The morning started with practice at Biola. We couldn't use the main field as it was being refurbished, so we practiced on McNally field by the tennis courts. After about an hour and a half of drills, we went over to the soccer meeting rooms for more orientation.
Paul started with some overall orientation about the country of Japan and then discussed in detail what we would be doing each day (see 2016 Itinerary). After discussing the schedule, he went over a lot of administrative and functional details of day to day activities. This was followed by an extended time of relational evangelism. While he mentioned that we do have (if necessary) bi-lingual Four Spiritual Laws, the emphasis is on relationship and just telling your story. Introvert or extrovert, it doesn't matter, the most important thing to consider is just to be who you are, be interested in the relationship, and be prepared to answer questions of why we are who we are, as people will be asking questions. It is also not just us having a relationship with them to share the gospel, often it is us providing a bridge for the pastor to have a relationship with the Japanese, so relationship evangelism can be either direct, but mostly indirect.
Assistant coach Katie was able to share about her trip to Japan in 2012 and had some really encouraging words (see video montage) that were great for all of us to hear. Coach Erin continued that spiritual focus by introducing the devotional book she created for the team to use not only on this trip but during the rest of their 28-day training period.
Then it was time for lunch in the Biola cafeteria. After lunch we worked on our Japanese song ("Kimi Wa") and came up with our American song ("I've Got a Peach of a Savior"). After that, there was a break and then about 30-45 minutes of testimony workshop where each player wrote out and practiced their testimonies. After testimony workshop, Dani V. led the discussion for coming up with our spiritual skits (lost sheep: Matt 18:12-14 and the treasure hidden in the field: Matt 13:44) and funny skits. It was great to see the enthusiasm of the team and their focus on themes that would reach the audience with a simple gospel message.
Following the skit practice there was a break of a little over an hour before we had to be at Whittier Christian H.S for our intra-squad scrimmage from 4-6. It was great to see so many parents there. Following the scrimmage there was the send-off dinner at Biola's firepit put on by the Biola moms. Thanks so much ladies! In all my years (9), I have not seen any send-off like this. Including the spread, the team was blessed with a crowd of 90 people--by far the largest send-off we have had. After dinner and some words by Paul & Erin, the team performed it's Japanese song, American song and team cheer. The evening was closed in group prayer and closed out by Randy Brunelle, coach Erin's dad.
Thank you to all the supporters for coming and lifting us up in prayer tonight and throughout the trip. We couldn't do it without you!
Day 2 Pictures
All Pictures
Video Montage, Day 2
American Song
Japanese Song
Team Cheer
P.S. Most days in Japan, I will post the blog daily, which in Japan time would be about 7-10 am US time. This will be true except for travel days where there might be a one day lag. There will be no blog tomorrow as we will be traveling. The next blog should be probably Fri morn 7-10am your time.
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