Day 8, Kyoto Temple, Game

     This morning saw another early start as we were up for breakfast at 7:15 and then left by 8 for a bus ride to Kyoto.  It was about 90 minutes.  Our first stop was at one of the Kyoto temples. We did our group picture first and then we had about an hour and a half to tour the temple and do some shopping on the long street leading up to the temple.  At the temple visit, the emptiness of Buddhism was very evident.  Paper prayers tied to strings in hopes they would be lifted to the gods, ringing bells to get the gods attention, praying before idols, and drinking water for a blessing are just a few of the ways it seemed so empty.  It made what we are doing that much more important as we have so much hope we can give them, a hope that they do not have now.

     Then it was a short bus ride to Ratsumeikan University.  It was a really pretty field.  The ladies thought the other team was so cute as they were waiting at the entrance of the school so they could greet us as the bus drove in.  We played this team 4 years ago and have a relationship with the University, but the players are all new.  Instead of eating together after a game, we had lunch with the team in the school cafeteria.  The food was actually very good and inexpensive.  It was great to see how the ladies mixed up the seating and began relating so well to the other team.  After lunch we played 3 20 minute games and then played 3 7-min games of the coaches against the ladies (2 for our team and 1 for their ladies).  During the games it was great to see the heart for ministry these ladies have.  After the first 20 minutes, the ladies who had been playing could have just decided to rest after getting hot and tired from playing, but instead, they chose to go to the other side and mix with the other team.  This is what ministry is all about and what these ladies are so good at. After the game we did all the team songs, cheer, and Jessie did her testimony.  The other team did a couple of songs for us too.  Then there was an extended time of just mixing and building relationships.  Despite the language barrier, the ladies had such a great time mixing.  I heard Facebook mentioned a number of times so it seems that some plan to keep in contact.  It was really so much fun to see how well they related.  Pray that these relationships can continue, whether with the ladies or Pastor BJ, and that the gospel they heard today will continue to grow in their hearts.

     After the fellowship time finally ended, the ladies showered in the locker rooms (no sento) and then we went to a food court for dinner and then back to the church.  The evening consisted of a meeting where we spent some time thanking Mr. Mizuno and Pastor BJ for all that they did for us.  Pastor BJ continued his tradition of providing special t-shirts from the Japanese J-League for any of the ladies who scored a goal against him, and then also shirts for the 2 goalies (since he is a goalie).  Probably the most special part of the evening was what Paul had to share about Mr. Mizuno from his ride back (Mr. Mizuno drove a van to Kyoto to take those ladies who wouldn't fit in the bus). Mr. Mizuno said that he considers himself more Christian than Buddhist, but yet can't quite make the commitment yet.  BJ added that Mr. Mizuno said something to the effect that what has happened with the Seahorses and his relationship with BJ is based on the guidance of Jesus!  Mr. Mizuno is not quite there yet, but he is getting oh so close.  These comments by Paul and BJ were even made while Mr. Mizuno was still there.  Please pray for Mr. Mizuno that he can make that final step.
     We closed the evening by gathering around BJ & Mary and having a time of prayer for them.

     Well, the bus arrives tomorrow at 8 and we leave about 8:45-9 for a 5-hour bus ride to Iwata.  Pray for a safe journey, rest and fellowship on the bus.  Since there won't be much to report, there will be no blog tomorrow and the travel day will be included with the day after.
     As a P.S., I was not able to finish the blog this morning because the internet went out and didn't come back on until just when we had to leave.  But Matthew comes through again.  You have heard me mention him several times as having joined the tour last year, and now he is actually riding with us up to Iwata to join the ministry there---AND---he has a hotspot on his phone, so for the first time ever I am able to blog on the bus.  Thank you Matthew!!!

Pictures, Day 8

Pictures, All

Video Montage, Day 8

Testimony-Jessie

Team Cheer

Other Team Song