Final Post

     The video montage for July 19 and Sims' testimony have been added to the July 19 blog entry.  The pictures for 7/18 were out of order and have been corrected.

     Well, we are all home now after a very long day.  It was sad as we did not all travel together.  Paul stayed with 3 girls and traveled separately from the rest of us, who took a train and a bus to the airport in Hiroshima for a "puddle-jumper" flight to Tokyo.  Since Paul was not with us, we relied on Ayaka to make all the connections.  I don't know what we would have done without her.  She has been such a valuable member of the Seahorse team since 2009.  We lost one more in Tokyo who had a different flight.  Then at LA, we still had three who had to get connections to the east coast.  It is always sad to leave, but we have the reunion to look forward to.  Final notes, on the plane, Autumn (who is from Bangladesh) actually had a chance to sit next to a couple from Bangladesh.  What are the odds.  Then, a flight attendant who had been kind to her and brought her a gift, she was able to give a Japanese Bible to (leftover from Tokuyama).  The attendant asked to be friends on Facebook and promised to read the Bible.  Pray for that contact with Autumn.

     This was a fantastic trip.  Thanks for your prayers.We had so much prayer on the trip too, and no major injuries.  We did have two fairly serious health issues (which those involved know by now--if you don't know, it wasn't your child), but God provided wonderfully by having just the right person there.  Thank you Sims (little did you know that these times would be a part of your trip).  Keep the Japanese people in mind, and continue your prayers for Hasui & Keiko (Iwata), BJ & Mary (Osaka), Masa & Chie (Osaka--who could use your financial support if God leads), Pastor Glen & Pastor Keegan (Iwakuni) and Ayaka (for her seminary studies).  Also, for all the contacts we made, for the Tokuyama girls who received Bibles, and for all the Facebook/Instagram connections made that they would bear fruit.  Thanks so much for your prayers.  We couldn't have done it without you!

Sharing Time, Tokuyama game, July 19

     This morning we had our traditional "Ebenezer" time where we put our stones of remembrance of the trip.  We spent 2 hours of everyone sharing their highs & lows from the trip, cultural experiences they enjoyed, and a verse that they would put on their stone of remembrance.  It was a very precious time.  That went from 9-11.  At 11 we went across the street to Missie's restaurant for lunch of her BLT sandwiches and curry rice that someone had donated.  We had a little time of rest and then were picked up by a bus from Tokuyama, where we will be playing our game tonight.  It was about an hour bus ride south from Iwakuni.  We usually take the train, but the track apparently had been damaged by the recent floods.  Two Tokuyama students came with the bus to escort us down.  After Paul finished talking with them, then he had Kelly talk with them as they wanted to practice their english, and Kelly also knows some Japanese.  When we got to Tokuyama, we had about an hour before the game and it was wonderful to see how well the girls mixed.  We played 2 15 minute games (shortened because of the heat and humidity) and then 1 15 minute game with mixed teams.  After the game & showers, we had more time of spontaneous mixing.  The girls couldn't have done better establishing relationships.  Another interesting event that happened before dinner, was there were some people from the church of the local missionaries, Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, who came to pass out Bibles to the students.  This is unheard of, but the president, who was in attendance at the gathering, had given it the OK even though he himself is not a Christian (but his wife is).  We saw many of the girls looking them over.  Pray that after the testimonies of our songs, and Sims' actual testimony, that they will be led to read the Bibles to see what this is all about.  Another interesting experience was that after the church members passed out Bibles in our room (successfully), they went outside to pass out Bibles to those outside.  A member came back in and grabbed Sims and said they wouldn't take them.  Sims went out to help and they did take the Bibles from her.  This illustrates perfectly why what we are doing is so important as a bridge to reach the Japanese people in a way that those here initially cannot.  Well, after the program, there was a lot of mixing and then it was difficult goodbyes.  We have established great ties here and they want us back. Not only are we having an impact but we are allowing others to do so.  Pastor Glen and pastor Keegan at Calvary Chapel Iwakuni have said that they want to partner with us even more next with when the Biola mens team comes.  Pray for all these continuing relationships and the new ones we established with the Iwakuni Angels football club.
     We did another hynack session in the bus on the way home and finished it back at the church.  It was hilarious and just what the team needed to finish their time here.
      It is already 11:30 as I write this.  I have to pack and we have to be out of here at 7:45am as we have many connections to make.  Therefore, this blog will not be the usual.  I will upload todays pictures, but with no explanations.  I also will not be adding the video montage for the day.  Check back in a couple days and I will have the pictures labeled and the montage up.

Pictures--7/19
Video Montage--7/19
Testimony Sims--7/19

Kintai Bridge & Iwakuni Castle Sightseeing, Special Lunch, Disaster Preparedness Center, Game, July 18

     Today was a relaxing day.  It was our traditional day to do some sightseeing and shopping.  After breakfast, we gathered about 9 to take taxis to go see the famous Kintai bridge and Iwakuni Castle.  The original bridge was built in 1673 and was entirely wood--even the nails.  It was destroyed by a flood the following year.  It was rebuilt and lasted until 1950 when it was destroyed due a typhoon.  The bridge we saw today was rebuilt in 1953.  Just last week, because of the flooding they experienced here (many people died), the water in the river had been almost all the way up the stone columns (see pictures) and the bridge had been closed for safety.  We traditionally take our picture in the riverbed, and in less than a week, the river bed was back to normal.  I found some pictures of what the river looked like on July 7th of this year and put them in for comparison.  After we took our team picture, we had a couple of hours to cross the bridge, shop, eat ice cream, go to the castle, visit the white snakes (some of us), and see the place where Paul used to live growing up.
     After the visit, we all got taxis again and went to lunch.  This was a very special lunch as a treat for the girls.  It was not on the original plan.  It is a style of Japanese eating called Shabu Shabu.  Meat and/or vegetables are brought to the table and cooked in a pot of boiling flavor base.  Eat pot had two sides, so the base that the meat is cooked in is two different flavors (it can just be water too).  There were also sauces that the meat could be dipped into after the cooking.  The water was so hot, and the meat provided is so thin that it only takes a couple of "swishes" for the meat to be cooked thoroughly.  It was a lot of fun.  The meat was two containers of bacon, with each container having about 8 pieces---bacon heaven.  After lunch, we were shuttled by car back to the church, had a little time to rest and then off at 4 to go visit the Disaster Preparedness Center, which is just across the street from where our games (last night & tonight) have been.  It was very interesting.  They had a room where you could experience various levels of earthquakes (we did from a 2.0 to a 7.0 earthquake), practice escaping a smoke-filled room, practice using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire (on a screen, but it actually simulated putting it out), and calling 911 (but in Japan it is 119).  They had a see-through floor to view the structure of the foundation and the mechanism used to help the building ride out an earthquake.
    We then had some time to kill until about 6:15 when it was time to go over to prepare for the game at 7 against the Iwakuni Angels, the same team we played yesterday.  The game was good, and after the game, the post-game mixing was good, and you could tell that they were a little more relaxed after our time together yesterday.  They even sang us a song in English ("Let It Go"), and since they didn't have much time to practice, we joined in with them.  Our spectators also included several city officials.  They were probably observing how all of this was working to see if it was worth continuing.  I think from what they saw, it was a huge hit (see pictures and videos).  After the game, it was showers at the facility, then back to the church.  We have only the one car (which can hold 6 and was leant by Pastor Glen) and would've meant at least 4 trips back and forth, but we received a call from Pastor Keegan who said he and another would come to help drive us back.  Calvary Chapel church as been such a phenomenal blessing to us with housing and driving.  It has saved us time, money and in general been a huge blessing and comfort for us.  The ladies have a room where they can spread out too.  So, thank you Calvary Chapel Iwakuni!!


Pictures--7/18
Pictures--All
Pictures--Franci's
Video Montage--7/18
Testimony Amy--7/18
My God Is So Big--7/18
Let It Go, Their song to us--7/18

Iwakuni Minami Yochien Kindergarten, Game with Iwakuni Angels, July 17

     This morning we were picked up by the buses from the kindergarten.  They are called fun buses, and you will see why from the pictures and videos.  It was a lot of fun, but squeezing into those seats were quite a challenge.  What else do you do on a kindergarten bus, but sing songs, which is what the ladies did on the way.  When we arrived, we were ushered into the auditorium to participate in their birthday ceremony.  The whole program started off with a Buddhist priest leading the ceremony, and altar and the kids repeating something.  It looked a lot like a worshipping of a god. Lots of other songs and numbers, special recognition of the birthday people and their mothers.  The Seahorses were introduced and sang their Japanese song, presented a gift to the principal, but we didn't do anything else.  Since this is our first visit their, they want to be careful about coming on too strong and not getting invited back.  It is all about relationship building here, and slowly at that.  After the program, we did a Seahorse tunnel to have the kids go through as we passed out gifts.  We took the buses to a sushi bar, and you should have seen the eyes of some of the girls who had never seen one before.  It was an enjoyable experience for all.  We walked from there back to the church and had a very low-key afternoon.  We were supposed to be picked up at 5 to go to the field for a 7pm game.  It is very hot/humid again today, so it is a good thing we are not playing until 7.  However, the bus was not available, so we had to arrange cars.  It "just so happened" that months ago, Paul could not escape the nagging feeling that he should get his international drivers license as he was planning to take a trip next year with Ken-Chan's father--but, he felt he should get his license this year anyway--which he did.  Well, the pastor at the church we are staying at loaned us his car for the time we are here, so Paul was able to drive it, which meant we had two cars to ferry people.  It still meant a couple of trips, but doable.  Just another way God started planning months ago for what he knew we would face.  

Pictures--7/17
Pictures--Franci's
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/17
Kimi-Wa-Kindergarten version--7/17
Testimony--Natalie

Travel Day, July 16

    Where did the time go?  We have to leave Osaka already.  We were visited this morning by Masa & Chie, and Shizuko.  We said our thank yous and goodbyes, presented gifts and then it was off to the bus for about a six hour ride to Iwakuni.  One person who is helping set up our time in Iwakuni is Missie, who was led to the Lord by Paul's parents during their time in Iwakuni years ago.  2 years ago, we stopped at a random truck stop, by chance stopped at the Starbucks, and ran into Missie's daughter.  Today, we stopped at the same Starbucks, but didn't even know if she still worked there.  She does, and even though she works only 3 days a week, she was there and even on her break when we got there.  Not a real big deal, but a blessing that God gave to let us know he is here, especially needed as yesterday was such a rough day.  We arrived at the church and after unloading the bus, we went directly across the street to Missie's restaurant to meet with her students from her English class as she wanted us to meet them.  Then back to the church to organize our rooms, and then back to Missie's for dinner--her famous BLT with avocado sandwiches.  At least they are famous among the servicemen at at the base.  After dinner and a little fun with a local young soccer player, it was back to church, sharing for the ladies and Paul & Steve off to do laundry for the team.  We have a light schedule tomorrow, so it will be helpful for the ladies to have some downtime.  The heat was still really bad today, but since we were traveling, it didn't impact us too much.  Tomorrow hopefully will not be as hot, but our game is not until 7pm, so that should help too.  We are nearing the end, but don't stop praying now.  We want to end well.  Particularly here in Iwakuni as it is our first year doing what we are doing here, and we want to start it well.


Pictures--7/16
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/16
My God Is So Great, Missie's restaurant (great acoustics)
Kimi-Wa, Missie's restaurant

Church, Games, July 15

     We started today with breakfast and the girls did their devos and cleaned up their sleeping area (sanctuary) to get ready for church.  We split up among 4 churches this time.  We attended worship with them and then had fellowship with them over lunch (which is common in Japan to eat together).  We had 2 of our ladies give their testimonies while another church had 4.  The church I was at had about 50-60 people, which is large for a Japanese church.  People are so friendly and giving, even more so than at American churches.  One thing I was impressed again with is how beautiful hymns sound sung in Japanese.  It is such a beautiful melodic language.  After lunch, it was some ping pong fellowship and then a short 7 minute walk to a piece of dirt to play a little soccer (there were 7 of us).  It was good it was only to play for a few minutes, as today was another beastly hot/humid day.  As bad or worse than yesterday.  Our bus went around to the churches and picked everyone up to take us about an hour away to the field.  We arrived at 4pm and it was still so beastly that we didn't even want to be outside.  Fortunately our game wasn't until 5.  By then it had cooled slightly (though any of you still wouldn't have wanted to be outside in it) and Paul had the idea to do our postgame program before the game.  This allowed extra time for the temp to cool a little more, and since we were going to be playing so many games, we didn't have to worry about losing the light.  The program went well.  Autumn did her testimony and it was really powerful.  Be sure to ask your tour member about it when they get home.  We then proceeded to the games.  Their were 2 other teams beside us:  FC Izumi Papas (BJ's team of over 50's) and the Izumi Techno girls team.  We played the Papas first (20 minute games), then the girls, then those two teams played, then repeated the process.  At the end, we mixed a bunch of people together.  After the games, it was an hour back to the church, then sento and dinner at the sento restaurant.  It is a sad night as it is our last in Osaka.  It seems like we just got here and now it is time to leave.  Please continue your prayers.  Spiritual warfare is very evident in a way I haven't seen before.  The Lord has come through (of course), but it is a battle, so keep praying.  Even as we were leaving the sento, we saw a car hit a bicyclist.  She (the bicyclist) was OK, but just a lot happened today. Again, your member can tell you more.  

Pictures--7/15
Pictures--7/15, Franci's
Pictures--All
Video Montage, 7/15
Testimony Ella
Testimony Amber
Testimony Becca
BJ & Mary's Musical Thank You

No blog today

Today was a crazy day and tomorrow is a travel day.  There will be no blog today, but hopefully tomorrow will be a blog about the church visits and the games.  Thank you for your understanding.

Seahorse Soccer International Club (Masa), Morning & Aft, July 14

    Well, I was wrong last night when I said how busy today was going to be.  That game in the evening is tomorrow night, not today.  
     When we got up at 8 for breakfast, it was already beastly hot and humid.  We left at 8:30, right after breakfast, and on the way (we were delayed because of a traffic accident), Pastor BJ heard on the radio that for today, tomorrow & Monday, the government has declared a national heat alert for our area with specific instructions on how to stay cool.  We were struggling yesterday with some heat exhaustion, so today could have been worse, but we were all prepared.  Steve Brown (one of our staff) has been all over the States and made 100+ international trips and he said he has never seen heat & humidity as bad as it was today.  Please pray for that in particular these next couple of days.
     We traveled an hour away to where the clinic was going to be held for Masa's Seahorse Soccer International Club.  Masa (& his wife Chie) have been connected with the Seahorses for a long time and are actually on staff.  This club was started in 2010 and has grown from 3 to over 50.  It teaches both soccer skills and some English and has a chance to tell the kids about Jesus.  Masa has even brought some of the kids to the U.S. on a reverse tour.  Masa has had some students graduate, so please pray for more students for them.  If you are looking for a way to support ministry in Japan on an ongoing basis, it would be wonderful if you would consider joining Masa & Chie's support team through Missionary Athletes International (MAI--the parent organization of the Seahorses).
     The clinic was divided up into 3 age groups.  We performed a lot of the same drills as before.  Freeze tag:  dribble the ball and try not to get tagged by non-dribblers, freeze if you are and unfrozen by someone dribbling through your legs--great dribbling skill.  Knock-out:  protect your ball while trying to kick out someone else's ball--great for ball control.  Shooter/keeper:  dribble and shoot, taking turns at each--great for dribbling, shooting practice and goalkeeping.  After drills there were games played in each age group.  Then, there was a game with all the parents.  You can tell this is something they look forward to.  After the game, it was group picture, songs, testimony (Selah-Joy) and passing out gifts.
    We had a bento lunch at the field, and ate in the nice air-conditioned locker rooms.  At 1:30, Masa's older students came and also friends of his, and there was a round-robin tournament from 1:30-4.  Games were only 10 minutes, playing 2 games against different opponents and then a game break.  For our two games, we used different players so as not to over stress any one in particular.  It was a lot of fun and gave us the opportunity to sing our songs (with Ayaka explaining), give a testimony (Lizzie), and have Paul tie it all together and connect them with BJ & Masa for followup when we are gone.  After the tournament, it was home to get our stuff, sento to clean up and to the large food court for dinner.  Tomorrow we split up amongst 4 churches and the have the evening game with Pastor BJ's 50's+ team.  They sometimes struggle to get players for their weekly games, but a lot always show up when the Seahorses come, so pray for those that hear about Jesus because of that (maybe for the first time), and for Pastor BJ to be able to followup with them.
     We had a nice surprise today as Joe & Naoko Adams (& two of their three children), who live about 10 minutes from where we were playing, came for a visit.  Joe is a former Seahorse PDL player from 2008 (he lived with Gil & his wife for a month that summer).  Joe's wife is Japanese and the one who became a Christian one summer (2007 or 2008) when Megan became really sick and Naoko was so touched by it that she became a believer.  It was great to see them again and a reminder of how the Seahorses have built relationships over the years.

Pictures--7/14
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/14
Kimi-Wa--7/14 morning
My God Is So Great--7/14 morning
Testimony Selah-Joy, 7/14 morning
Testimony Lizzie, 7/14 afternoon

Tachibana H.S. Girls game, Kyoto Temple, July 13

     Breakfast at 8:30 today and then the ladies had their devos/sharing time at 9.  We left at 10:30 for the 90 minute drive to Kyoto.  About half-way there, Paul told us that we were where BJ now is actually pastoring a 2nd church.  He travels there once a week on Wednesdays and then once a month he preaches there on Sunday.  When he does, they use an ipad & skype (or FaceTime) to project onto a screen at his home church so they see the same sermon.  What a servant to serve two churches so faithfully.  We arrived in Kyoto, and to save time (& to eat more healthy), we stopped at a large grocery store to let everyone shop for whatever they wanted.  We ate then on the bus on the way to the field.  This team has a new coach, so one of the concerns was after this match, what direction would she want to take the team--in other words, would she want us back next year.  After the game, I heard her and Paul discussing plans for next year when it is time to bring the Biola men.  The teams played three 20-minute periods against each other and then one 20-minute period where the teams were mixed.  We scored 5 goals with Lizzie scoring 3 of them.  The other goals were scored by Ayaka & Selah-Joy.  After the game, Paul introduced/connected them with BJ,  and we did our Japanese song with both versions (slow & fast).  In the fast version, Autumn added her own special enhancements (see video).  This prompted Paul to ask them to do a song for us.  They were so shy it took almost 5 minutes it seemed to decide on one, but they finally did, and did a good job.  Then Kelly did her testimony (she even introduced herself in Japanese as she knows a little).  There was a lot of fun mixing time after the game.  It always amazes me how well these ladies seem to bond despite the language barrier
     After the game, we drove straight to the Kyoto temple to take our traditional team picture and then do some shopping on the main street leading to the temple--lots of shops.  We could not actually enter the temple as it was under reconstruction and we were running late because of the game.  We then also had to adjust our schedule because the plan had been to shower at the field, but because of the game running late, and the showers having only cold (tepid) water, we decided to eat first in Kyoto and then travel home to do the sento.  We stopped at McDonalds for dinner, which everyone really enjoyed.  It was then back to Osaka, sento for most, team laundry and rest for everyone else.
     Pray for tomorrow (today as you are reading this) as it will be one of our busiest days.  Breakfast will be at 8 (about 90 minutes from this writing) and departure at 8:30.  Clinic with Masa in the morning, games with Masa's older kids in the afternoon, and game against the FC Papas (BJ's 50+ team of men) in the evening.  Pray too for proper hydration.  With the humidity and heat, it is not just drinking enough water, but electrolyte replacement drinks too.  We have already seen some effects of this and it can sneak up on you so pray that everyone properly hydrates with the proper drinks.

Pictures--7/13
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/13
"When the Saints Go Marching In"--BJ & the Seahorses (staff)--7/13, a special performance
Testimony Kelly
Kimi-Wa, 7/13, Autumn enhanced
Japanese sing us a song, 7/13

Slow day, Afternoon Troppo clinic, July 12

     Today was a great way to start our ministry here in Osaka.  We had only 1 activity today, and it was a clinic with the Troppo soccer club at 4:30pm.  With the luxury of time, we started our day at 8 with a time of worship led by Steve.  Then English led us in a time of corporate prayer.  What a precious time to hear the hearts of these girls as they expressed their concern for the Japanese people.  After prayer we had breakfast and then ladies continued their ladies-only time (devos & testimonies) they have been consistently having (led by Jessie).
     We left at 12:30 by bus for the ride to a different food court for lunch and team grocery shopping.  On the way back, we made an impromptu stop at a Buddhist temple nearby Pastor BJ's church.  It was very interesting---and sad.  Stone figures worshipped that can't hear or do anything, paper prayers tied to strings that they hope get blown to their god and answered, more expensive wooden prayers (as if the cost makes it more likely to be answered), & bells to wake up their god.  As we walked through looking at the various structures, there were gardeners working on the grounds.  Paul engaged with them and passed out the team brochure, which among others, has a section about the team and the gospel message in Japanese.  Also interesting was the gentlemen who drove his car in to have it blessed by the priest (see video montage).  The temple was so close to the church that we when we were done, we walked back.  We had about an hour to rest and then it was a bus ride to the clinic.  BJ works with this Troppo soccer club once a week, but has had no real platform to be able to talk to them about the gospel.  This clinic gave the opportunity to present the gospel as visiting Americans.  We split into four groups to do several soccer drills or games that practiced soccer skills.  Then they decided (as a lot of the clinics do), that what they wanted most was to play games.  So, we broke up the group into 3 groups by age and played games for a while.  After the games, we sang our Japanese song and Kelsea gave her testimony.  She did a great job.  Paul followed up on her testimony with an explanation of how this is a God not just for Americans, but for the Japanese and the whole world.  He then turned it over to BJ who was able to then lead into telling them that he was a pastor and that this Jesus that Kelsea and Paul talked about was a very important part of life, and that if any of them wanted to know more to please come to his church.  This is something he never would have been able to do without the Seahorses. I had asked BJ how many of these about the familiarity of these people with Jesus, and he said the just 3 of the kids have been to a prior Seahorse clinic, but that for the rest, this was the first time to hear about Jesus.  Pray that the seeds planted today begin to grow and bear fruit.  After the clinic, it was some fun time playing with the kids, off to the sento to clean up, dinner at the same food court as lunch, home for a quick team meeting and then bed.

Pictures--7/12
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/12
Testimony-Kelsea
Kimi-Wa--7/12

Additional Pictures, July 11

     If you have already read the July 11th blog, I found 14 more pictures I forgot to add at the end.

Travel Day, Iwata to Osaka, July 11

   Well, it's time to say goodby to Iwata.  What a wonderful stay we have had here.  The people have been so kind, & have such servant hearts.  While only a few days, it was great to hear from the pastors of the churches at worship as to the impact our visit had on their churches and neighbors.  Then, this morning, to hear from Pastor Hasui how our visit prompted a coach from one of the clubs wanted to come to church, and how a neighbor who is a goalie coach for the Iwata area wants the Seahorses to come and do a clinic next year.  We finished our breakfast time with a time of mutual blessings and exchange of gifts.
    Our bus was about 90 minutes late, so we used to time to do the Seahorse tradition of "Hynack" awards (traditional done on the bus).  A "hynack" is a cultural mistake or just something silly that someone does (nothing soccer related though).  It is a lot of fun poking fun at each other and is actually good way of bonding together.  It was hilarious, but a team thing, so you will just have to ask your tour member about what went on.  
    The bus arrived and it was a 5-hour ride to Osaka with two rest stops.  Pastor BJ, who we will be working with in Osaka, had arranged to rent the micro-bus and drive us.  It did not have room for most of the luggage, so Pastor Hasui drove his van with the luggage all the way to Osaka.  What servants we have in Pastor Hasui & Pastor BJ.
    After we arrived, we had our Osaka orientation with BJ, walked to the mall for dinner at the food court, and then drove to the sento.


Pictures--7/11
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/11

Iwata Day 4, July 10, Kakegawa School Clinic, Kakegawa Castle, Tahara F.C. Clinic

     This morning we were picked up at 9:30 by missionary Paul Bostrum (who we have worked with before) and he took us to the field where we did the clinic for his Kakegawa International Christian School.  It was really hot even before we started, so we were quite pleased that when we got there, there was some cloud cover part of the time and also a slight breeze.  Paul B. had a tent up for some shade which was nice.  We broke into several age groups and did some skills, fun games and then some soccer games.  It was relatively low key.  Since it was so hot, we then went back to the school for the rest of the program.  They treated us to taco salad for lunch and then we did our program.  This consisted of our first performance of our team skit ("Burdens", see video).  After performing the skit, Addison did an explanation of the meaning of the skit (as it was done without any talking).  Next, Kaelyn did her testimony and Paul followed up with a charge to them to consider Jesus.  We did our team spiritual song with them joining in the 2nd time through.  Then we presented them with gifts.
      After the clinic, we had an opportunity to do our first sightseeing as we were taken to the Kakegawa Castle.  We took another team picture and had about 30 minutes to look around.  It was fun for the girls to get a chance to experience some of the older Japanese culture.  Note the steepness of the stairs in the tower, said to be on purpose to make it harder for attackers if one needed to retreat to the top of the tower.
    We left the Castle and returned to the church to rest for a couple of hours, and then it was off for another clinic with the Tahara F.C. (football club), who we have worked with since 2002.  We broke into six groups and did various skills.  Every 10 minutes or so, the kids rotated between groups.  The evening finished with six different games.  Joining us were some men (1 in each of the six games) who are part of a 50's+ team that we have usually played a real game against after the clinic, but not this year, so they just joined the games with the kids.  After the games, we did our team spiritual song (My God Is So Great), testimony (Paul Gizzi) and passed out gifts.  Then it was off to Joyful again for dinner and then the sento to clean up.  It made for a long evening as we didn't get back until almost midnight.
      Tomorrow morning we leave for Osaka.

     As a side note, we, or rather Carol, had an interesting day today.  She is Brazilian and speaks Portugese.  At the Bostrum clinic, there was a young student who had only been at the school for a month, and she spoke Portugese so Carol was able to communicate with her (she doesn't know much English yet).  When we got back to the school, she found one of the teachers was Brazilian.  At the castle, she met and talked with an entire Brazilian family, and then at the Tahara clinic one of the coaches was Brazilian.  What are the odds! (Well, with God we know there are no such things as odds)
     Please continue to pray for the health of the team and for there to be no serious injuries.

Pictures--7/10
Pictures--All
(The video montage is longer today, almost 14 minutes, because of multiple venues (where I did longer panoramas to get an idea of the variety of places we have served) and with two clinics with multiple groups, each contained many short scenes to ensure each tour member was in them.  No team song today (you've seen it before :-) )
Video Montage--7/10
Testimony--Kaelyn
Testimony--Paul
Team Skit--"Burdens"

Iwata Day 3, July 9, Sightseeing, Shopping @ Lalaport, Sangyo U. game

    Today we had a slow morning and left at 10:30am to do some sightseeing at an old school (unfortunately it was closed) and temple, and then off to do some shopping at the Lalaport mall.  The ladies had 2 hours to shop and eat and then back to the church to rest for a couple of hours.  Then it was off at 4:45pm to play the Shizuoka Sangyo University girls.  We played 3 20-minute games (1-1, 0-3 & 0-1) and then played a 4th 20-minute game with the teams mixed.  That ended 0-0.  It was amazing to see how easily the team bonded with the Japanese girls.  After the game we did just "My God Is So Great" and then Becca gave her testimony.  Then an exchange of gifts, a quick shower at the field, and back to the church for dinner.  At least 20 girls and the coaches showed up for dinner.  It was a wild, wonderful time.  There was an instant bonding and the SSU girls could see how our girls could have such a good time and be crazy, but still talk about this God of theirs.  In past years, we have heard how it is hard for the Japanese to show their feelings as their is a fear they will not be accepted.  Being able to be crazy with our girls and see that everyone is accepted is huge for them. The video montage does not give true justice to how raucous it was.  There was a loud, rousing rendition of "Let It Go" that probably could be heard by all the neighbors.  It was great to see how easily and quickly they bonded, and there is the desire that it will lead to further relationship, and the understanding that there is something different about being a Christian that allows them to be so accepting. At the game, when they were asked to do a song, only 1 girl got up to do something.  At the church, you can see how different it was. Six of the SSU girls did express a desire to come to the U.S. next February for some soccer and homestays.  We will see where that leads.  The relationships are so strong, that some of the girls who came have graduated, and so no longer play for the team, still showed up to see the Seahorses again.  Also, Pastor Hasui was able to connect with a neighbor, who has a club of boys (over 100), who would like the Seahorses to do a clinic for him next year.  All in all a very successful day of building relationships stronger and developing connections for the future.  Health-wise we are still doing well.  One who had been sick is now better and playing, and we did have a pulled groin and a twisted ankle tonight, but we have done well with no other injuries so far.  Thank you again for your prayers.


Pictures--7/9
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/9
My God Is So Great-7/9 SSU
Testimony-Becca

Iwata Day 2, July 8, Six churches and combined worship time

   Today we had breakfast at 8, and the first group was picked up 8:30.  In the past, the entire team has attended Hasui's church.  This year, the team will actually be split up to attend Hasui's church and 5 others.  This encourages the churches to partner together, and it allows the Seahorses to be an encouragement to many more believers.  The other advantage is that it allows the churches to promote the Seahorses coming and it draws people to their church who might not come otherwise.  The hope is then that they will continue to come.  Since there were six groups, it was impossible to get the report on each one to include in the blog, so for the church reports, you will need to speak with your individual tour member.  At the church I attended, they hold an English class once a week, and one of those kids did come to church.  After church they had what they called a garden party (tents and BBQ in the parking lot--see pictures and video) where a number more of the kids and parents attended.  They also treated us to making the treat Mochi (popular in Japan & Hawaii) from scratch.  The man who taught us how was a neighbor who was there at the church for the 1st time ever.  His wife & son came too.  We pray that he enjoyed himself enough that he will come back.  Most groups were with their churches from 9-5 (ish) when we met back at Hasui's church for dinner.  After dinner, people & pastors from the 6 churches came to the church for a combined worship time from 6:30-8pm.  We sang songs, did our two songs, heard a testimony from the Japanese young lady who had been baptized in the church that morning, and then a report from each of the six churches.  Each church had similar stories about they had new people attend and others impacted because the Seahorses came.  Most of the churches are small (the one we went to was about 25), so whatever we can do to encourage the believers and bring new people in is very encouraging to them.  Every time I attend one of their churches, I am struck with how we take so for granted the size of our churches and the resultant availability of so many brothers and sisters for mutual encouragement.  That the Japanese toil so faithfully with so little support is always an encouragement to me.  Also, as we worship in the churches and in the evening worship time, hearing the singing simultaneously in Japanese and English, it always makes me think a little of what heaven will be like.  After the evening worship time, they treated the girls to some sparklers which they enjoyed.
     Thank you for your prayers.  They are working.  Just one from today.  I dropped my camera that I take the still pictures with.  It is old anyway, and it cracked the screen inside making pictures impossible.  As God would have it, the pastor at the church I was at knew of a store nearby where I could get a replacement of the camera that had cost me several hundred dollars maybe 7-8 years ago for only $40.  It was almost exactly the same, used the same batteries and even fit in my tiny camera case.  God is good.  Keep praying.  We are healthy so far and no injuries.  Tomorrow is our biggest (most difficult) game of the whole tour against the Shizuoka Sangyo University girls.

Pictures--7/8, Other
Pictures--7/8, Migiwa church (Gil,Addison,English,Tatum)
Pictures--7/8, Hasui's church (Paul,Steve,Lizzy,Becca,Autumn,Amy,Carol)
Pictures--7/8, Kasai church (Franci,Selah-Joy,Amber)
Video Montage--7/8
Kimi-Wa during worship time--7/8
My God Is So Great during worship time--7/8
Testimony--English 

Iwata Day 1, July 7

  Today is our first full day in Japan.  What a blessed and necessary way to start the trip as we were able to sleep until 9 with breakfast not until 10.  Everyone woke up seemingly rested and ready to go.  After a relaxing breakfast, Pastor Hasui & Paul went over what to bring in the team backpacks for the day (change of clothes and towel as we will go directly to the sento after the clinic).  The clinic will be with 4th-6th graders and is a new ministry that Pastor Hasui has not had the chance to make inroads in yet.   Then they discussed what the entire schedule will look like over the next several days, so the team can now what to expect.  After the morning orientation, the team started breaking into impromptu practice of the Japanese song (Kimi-Wa) and the spiritual song (My God Is So Great).  The song Kimi-Wa is about being joyful, but the traditional beat is rather slow.  I don't think Japan has ever seen a version of Kimi-Wa like the one we came up with.  It will be once through traditionally, and then our version.  See the video of what we came up with (thanks Matthew for filming it).  Then the coaching staff (Paul, Sims, Jesse, English & Addison) worked on what drills they will be doing at the clinic.
     At 1:30 we left for the clinic.  It was about 15 minutes and we were taken there by several of the church volunteers who are always so gracious with their time.  The venue was beautiful (you will see) and by a river that was swollen with the unusually heavy July rains.  The field was black sand on dirt, but amazingly the only puddles were on the side of the field.  They keep the dirt so packed, it doesn't puddle mostly.  We did lots of games and clinics, so the video montage today will be a little longer as I tried to get a little of everything and get as many ladies in as possible.  The club modified its program for today as some of the activities they scrapped because all they really wanted to do was play games against us.  This meant the ladies played many games (4th graders, 5th graders, 6th graders (twice I think) and then the adults & coaching staff).  Each game may have been only 10-15 minutes, but it was still alot, and they had so much fun against us.  The final game against the adults was a 0-0 tie, so Paul had it go to PKs.  We lost 3-2, but it was a fun time.  During the game, Franci & Steve & myself had significant opportunities to connect with the adults who were watching.
     After the game, we did our Japanese song, spiritual song and Addi gave her testimony.  Then there was an exchange of gifts and final goodbyes.
     After we left the field, we went to the sento (Japanese bath house) to bathe and then it was off to a restaurant called Joyful for dinner.
     We had a wonderful experience after the clinic was over, the kind of thing we come here for, but for now, it is something that we will have to share individually with you.

Pictures--7/7
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/7
Kimi-Wa--practice version--7/7
Kimi-Wa, Seahorse version, 7/7
My God Is So Great, 7/7

Travel Days, July 5-6

  Today is the day!  Everyone made it to the airport on time, just to find out that the plane was delayed 30 minutes.  Check-in was really easy and the security check was even better as everyone (except 2) was checked in as TSA Pre.  It went so fast without having to take things out and shoes off.  Just as we got to the gate, Paul got a call that some of our equipment that had not arrived had just come.   He was able to arrange to have someone bring it, he went back out to get it, and then had to go through security again.  And all this could not have happened had not our plane been delayed!  God sure works in small and amazing ways.
     The flight was uneventful, except that as we were going through customs, one of the tour members couldn't find their passport.  Most of us were through and waiting and praying.  It was finally discovered in an unusual place in the luggage, but not before 20 anxious minutes.  The transport to Iwata was an adventure.  First a regular train for about 45 minutes to get to the bullet train station.  We were able to sit for that.  I wish I had done more video of the bullet train station as I have never seen a more crowded, convoluted terminal in my life.  How anyone knows where they are going is amazing.  We bought unassigned seats (as they were cheaper), but all 5 cars (of at least 100 each) were full.  So, we sat in seats in the reserved car, but had to keep giving them up as people came.  This meant most had to stand for the hour and a half ride.  Normally when the bullet train makes a stop, one has 2 minutes to get off.  That would have meant getting 21 people & 48 pieces of luggage off the train all while others are trying to get off too.  The Lord provided again as when we reached the station, the train had to wait for another train to pass (protocol for bullet trains I guess), so we had 7 minutes to get off.  But we weren't done yet.  One more train for 15 minutes and then we were met by Pastor Hasui and others to carry our luggage to the church while we walked the 10 minutes there.  Wow!  Arrived in Tokyo at roughly 3:30pm, and got to Iwata by 9:30pm!  Needless to say everyone was tired.  Too late to go out, so most everyone went to bed without even a shower we were so tired.  But the dinner was nice (spaghetti, garlic bread, fruit & juice).  We were joined by our other two team members---welcome Lizzy Denton & Ayaka Ito.  After some brief instructions of what the next would be, it was off to bed.  The team was relieved that we had nothing scheduled in the morning which meant a late 9am wake-up call and a 10am brunch.  Almost forgot to mention.  There was one last late scare.  One of the team bags seemed to have been lost on the train with a significant amount of money in it.  We searched everywhere and couldn't find it.  As we were downstairs discussing it, we asked Ayaka again if it was in her car and she said no, she had checked.  As God would have it, Mary Kate was just walking by and said it was in Ayaka's car after all as she had witnessed her putting it BEHIND her seat.  Ayaka re-checked and there it was!  Thanks Mary Kate for being so observant and remembering, and thanks Lord for having her walk by at just the right time.

Pictures--7/5-6
Pictures--All
Video Montage--7/5-6

Orientation Day 3, 7/4

    Well, we are almost there.  Tomorrow we leave!  We started today with some morning drills at Biola again at 9am.  That was followed at 10 with some ladies-only devotional time and then more training at 11.  The first priority today was having everyone write out their testimonies.  This is important because they have to be e-mailed to the churches in advance.  This is done for several reasons.  First, it gives the pastors the opportunity to read them over and decide which testimony would work best for the particular audience we will be working then.  Then, it needs to be passed on to the translator.  Since we will be working with translators with various skills, it helps for them to read it over to make sure they understand the vocabulary.  Doing them in advance also gives staff the opportunity to look them over to ensure that we don't use concepts that don't translate well (like "sin").
     We broke for lunch about 12 to eat in the Biola cafeteria again. After lunch, it was back to the meeting room to finish everyone's testimony.  While we were waiting to be let back in meeting room, we discussed what songs & skits we might want to us.  Paul expressed (from helping the girls) that we have some really powerful testimonies this year.  When the ladies do their testimonies, as possible, they will be posted on the blog.
     After finishing the testimonies, we worked on the Japanese song Kimi-Wa, and then the team song.  The team song is usually a fun, upbeat song, with hand motions, one that will get the Japanese excited and want to sing along. It is also one with a simple message that the local pastor can explain after the song is over. After practicing the Japanese song & team song, we then brainstormed on some skits.  You will see from the links below what we came up with.  The last thing was Paul assigned was which team members had responsibility for the six team bags, and final instructions for what to bring in the carryon luggage and what not to bring.  We are scheduled to be at the airport at 9am for a 12pm flight.  This team is so ready to go.  For the first time in my 10 trips, ALL of the testimonies are complete and e-mailed to the pastors in Japan BEFORE we have left.  We covet your prayers!

Pictures-7/4
Pictures-All
Video Montage-7/4
Team Song Kimi Wa, 1st attempt
Team Spiritual Song-My God Is So Big, 1st attempt
Team Skit-Burdens, 1st attempt

Orientation Day 2, July 3

   Orientation began in earnest this morning as we met at the Biola soccer field at 9am.  The whole group is now here (except for the two meeting us in Japan), and it was a time of getting to know each other again (just the ladies), stretching, drills, scrimmaging til about 10:30.  Then it was off to one of the meeting rooms at Biola to do training on how sports ministry works in Japan.  We started with the videos "Why Japan?" and "2017 Ministry Summary Report" (available here on the blog if you want to follow along with what we do), that provided us with the inspiration of why we are going and what we will be doing when we get there.  He read letters from the people at the various locations we will be going telling us how excited they are to see us coming, giving us ideas on how to relate to the people, and what we will be doing when we get there. One of the letters mentioned how the elementary schools that we will be serving at do not like religious(Christian) activities, but they do love sports, and through the sports activities, we ARE able to do things like sing our Christian songs (with an explanation following by the local pastor), and give our testimonies.  Not only does this get the Christian message across, but it identifies to the children and teachers who the local pastor is.  This can lead to the pastor being able to invite them to church (since he has had a proper introduction) or their just wanting to come to church.  Paul also showed an e-mail from the Pastor Hasui in Iwata (our first location) with our church "assignments" for the Sunday we are there.  He has arranged for the team to be split up amongst 6 churches.  This is the most involvement we have had with other churches and was exciting to see how many churches are partnering with Pastor Hasui in this ministry.  Part of our tour is not only to spread the gospel, but it is to encourage the Christians who are there, who deal with very little support as the churches there are very small.

     After the morning session, we had lunch in the Biola cafeteria.  Even that experience was one in which God showed up.  A Biola professor I know was walking by the field and saw the team and came to say hi.  Later, when Paul went to the cafeteria to arrange lunch, his discounted staff card did not work.  The cafeteria suggested that we could use the staff card of another staff.  So, I called the employee I knew and he arranged his discount to get us lunch---just because he happened to walk by the field while we were there.  Small, but just the beginning of God showing up.  After a short staff meeting, it was back to the meeting room for more orientation.
    We did the initial work on testimonies (which we will complete tomorrow morning), and then it was off to Troy H.S. for a game against the Troy H.S. girls.  The game was a great time to learn how to work together as a team, as none of these girls had played together before.  After the game, we went to the home of Mike Silzer, the AD and girls's soccer coach at Troy H.S.   The evening ended as the parents and staff gathered around the players for a prayer of blessing.
    An added story is this:  After the soccer game, one of the parents came and told us about something that happened last night.  Her daughter was receiving her bag of equipment, and when she pulled out her uniform, the number she received at random was her brother's number when he played volleyball---a brother who was tragically killed a year ago in a traffic accident.  It was very special for her and a blessing she considered God gave her for the trip, her brother's number---"at random".  A reminder that nothing is random with God.

(Just a note on viewing the pictures.  Once you select the link, you will see a folder with all the pictures.  Then select a picture for individual viewing.  When you do that, there will be a little icon in the upper-right corner, a white circle with an "i" (info) in the center.  Select that to view the picture description, and use the arrows that will appear in the middle-right of the picture when you put your cursor there to navigate to the next picture.  This keeps the info column with picture description always available.)

Pictures-7/3

Pictures-All

Video Montage-7/3

     

Orientation, Day 1, July 2

Hello All,

     If you have not read the previous entry in this blog, please do as it explains how best to access the blog.

     Well we have finally started the trip.  This will be a short blog as it was just the evening.  We had the out-of-town people arriving all afternoon and the locals arrived by 5:30 for dinner.  Thanks to Vickie Gizzi and Debbie Jones for preparing the dinner.  After dinner, we took the time to go around the room and give a quick 1-minute introduction of ourselves.  After dinner Paul discussed the schedule for the next 2 days.  Then we passed out the "equipment", our team shirts and track suits and practice uniforms.  Paul also spent some time sharing some stories from prior trips to encourage us as to how God can work, even when we do not see it right away.  2 stories of men who became believers in the late 90's, but we didn't find out about it until 15 years later.  Ministry takes a long time in Japan and these stories were encouraging to know that what we will be doing will have an effect, even if we do not see it right away.  A good way to start this tour.

     Not too many pictures, but here is the link to the days pictures and the short video montage:

Pictures-July 2

Video Montage-July 2

Welcome to the 2018 Seahorse Japan Outreach Blog

Hello All,

      Thank you all for following our outreach trip and supporting us in prayer.  We hope through the blog to help you feel a part of the trip with us.  To that end, I just wanted to put out a few hints about how to get the most out of the blog, and what to expect.  First of all, the blog will be daily on most days (some travel days excepted).  In the U.S, the blogs should be posted sometime late in the evening.  When we are in Japan, if I am able to get the blog completed before I get to bed, you should find a posting by 8-9am U.S. time.  If I can't get it done and have to complete it in the morning, then you should find it by 2-4pm U.S. time.  There is a place on the blog where you can enter your e-mail address to be notified of new postings, but those notifications are not immediate upon posting, but come only once a day at the same time.  So, you are probably best off just looking at 8-9am or 2-4pm.  Secondly, each blog will include a narrative of the days events and the ever amazing things that God keeps doing on these trips.  There are always stories and I am really looking forward to what God does this year.  In addition to the narrative, there will be a link to picture files.  After the 1st day, there will be 1 link to the pictures for the day, & 1 link to the complete picture folder.  There will also be a link to a video montage of the day's events.  If there are any special events (performance of team songs/skits, game footage of goals, testimonies, etc.) these videos will also be available as they happen.  On behalf of the team, thank you for your support and rejoice along with us with what God will be doing this year.