony, Todd gave a follow-up, and wrap-up of the week, including an explanation and opportunity to receive Christ. We closed in prayer and then spent a lot of time with kids taking pictures, and signing their shirts, team brochures and soccer balls.
The afternoon saw several hours of free time, followed by a game against the Marines at 5pm. We were joined in the game by Nozomu. His parents were led to the Lord by Paul's parents when they were missionaries here, and we have played his team in the past. He visited the first day and also joined us for lunch. He is a believer himself and it was good to be able to share a time of mutual encouragement. Although we have 24 players---enough for 2 full teams, it was still great to see that Todd & Phil found a chance for him to play some. It was a good game, but we mostly dominated, winning 5-0 and having numerous other close chances (see video). After the game we sang our American song, and then Todd gave his testimony. He did a great job gearing it toward a bunch of tough Marines (see video). Following the testimony, we gave them some gifts and then just spent some time talking. One interesting conversation was one that Spencer had. He noticed one of the Marines wearing the shorts of the national team from Cameroon. It turns out that indeed he was a Cameroonian and so he knew a lot of the places where Spencer had grown up (Spencer's parents are missionaries in Cameroon). The conversation ended with Spencer giving him his e-mail and telling him to be in touch, and that he, Spencer, would try to see if he could find a Bible in his dialect. (if anyone knows about Bibles available in Cameroonian dialects, and which ones---please contact us or Spencer).
After the game, it was back to the dorms for a quick shower and then off to Kintai for the big festival. Paul said that it is to celebrate their ancestors. The normally quiet river is packed with vendors, and there are maybe 10-15 thousand people packing the area (see pictures). The problem was that because it was so popular, and traffic was so bad, we couldn't get any taxis. Since it was a Saturday, all of our base liaisons were busy in the evening (last time we came to this festival in 2010, it was early afternoon and not a problem). So----we walked the entire way! It took and hour!! We didn't get there until a little before nine and fireworks had started at 8pm. That's OK though as we saw a lot as we walked toward it, and then since the show was 1 1/2 hours long, we still saw over 30 minutes. They would run fireworks for anywhere between 30-120 seconds, and then pause and then do it again---all for an hour and a half. It makes any other fireworks show I have been to look like child's play. After the show, we had an to hour to do what we wanted. Some crossed the bridge to the other side (normally a cost, but not tonight), while others went down to see the vendor displays (see pictures and video). It is really quite spectacular.
Coming home was an issue too. There were not taxi's to be had, so after trying that for a while, we finally got in the bus line (it snaked around the block, but they had a lot of busses running) and took a bus back to the Iwakuni train station where we then took taxi's back to our dorms. All in all a very fun time, but the guys missed getting to see it in the daytime and go up to visit the Iwakuni castle, and to see where Paul used to live when he lived here (ages 6-14). So---since we have some free time after church Sunday, we got to choose between going back to Kintai or up to Hiroshima. The latter would have been quite a production, so we choose to go back to Kintai. I think it will actually be amazing for the guys. It is beautiful, a great place for a team picture, the castle is very interesting and the view is spectacular. Also unique will be the chance to see how it looks cleared out from last night. I expect it will be quite a contrast. Well, you will see yourselves (eventually :-) )
Pictures (8/8 only)
Pictures (8/4 only)---(It was pointed out that I left out completely these pictures of our trip to Kyoto, enjoy them here, or go back and read the 8/4 blog again and click on the picture link there which has been changed to be 8/4 only)
Pictures (all the rest)
Video Montage
Testimony-Jarrett
Todd's Invitation
Camper of the Week Awards
Magic Show
Marine Game Highlights
Testimony-Todd
Today sadly was the last day of camp. It was a lot of fun, but we were sad to see it end so quickly. We started off the day with a camp-wide game of "Capture The Flag", and played for almost 30 minutes. After the game, we broke into our 8 stations and worked on various skills. During break, we did some fun things like a mini-magic show put on by True, where he "levitated" someone and did an amazing card trick. The kids really enjoyed it. When camp ended, we all ate lunch together in the pavilion with Subway sandwiches provided by the base. After lunch, we did our American song, and Jarrett gave his testimony. He did a good job (see video). After Jarrett's testimony, Todd gave a follow-up, and wrap-up of the week, including an explanation and opportunity to receive Christ. We closed in prayer and then spent a lot of time with kids taking pictures, and signing their shirts, team brochures and soccer balls.
The afternoon saw several hours of free time, followed by a game against the Marines at 5pm. We were joined in the game by Nozomu. His parents were led to the Lord by Paul's parents when they were missionaries here, and we have played his team in the past. He visited the first day and also joined us for lunch. He is a believer himself and it was good to be able to share a time of mutual encouragement. Although we have 24 players---enough for 2 full teams, it was still great to see that Todd & Phil found a chance for him to play some. It was a good game, but we mostly dominated, winning 5-0 and having numerous other close chances (see video). After the game we sang our American song, and then Todd gave his testimony. He did a great job gearing it toward a bunch of tough Marines (see video). Following the testimony, we gave them some gifts and then just spent some time talking. One interesting conversation was one that Spencer had. He noticed one of the Marines wearing the shorts of the national team from Cameroon. It turns out that indeed he was a Cameroonian and so he knew a lot of the places where Spencer had grown up (Spencer's parents are missionaries in Cameroon). The conversation ended with Spencer giving him his e-mail and telling him to be in touch, and that he, Spencer, would try to see if he could find a Bible in his dialect. (if anyone knows about Bibles available in Cameroonian dialects, and which ones---please contact us or Spencer).
After the game, it was back to the dorms for a quick shower and then off to Kintai for the big festival. Paul said that it is to celebrate their ancestors. The normally quiet river is packed with vendors, and there are maybe 10-15 thousand people packing the area (see pictures). The problem was that because it was so popular, and traffic was so bad, we couldn't get any taxis. Since it was a Saturday, all of our base liaisons were busy in the evening (last time we came to this festival in 2010, it was early afternoon and not a problem). So----we walked the entire way! It took and hour!! We didn't get there until a little before nine and fireworks had started at 8pm. That's OK though as we saw a lot as we walked toward it, and then since the show was 1 1/2 hours long, we still saw over 30 minutes. They would run fireworks for anywhere between 30-120 seconds, and then pause and then do it again---all for an hour and a half. It makes any other fireworks show I have been to look like child's play. After the show, we had an to hour to do what we wanted. Some crossed the bridge to the other side (normally a cost, but not tonight), while others went down to see the vendor displays (see pictures and video). It is really quite spectacular.
Coming home was an issue too. There were not taxi's to be had, so after trying that for a while, we finally got in the bus line (it snaked around the block, but they had a lot of busses running) and took a bus back to the Iwakuni train station where we then took taxi's back to our dorms. All in all a very fun time, but the guys missed getting to see it in the daytime and go up to visit the Iwakuni castle, and to see where Paul used to live when he lived here (ages 6-14). So---since we have some free time after church Sunday, we got to choose between going back to Kintai or up to Hiroshima. The latter would have been quite a production, so we choose to go back to Kintai. I think it will actually be amazing for the guys. It is beautiful, a great place for a team picture, the castle is very interesting and the view is spectacular. Also unique will be the chance to see how it looks cleared out from last night. I expect it will be quite a contrast. Well, you will see yourselves (eventually :-) )
Pictures (8/8 only)
Pictures (8/4 only)---(It was pointed out that I left out completely these pictures of our trip to Kyoto, enjoy them here, or go back and read the 8/4 blog again and click on the picture link there which has been changed to be 8/4 only)
Pictures (all the rest)
Video Montage
Testimony-Jarrett
Todd's Invitation
Camper of the Week Awards
Magic Show
Marine Game Highlights
Testimony-Todd
Friday, August 7, 2015
Day 7, 2nd Day of Camp, Miyajima
ALL VIDEOS ARE NOW WORKING FOR YESTERDAY AND TODAY!
Today was a slow day. It was up at 6:30 this morning to walk to breakfast at 7. We had our 2nd day of camp, which began with a massive soccer game for the whole camp. There were four goals set up and the entire camp was divided into 4 teams, with four goals. All the balls were in the middle and then everyone rushed the balls and tried to kick them into the nets of any of the other 3 teams. It was mass confusion and a lot of fun. The day consisted of 8 skill stations with groups rotation between the stations. The younger groups played games mostly, but ones that emphasized dribbling. The older kids had skill stations like shooting, passing, heading, settling, etc. Periodically the groups would rotate between stations. During breaks, it was either time for water, or for the players to do games like "Whose story is true?", singing fun songs, or breaking into groups to get to know each others names and a little about them. Chapel time involved a skit about we can be tempted by wrong things and become "stuck" to them, and only Jesus can "unstick" us. Spencer did his testimony today and Paul did the follow-up to the testimony.
After camp, it was lunch, break-time in the afternoon until 3, and then off for some sightseeing to the island of Miyajima. There is a temple, Torii gate, and wild deer that roam the island. They certainly are not tame. We took another picture in front of the Torii gate. It was a fun time for all. We could not find places to eat on the island, so we came back to base and ate at the food court. The guys enjoyed dinner of Taco Bell, Burger King & Pizza Hut.
Thanks for your prayers. Back in Osaka, we had a player (Thomas) come down with heatstroke (we think) and he has been out of commission since then. He hadn't really improved since then so yesterday he was taken to the hospital to be checked out. He came back clean, and then today was well enough to travel with us to Miyajima. It was the first time out of his room for about 4 days.
Pray for camp wrap-up tomorrow and for the gospel message to be accurately and clearly presented.
Pictures (today only)(based on a comment to make new pictures easier to find)
Pictures (prior days)
Video Montage
Spencer's testimony
Stuck to sin skit
To Tell The Truth skit
Japanese Song
Today was a slow day. It was up at 6:30 this morning to walk to breakfast at 7. We had our 2nd day of camp, which began with a massive soccer game for the whole camp. There were four goals set up and the entire camp was divided into 4 teams, with four goals. All the balls were in the middle and then everyone rushed the balls and tried to kick them into the nets of any of the other 3 teams. It was mass confusion and a lot of fun. The day consisted of 8 skill stations with groups rotation between the stations. The younger groups played games mostly, but ones that emphasized dribbling. The older kids had skill stations like shooting, passing, heading, settling, etc. Periodically the groups would rotate between stations. During breaks, it was either time for water, or for the players to do games like "Whose story is true?", singing fun songs, or breaking into groups to get to know each others names and a little about them. Chapel time involved a skit about we can be tempted by wrong things and become "stuck" to them, and only Jesus can "unstick" us. Spencer did his testimony today and Paul did the follow-up to the testimony.
After camp, it was lunch, break-time in the afternoon until 3, and then off for some sightseeing to the island of Miyajima. There is a temple, Torii gate, and wild deer that roam the island. They certainly are not tame. We took another picture in front of the Torii gate. It was a fun time for all. We could not find places to eat on the island, so we came back to base and ate at the food court. The guys enjoyed dinner of Taco Bell, Burger King & Pizza Hut.
Thanks for your prayers. Back in Osaka, we had a player (Thomas) come down with heatstroke (we think) and he has been out of commission since then. He hadn't really improved since then so yesterday he was taken to the hospital to be checked out. He came back clean, and then today was well enough to travel with us to Miyajima. It was the first time out of his room for about 4 days.
Pray for camp wrap-up tomorrow and for the gospel message to be accurately and clearly presented.
Pictures (today only)(based on a comment to make new pictures easier to find)
Pictures (prior days)
Video Montage
Spencer's testimony
Stuck to sin skit
To Tell The Truth skit
Japanese Song
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Day 6, 1st Day of Camp. Tokuyama Game, 8-6-15
We
will start off today with an update on the housing situation alluded to
yesterday. Matthew Gordon was
wanting to come with us to Iwakuni, but because he did not have his paperwork
in early (as this was last minute), he could not stay with us on the base. As Matthew’s parents are missionaries,
they have connections, so they contacted a pastor, Roy Toma, who agreed that
Matthew could stay with them (they live just off base), and then the people
from Iwakuni could bring him in each day to spend the day with us. Well, 2 hours before we arrived in
Iwakuni, we get a call and are told that one of our players who is not a U.S.
citizen, would not be allowed to stay with us after all, even though all his
paperwork had been previously approved.
This really threw us for a loop until Paul had the brainstorm that
this player could stay with Matthew!
So, a call was put in to the pastor who agreed to house both
players. If Matthew had not
decided to come with us, then we wouldn’t have had another option. God knew in advance. Plus, this gave Matthew someone to stay
with. As if God wanted to add an
exclamation point, 7 years ago Pastor Toma’s kids went to Biola! God shows up again to remind us that He
is here and in control.
On
to today. We were awakened at 6:45am
for a 7:15 walk to the South Mess Hall.
It was a choice of omelets made-to-order, or select items from the buffet
line. There was a mixture of
reactions from those excited to have American food, to the one who was proud
that up to that point he had had only Japanese food. After breakfast, we walked another 10-15 minutes down to
Penny Lake where the soccer clinic was to be held. Camp started about 8:30 and ran until 11:30. After an initial all-camp session, the
camp was broken up into 8 stations for 8 different activities. Some of the players manned the
stations, and some of the players were assigned to each particular age
group. At each water break
(frequent), the groups would re-join at the next station. During some of the breaks, the guys
would do some fun games/activities for the kids ( I think you will enjoy the
videos) When camp ended at
11:30am, we did our American song, a skit based on Matthew 7:24-27 (Wise man
built his house upon a rock), and closed with a testimony by Clayton.
We
walked then back to the mess hall for lunch. After eating lunch it was 10 minutes back to our rooms where
we had a little free time until about 1:50 when we had to meet up for a walk to
the taxi pick-up area. We took 7
taxis to the train station, and then a 45-minute ride south to Tokuyama to play
the college team down there. Last
year our women played their women’s team, so I am sure they are looking to win
this year. When we arrived at the Tokuyama station, we were met by the Tokuyama University bus and several hosts to take us to the University (so we didn't have to do taxis again). We saw a lot of the same people that we have seen for many years. The president of the University, who sponsored us (and is not a believer) was very happy to see us, and was sorry that we couldn't do dinner with them like last year, but this is their last week of finals, so they had to study. Actually, this speaks of how much they value the relationship as they took several hours out of a time when they have a big final tomorrow to play against us. We were also visited by the local missionaries, Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, and Bill Noar. The university president's wife IS a believer and is in a Bible study led by Dorothy Luethy. They also really put out the welcome mat as they provided a live brass band to play both the American and Japanese National Anthems. As far as the actual game is concerned, we looked really strong and won 3-1. Goals by Devin, John & Daniel M. JT & Andre looked awesome in goal (see game highlights video).
After the game we did our team song, they did a team song (and Kousei explained it), and then Clayton did his testimony again, but this time translated by Kousei. It was quite a crowd. The mens team must have been 30-40 strong, and the entire women's team was there to watch also. The all had megaphones and were cheering and yelling throughout the game. You may be able to hear it on some of the video highlights. After Clayton's testimony, Paul elaborated on it and added what the Seahorses/Biola trips are all about. He invited them to come to America and have their own tour, which we could help host. Since we couldn't eat with them, they very kindly provided us with a gift bag which contained a Tokuyama U. ornamental scarf, and a boxed dinner. Then after showers, it was bus to train to taxi to our rooms. There was a short meeting while waiting for taxis, so once we got back to the rooms, it was straight to bed for the team.
We did have an interesting God moment on the train. We had gotten to the train early and had taken a bunch of seats. Others got on, but since standing is common, you usually only give up a seat for an elderly person (Paul & I felt we qualified). Anyway, a bunch of people got on and none of them looked old. The the players noticed one who was not young and had a rolling suitcase to hold, so Paul got up to give her his seat. As is his custom, Paul engaged her in conversation as the rest of us looked on. She was Japanese but spoke very good English. It turns out that she knows the missionaries who had just been at our soccer game tonight and has even attended the Luethy's church on occasion. There were probably at least 8-10 cars on the train, with each car probably in 3 sections, so not only was she on the same train, but there were 24-30 possibilities of her being in a part of the train we never would have noticed (sorry for the stats---this is being written by an ex-auditor :-) ) We love when God reminds us that he is there, whether in a big or a small way.
Tomorrow we have camp in the morning, some free time in the afternoon, and a time for a tourist visit to the island of Miyajima.
Pictures
Video Montage
Camp Nicknames
Yoga Class Skit
House Built on the Rock Skit
Ronald McDonald Song
Buck-Buck game
House Built on a Rock Skit
U.S. & Japanese National Anthems
Game Highlights
American Song with Tokuyama
Tokuyama Song
Testimony--Clayton
After the game we did our team song, they did a team song (and Kousei explained it), and then Clayton did his testimony again, but this time translated by Kousei. It was quite a crowd. The mens team must have been 30-40 strong, and the entire women's team was there to watch also. The all had megaphones and were cheering and yelling throughout the game. You may be able to hear it on some of the video highlights. After Clayton's testimony, Paul elaborated on it and added what the Seahorses/Biola trips are all about. He invited them to come to America and have their own tour, which we could help host. Since we couldn't eat with them, they very kindly provided us with a gift bag which contained a Tokuyama U. ornamental scarf, and a boxed dinner. Then after showers, it was bus to train to taxi to our rooms. There was a short meeting while waiting for taxis, so once we got back to the rooms, it was straight to bed for the team.
We did have an interesting God moment on the train. We had gotten to the train early and had taken a bunch of seats. Others got on, but since standing is common, you usually only give up a seat for an elderly person (Paul & I felt we qualified). Anyway, a bunch of people got on and none of them looked old. The the players noticed one who was not young and had a rolling suitcase to hold, so Paul got up to give her his seat. As is his custom, Paul engaged her in conversation as the rest of us looked on. She was Japanese but spoke very good English. It turns out that she knows the missionaries who had just been at our soccer game tonight and has even attended the Luethy's church on occasion. There were probably at least 8-10 cars on the train, with each car probably in 3 sections, so not only was she on the same train, but there were 24-30 possibilities of her being in a part of the train we never would have noticed (sorry for the stats---this is being written by an ex-auditor :-) ) We love when God reminds us that he is there, whether in a big or a small way.
Tomorrow we have camp in the morning, some free time in the afternoon, and a time for a tourist visit to the island of Miyajima.
Pictures
Video Montage
Camp Nicknames
Yoga Class Skit
House Built on the Rock Skit
Ronald McDonald Song
Buck-Buck game
House Built on a Rock Skit
U.S. & Japanese National Anthems
Game Highlights
American Song with Tokuyama
Tokuyama Song
Testimony--Clayton
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Day 5, Travel Day, 8-5-15
Despite the late night last night, it was up early this morning (7:30am) so we could eat breakfast and clean up the church. The area you saw where the guys were sleeping is the church sanctuary. So, all the bedding had to be picked up and put away, some of it being taken downstairs as it was rented. After clean-up, there was a time to hear from Masa/Chie and BJ/Mary, and for us to present them with gifts. It was also a time to wish BJ a happy birthday. He seemed truly surprised that we remembered that it was his birthday today. We walked then with all of our luggage to where the bus would pick us up (the bus was too big to fit by BJ's church). It was an absolutely beautiful bus. We were met on the bus by Keith Carr, our liaison with the base. The ride was good, but long as the was some construction on the freeway which slowed us down. The bus drivers are required by law to stop every 2 hours and normally we can make it to Iwakuni with 2 stops, but because of traffic we had to make 3 stops. Flexibility again. Because of the delays, we could not eat in the mess hall where our meal would have been free. Our 2nd choice, their food court, was temporarily closed for renovations. Our 3rd choice would not serve us because the 3/4 length pants the guys were wearing did not have pockets or belt loops and thus were considered either basketball pants or workout clothes, which are not allowed in the eating areas. We finally ate upstairs at a fix your own Mongolian BBQ, but even then we had to do take out as we were not allowed to eat inside. It was fun though to watch your food being cooked. Wednesday nights also is a special where the food (at $.75/ounce) is weighed, but if you guess the cost within $.10 total, you get the meal free. We got lucky and got 2 free meals with Lucas guessing within $0.06 and Kousei hitting it exactly. We had also gotten the news just 2 hours before we arrived, that our housing arrangements suffered a serious setback, but God arranged a workaround. Maybe more about that later. We had a team meeting outside to set up the camp for tomorrow and then off to bed.
Pictures
Video Montage
Pictures
Video Montage
Day 4, Kyoto temple & game, 8-4-15
A relatively slow morning today which was nice. This was to be a day of sightseeing and ministry. We got on the bus a little after 10, started the trip with prayer, and then started off on our 1 1/2 hour bus ride to Kyoto. We visited one of the temples in Kyoto, the Kiyomizu Temple. It was a beastly hot day. We had the afternoon from 1-5 free to visit the temple and to shop. The temple was nice, but also said to see purchased prayers hanging in various forms, bowing before stone gods, and a long line to reach out to drink holy water for a blessing. It brought home even closer the darkness that people like BJ/Mary and Masa/Chie have to face as they pursue their ministries. A large part of the temple was under construction, so took away a little from the impact.
Being a guys tour, the 1-5 to view and shop was pretty much done by 2:30pm. Besides, there really wasn't a place to eat there anyway, so we left for a mall/food court that was near to where we were playing tonight. At the mall, we were met by missionaries Matt & Jessica Whelchel (Jessica's dad was in the same church fellowship group with Paul Gizzi) who share their hearts and part of their story. It was good to be able to encourage/pray for them.
The game was against a club team that Joe Adams is a part of. Joe is the former Seahorse player (see prior blogs) who is now living in Japan with his wife, and teaching soccer. This team is one Joe plays for, but since he hasn't been with the team since May, he just refereed this game instead of playing. The owner of the team was very excited about the game. He felt a special connection as part of his team name meant orange, and the Seahorse colors are orange. He was also very interested in playing the girl's team next year with his girls team, and would like to start a relationship. All told, a very positive night. The game was played on a dirt field (see video). It was well-played and ended 0-0.
After the game, we experienced the flexibility that is so common in tours. We had gotten a late start, so the game ended just before 9pm. We had to leave immediately as the lights got turned off exactly at 9. So, it was out to a place in the parking lot to do the post-game activities. We were surprised that this move didn't cause us to lose anyone from the other team who could use this as a chance to just disappear. After singing our song, we started the testimony, but now we were told that the parking lot was being closed, so we moved again to the parking lot of a local convenience store, still not losing anyone from the other team, and John did his testimony behind the store with three of the other team members putting their car headlights on so we could see. John did a great job, and we had a good time mixing with them.
We then headed to a local sento, then McDonalds for dinner, then the bus ride back home, finally arriving home about 12:45am. Loooonnnngg day, but God is good and we saw a good start to some new relationships, and some continuing ones grow.
Pictures
Video Montage
Testimony-John Hanscom
Being a guys tour, the 1-5 to view and shop was pretty much done by 2:30pm. Besides, there really wasn't a place to eat there anyway, so we left for a mall/food court that was near to where we were playing tonight. At the mall, we were met by missionaries Matt & Jessica Whelchel (Jessica's dad was in the same church fellowship group with Paul Gizzi) who share their hearts and part of their story. It was good to be able to encourage/pray for them.
The game was against a club team that Joe Adams is a part of. Joe is the former Seahorse player (see prior blogs) who is now living in Japan with his wife, and teaching soccer. This team is one Joe plays for, but since he hasn't been with the team since May, he just refereed this game instead of playing. The owner of the team was very excited about the game. He felt a special connection as part of his team name meant orange, and the Seahorse colors are orange. He was also very interested in playing the girl's team next year with his girls team, and would like to start a relationship. All told, a very positive night. The game was played on a dirt field (see video). It was well-played and ended 0-0.
After the game, we experienced the flexibility that is so common in tours. We had gotten a late start, so the game ended just before 9pm. We had to leave immediately as the lights got turned off exactly at 9. So, it was out to a place in the parking lot to do the post-game activities. We were surprised that this move didn't cause us to lose anyone from the other team who could use this as a chance to just disappear. After singing our song, we started the testimony, but now we were told that the parking lot was being closed, so we moved again to the parking lot of a local convenience store, still not losing anyone from the other team, and John did his testimony behind the store with three of the other team members putting their car headlights on so we could see. John did a great job, and we had a good time mixing with them.
We then headed to a local sento, then McDonalds for dinner, then the bus ride back home, finally arriving home about 12:45am. Loooonnnngg day, but God is good and we saw a good start to some new relationships, and some continuing ones grow.
Pictures
Video Montage
Testimony-John Hanscom
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
No blog today
Sorry folks. Up at 5:30am this morning, long bus ride to Kyoto, stinking hot day, late night game, arrived home at 12:45am, up early tomorrow to leave. Will catch up tomorrow, but for today there are no blogZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Monday, August 3, 2015
Day 3, Temple Visit, Worship, Games, 8-3-15
We started of the day with breakfast at 8:30, so the guys were able to sleep in a little. We had a leisurely breakfast and then walked about 10 minutes to visit a local temple. It was interesting for the guys to see people visiting and how they act. One of the sad parts of the visits was to see the little pieces of paper tied to a string or to a tree or the the special pieces of wood. Each of these pieces of paper represent a prayer that the people put there hoping that the wind would take up to heaven (or wherever their God is. Another really sad part is how they pray. There was actually a group of construction workers who came to ask a blessing for their work, and as they all faced the altar/temple, they clapped their hands and bowed. The clapping is to wake their god. It reminds me of the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal and how Elijah chided them that there god was asleep. It also makes me think of Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear." We have a God who does not need to be awakened by clapping or anything else we do. What a blessing and what an incentive to support the ministries of BJ and Masa/Chie to do whatever they can to help free the Japanese from such darkness.
We returned to the church after the temple visit to spend some time in worship, followed by a devotional by Phil Yovino on servant leadership. Before the worship, we were joined by Emi (Shizuko's daughter-see Day 1), who told us some of her story. Then we had worship and Phil spoke from Philippians 2:1-8, and also used some servant leadership material that was a part of our tour notebook. He did a great job and it is obvious he has a heart for the Lord and for these players.
After devos, we took a long bus ride to the National Soccer training center where we had games scheduled with two different high schools: Sakai Technological School; and Imamiya Technological School. For all three teams to play round robin, it was decided that we would play 30 minutes against Imamiya, who would then play 30 minutes against Sakai, who would play 30 minutes against us--and then we would repeat that cycle once more. So, we ended up playing 4 30-minutes games. We beat Imamiya (actually the better team) 6-0 and 7-0, while our 2nd group of players beat Sakai 3-0 and 5-0. 21 goals! Wow! The time after the game was great. We did our American song, then actually had the other two teams join us. What a fun time. You will enjoy the video. Then, we had each of the two high school teams sing us a song for a change. Very interesting. Then, we joined their song. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, and BJ said later that they had a very good time. True Tamplin did his testimony with Chie translating. I had just heard True's testimony yesterday at church, and this almost seemed different. It was so inspired and really seemed to speak to them. Chie told me later that she could sense they were really tracking him.
I talked with Masa today about what kind of follow-up there would be for the two high school teams we played today. He said that the Imamiya high school is the same high school that BJ's youngest son James goes to, so BJ would have the opportunity to invite them to church activities because of James, and because of BJ's connection to today's event. Again, this shows the importance of relationship here in Japan. Another interesting observation came from Masa's wife Chie. She had not intended to do much translating this tour, but it ended up that she translated both last night at Kinki University, and for the testimony at today's high school games. She said she noticed that the university guys seemed much less open to the message that did the younger boys. She said that because of the Japanese history of persecution of Christians, where people would report on each other for believing, that it is hard for someone to make a confession of Christ for fear of people watching and what others would say. Plus, there is the tough guy attitude. So, it is more important to either get them one on one, or get them at an earlier age. Chie said that observations like these over the years have been a confirmation of their decision to start their soccer school for the particular age group they are working with. It is also a reason for us to be especially in prayer for their ministry.
After the games, we went to the sento and then back to the food court for dinner.
Pictures
Video Montage
Goal Fest
American Song with the Japanese
Imamiya song
Sakai song with us
True's testimony
We returned to the church after the temple visit to spend some time in worship, followed by a devotional by Phil Yovino on servant leadership. Before the worship, we were joined by Emi (Shizuko's daughter-see Day 1), who told us some of her story. Then we had worship and Phil spoke from Philippians 2:1-8, and also used some servant leadership material that was a part of our tour notebook. He did a great job and it is obvious he has a heart for the Lord and for these players.
After devos, we took a long bus ride to the National Soccer training center where we had games scheduled with two different high schools: Sakai Technological School; and Imamiya Technological School. For all three teams to play round robin, it was decided that we would play 30 minutes against Imamiya, who would then play 30 minutes against Sakai, who would play 30 minutes against us--and then we would repeat that cycle once more. So, we ended up playing 4 30-minutes games. We beat Imamiya (actually the better team) 6-0 and 7-0, while our 2nd group of players beat Sakai 3-0 and 5-0. 21 goals! Wow! The time after the game was great. We did our American song, then actually had the other two teams join us. What a fun time. You will enjoy the video. Then, we had each of the two high school teams sing us a song for a change. Very interesting. Then, we joined their song. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, and BJ said later that they had a very good time. True Tamplin did his testimony with Chie translating. I had just heard True's testimony yesterday at church, and this almost seemed different. It was so inspired and really seemed to speak to them. Chie told me later that she could sense they were really tracking him.
I talked with Masa today about what kind of follow-up there would be for the two high school teams we played today. He said that the Imamiya high school is the same high school that BJ's youngest son James goes to, so BJ would have the opportunity to invite them to church activities because of James, and because of BJ's connection to today's event. Again, this shows the importance of relationship here in Japan. Another interesting observation came from Masa's wife Chie. She had not intended to do much translating this tour, but it ended up that she translated both last night at Kinki University, and for the testimony at today's high school games. She said she noticed that the university guys seemed much less open to the message that did the younger boys. She said that because of the Japanese history of persecution of Christians, where people would report on each other for believing, that it is hard for someone to make a confession of Christ for fear of people watching and what others would say. Plus, there is the tough guy attitude. So, it is more important to either get them one on one, or get them at an earlier age. Chie said that observations like these over the years have been a confirmation of their decision to start their soccer school for the particular age group they are working with. It is also a reason for us to be especially in prayer for their ministry.
After the games, we went to the sento and then back to the food court for dinner.
Pictures
Video Montage
Goal Fest
American Song with the Japanese
Imamiya song
Sakai song with us
True's testimony
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Day 2, Church, Kinki University Game, 8-2-15
Today we split up to go to five different churches. You will have to get your story for your tour member of what happened at the other four churches (there are a few pictures from one of the other churches). I heard briefly that the testimonies and fellowship went very well. I went with Matthew Gordon (mentioned in an earlier post) and True Tamplin. We were taken by Mr. Mizuno to the Izumi Chuo church with Pastor Takei (Tah-kay). He started the church 16 years ago in his garage with just him and his wife. Five years later they purchased the building they are in now. Church is on the first floor and they live on the 2nd floor. He teaches school during the week. We invited Mr. Mizuno to stay, but he said he had "homework". We will keep trying and praying. This was my third time to this church, the first being 6 years ago. It was fun to see everyone again, and to see the baby that had just been born now 6 years old (and adorable beyond words). One thing that has always struck me about most of the churches here (as you will see from the video) is how small they are, but yet how faithfully these pastors labor for so little. And their passion for the Lord is obvious as this pastor demonstrated in his prayer that brought him to tears (video). One special thing was that what True spoke about in his testimony was almost exactly the same theme that Pastor Takei had in his message---as if "someone" planned it that way. Our group was able to eat at the church and fellowship for about 2 hours after the service and before we went to the game. Pray for these Christians who labor so faithfully with very little support--at least the kind that we are used to.
I was also able to get to know Matthew Gordon a little, and his story is quite amazing as to how God works. As previously mentioned, he was adopted by American missionaries and has 10 siblings, most of them adopted also, and has live with up to 9 foster kids in the house in addition to the siblings. His birth mother was 15-years old and part of a mafia family. Her mom did not want her to have the baby. As the doctor was preparing to do the abortion, he was in his office and opened a desk drawer, and on the top there "just happened" to be a flyer from the ministry that the Gordons ran. The doctor called them and told them about the baby, and two weeks after he was eventually born, the Gordons adopted him. If that flyer had not been there, or he had not opened the drawer, well Matthew would not be here, wanting to be a part of the Seahorse ministry. He has been a great unplanned addition to the trip, both in spirit and in his translating help.
Well, the team eventually converged from all of the churches and we were scheduled to play 4 30-minute periods against Kinki University, the 2nd largest university in Japan, on par with a skill level of a UCLA. Although they played mostly their B players, we were still up against it. Then consider that everyone was telling us that this was the hottest August day ever in Osaka. As we were waiting for the game, the temperature gauge in Mr. Mizuno's car read 39 degrees Celsius (about 102 F). Before the game, Mr. Mizuno introduced the team, and explained how the team is a Christian team. We pray that even as he introduces us, the Mr. Mizuno actually is impacted by what he is saying. Paul then introduced Pastor BJ & Masa. This may seem small, but an important part of our ministry is providing a bridge between the locals and providing for proper introductions, which then enhance the ministry when we leave by allowing the contact to continue since it has already been introduced---and all this through a man (Mr. Mizuno) who is not a believer. Fortunately we got started late and only played 3 30-minute periods. We held them 1-1 until about 10 minutes left when they scored 2 goals for a 3-1 final, but our guys played great considering only 1 practice together this season, not playing at home, and playing 102 degree heat with humidity. We had a great time of mixing after the game. A very enthusiastic song, an impromptu race (Daniel M.), and some Sumo wrestling (Carlos & Daniel A.). We also tried to get them to sing a song, but what we got was the goalie singing the ABC's and relating it to his name (he only got to "G"). Joey gave his testimony again, and while we like to give multiple people the chance, it was felt that it would be more respected coming from the team captain. This match had been arranged by Mr. Mizuno who is a friend of the President. The President was so impressed by what he saw that he said he wants to talk about continuing this relationship (its a start). Pray that this could continue in future years.
After the post-game activities, the team showered at the university and then we took the bus to the food court again for dinner. The day ended with a late night short meeting about tomorrows activities.
Pictures
Video Montage
Testimony-Joey O'Keefe Take 2
Testimony-True Tamplin
American Song Take 2
I was also able to get to know Matthew Gordon a little, and his story is quite amazing as to how God works. As previously mentioned, he was adopted by American missionaries and has 10 siblings, most of them adopted also, and has live with up to 9 foster kids in the house in addition to the siblings. His birth mother was 15-years old and part of a mafia family. Her mom did not want her to have the baby. As the doctor was preparing to do the abortion, he was in his office and opened a desk drawer, and on the top there "just happened" to be a flyer from the ministry that the Gordons ran. The doctor called them and told them about the baby, and two weeks after he was eventually born, the Gordons adopted him. If that flyer had not been there, or he had not opened the drawer, well Matthew would not be here, wanting to be a part of the Seahorse ministry. He has been a great unplanned addition to the trip, both in spirit and in his translating help.
Well, the team eventually converged from all of the churches and we were scheduled to play 4 30-minute periods against Kinki University, the 2nd largest university in Japan, on par with a skill level of a UCLA. Although they played mostly their B players, we were still up against it. Then consider that everyone was telling us that this was the hottest August day ever in Osaka. As we were waiting for the game, the temperature gauge in Mr. Mizuno's car read 39 degrees Celsius (about 102 F). Before the game, Mr. Mizuno introduced the team, and explained how the team is a Christian team. We pray that even as he introduces us, the Mr. Mizuno actually is impacted by what he is saying. Paul then introduced Pastor BJ & Masa. This may seem small, but an important part of our ministry is providing a bridge between the locals and providing for proper introductions, which then enhance the ministry when we leave by allowing the contact to continue since it has already been introduced---and all this through a man (Mr. Mizuno) who is not a believer. Fortunately we got started late and only played 3 30-minute periods. We held them 1-1 until about 10 minutes left when they scored 2 goals for a 3-1 final, but our guys played great considering only 1 practice together this season, not playing at home, and playing 102 degree heat with humidity. We had a great time of mixing after the game. A very enthusiastic song, an impromptu race (Daniel M.), and some Sumo wrestling (Carlos & Daniel A.). We also tried to get them to sing a song, but what we got was the goalie singing the ABC's and relating it to his name (he only got to "G"). Joey gave his testimony again, and while we like to give multiple people the chance, it was felt that it would be more respected coming from the team captain. This match had been arranged by Mr. Mizuno who is a friend of the President. The President was so impressed by what he saw that he said he wants to talk about continuing this relationship (its a start). Pray that this could continue in future years.
After the post-game activities, the team showered at the university and then we took the bus to the food court again for dinner. The day ended with a late night short meeting about tomorrows activities.
Pictures
Video Montage
Testimony-Joey O'Keefe Take 2
Testimony-True Tamplin
American Song Take 2
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Day 1, August 1, 2015
Today the guys were allowed to sleep in until 8, then it was breakfast on the first floor of the church (see pictures). Cereal, bread, fruit, yogurt, milk, juice---the guys didn't go hungry. We were joined today Yasu, who played for the Seahorse PDL team this year, and who had become a Christian on a prior trip to the U.S. while attending a soccer camp. Also joining us was Matthew Gordon, a Japanese young man who had been adopted by American missionaries (hence the American name). He is very interested in being part of the ministry and would possibly like to come to the U.S. to play (as he has all of his college eligibility years left. Oh, almost forgot. Also joining us was Yuka, a young woman who plays for the Sangyo University women's team. She has played against several of the women's teams that have come to Japan, and she was part of the Sangyo team that came to the U.S. last year. In addition, she spent 2 months in the U.S. last fall. She is not a believer, but keeps hanging around. She was very tearful when she said goodbye to Paul later in the afternoon as she lives a ways away and had to go home (she lives near Iwata and Pastor Hasui). Pray for Yuka that her continued contact with the Seahorses/Masa/BJ/Hasui will bear fruit.
After breakfast, we prayed for the day and hopped the bus for Masa's Seahorse International Soccer clinic. It was held on top of an 8-story building (mall and food court on the first floor). This is the same field we played on last year (see pictures). There were about 50 kids and lots of parents. It was a great time watching the guys having fun with the kids and they did some skills, and played various games (skill related) and actual soccer games. There were even some games where the dads played against the Biola guys (including Yasu and Matthew).
There were a number of God-stories today. Since sharing Christ in Japan is all about relationship, we saw a lot of that today.
Joe Adams, whose wife Naoko became a Christian on a prior Seahorse women's tour, came with his son Tsunemasa (3). Joe also played for the Seahorses years ago and it is great to see him still involved.
Some of you who have followed the Seahorses for awhile may remember a young lady named Mikki. She had accepted Christ on a very early tour, but lets just say that she was a very troubled young lady with lots of issues that she couldn't overcome. One year, she showed up to see Paul, having come with her uncle Yogi (pronounced Yo-gee). Well, Mikki's issues caught up with her and she died recently. And, it turns out that Yogi is not really her uncle, but just someone she hired to drive her the several hours to see Paul that year. Well, God does not waste chances like this and Yogi showed up today just to be around the Seahorses. It may have been an accident and a lie that first got him to see the Seahorses, but God has used it to keep him coming around. I wished I could have spoken with him more. I did tell him that I was very sorry to hear about Mikki (as he knew I knew her) and he began to cry. He doesn't speak English so all I could do was put my arm around him and he likewise. Pray for Yogi that his continued contact would also yield the ultimate fruit.
Several of the kids and their mothers, who had come to the US in April with Masa, were there and were very happy to see us again. One young man's father, Hiro, came up to me and must have told me a 1/2 dozen times how appreciative he was that we hosted his son (and the others) and that we came back again to Japan. This is the kind of continuing relationship that the Seahorses like to partner with Masa in. Pray for Masa & Chie as they continue their work with these kids and the parents.
Emi is another young lady who became a Christian through the Seahorse ministry and even played for the sister team (Charlotte Lady Eagles) for 2 years. Emi's mom, Shizuko, came yet again and Paul (among others) had a chance to continue building that relationship. Shizuko is not a believer (yet), but is one of the many who keep hanging around (like Mr. Mizuno mentioned yesterday).
The testimony given by a Biola player after this event was changed at the last minute and switched with someone else. Stephen Tanquary (know as Tanq) ended up giving his testimony. After he was done, he was approached by a man, Dean Hughes, who is a missionary from Australia (see pictures) who was very touched, even to tears, by what Tanq had to say. Who knew? Well, of course we know who, but that is how God works---a testimony intended for the kids, and switched at the last minute, spoke mightily to a visiting Australian missionary.
Well, after Tanq's testimony (see video), we sang our songs (see videos) and then passed out awards and t-shirts and took the obligatory group picture (you will see what a crowd we had)
After the clinic, it was off to play some games against the older kids from Masa's Seahorse International Soccer Club. We sang our song after the game and Joey gave his testimony to this group.
In addition to all the prayers mentioned above, please also pray especially for Masa & Chie, as they are pretty much lone rangers in Japan. They have BJ's support, but certainly not the large support network that a ministry like this would have in the U.S. They currently have about 45 kids in their soccer club and could use 100 to make it self-sustaining without support. Another way to help them would be for anyone who wants to (particularly college students who want the experience) to come spend 1-3 months in Japan helping their ministry. If you know someone who would like an experience like this, put them in contact with the Seahorses who could connect them to Masa.
This ended our planned portion of the day (about 4:30pm) and then it was back to the church, pick up our stuff for the sento (Paul gave the guys and 1 1/2 there tonight, and then we went to a food court for dinner. Since this was the first day after a long flight, it was good to have an evening to relax.
When we got back from the food court, we had a team meeting to discuss who was going to what church in the morning as we will be split between 5 churches. Then we followed with our first hynack session--a time to nominate each other for doing something stupid (a cultural faux pas).
Pictures
Video Montage
Testimony-Stephan Tanquary
Testimony-Joey O'Keefe
American Song Take 2
Andre's Saves
After breakfast, we prayed for the day and hopped the bus for Masa's Seahorse International Soccer clinic. It was held on top of an 8-story building (mall and food court on the first floor). This is the same field we played on last year (see pictures). There were about 50 kids and lots of parents. It was a great time watching the guys having fun with the kids and they did some skills, and played various games (skill related) and actual soccer games. There were even some games where the dads played against the Biola guys (including Yasu and Matthew).
There were a number of God-stories today. Since sharing Christ in Japan is all about relationship, we saw a lot of that today.
Joe Adams, whose wife Naoko became a Christian on a prior Seahorse women's tour, came with his son Tsunemasa (3). Joe also played for the Seahorses years ago and it is great to see him still involved.
Some of you who have followed the Seahorses for awhile may remember a young lady named Mikki. She had accepted Christ on a very early tour, but lets just say that she was a very troubled young lady with lots of issues that she couldn't overcome. One year, she showed up to see Paul, having come with her uncle Yogi (pronounced Yo-gee). Well, Mikki's issues caught up with her and she died recently. And, it turns out that Yogi is not really her uncle, but just someone she hired to drive her the several hours to see Paul that year. Well, God does not waste chances like this and Yogi showed up today just to be around the Seahorses. It may have been an accident and a lie that first got him to see the Seahorses, but God has used it to keep him coming around. I wished I could have spoken with him more. I did tell him that I was very sorry to hear about Mikki (as he knew I knew her) and he began to cry. He doesn't speak English so all I could do was put my arm around him and he likewise. Pray for Yogi that his continued contact would also yield the ultimate fruit.
Several of the kids and their mothers, who had come to the US in April with Masa, were there and were very happy to see us again. One young man's father, Hiro, came up to me and must have told me a 1/2 dozen times how appreciative he was that we hosted his son (and the others) and that we came back again to Japan. This is the kind of continuing relationship that the Seahorses like to partner with Masa in. Pray for Masa & Chie as they continue their work with these kids and the parents.
Emi is another young lady who became a Christian through the Seahorse ministry and even played for the sister team (Charlotte Lady Eagles) for 2 years. Emi's mom, Shizuko, came yet again and Paul (among others) had a chance to continue building that relationship. Shizuko is not a believer (yet), but is one of the many who keep hanging around (like Mr. Mizuno mentioned yesterday).
The testimony given by a Biola player after this event was changed at the last minute and switched with someone else. Stephen Tanquary (know as Tanq) ended up giving his testimony. After he was done, he was approached by a man, Dean Hughes, who is a missionary from Australia (see pictures) who was very touched, even to tears, by what Tanq had to say. Who knew? Well, of course we know who, but that is how God works---a testimony intended for the kids, and switched at the last minute, spoke mightily to a visiting Australian missionary.
Well, after Tanq's testimony (see video), we sang our songs (see videos) and then passed out awards and t-shirts and took the obligatory group picture (you will see what a crowd we had)
After the clinic, it was off to play some games against the older kids from Masa's Seahorse International Soccer Club. We sang our song after the game and Joey gave his testimony to this group.
In addition to all the prayers mentioned above, please also pray especially for Masa & Chie, as they are pretty much lone rangers in Japan. They have BJ's support, but certainly not the large support network that a ministry like this would have in the U.S. They currently have about 45 kids in their soccer club and could use 100 to make it self-sustaining without support. Another way to help them would be for anyone who wants to (particularly college students who want the experience) to come spend 1-3 months in Japan helping their ministry. If you know someone who would like an experience like this, put them in contact with the Seahorses who could connect them to Masa.
This ended our planned portion of the day (about 4:30pm) and then it was back to the church, pick up our stuff for the sento (Paul gave the guys and 1 1/2 there tonight, and then we went to a food court for dinner. Since this was the first day after a long flight, it was good to have an evening to relax.
When we got back from the food court, we had a team meeting to discuss who was going to what church in the morning as we will be split between 5 churches. Then we followed with our first hynack session--a time to nominate each other for doing something stupid (a cultural faux pas).
Pictures
Video Montage
Testimony-Stephan Tanquary
Testimony-Joey O'Keefe
American Song Take 2
Andre's Saves
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