Today's schedule was pretty much the same as yesterday, except that the typhoon coming through Japan impacted us partially. It was raining on and off most of the morning. We did the same clinic games we did yesterday (see pictures and video). At about 9:30-10 it was absolutely pouring, but then not 30 minutes later it was stopped with blue sky and partial clouds. While today was the same schedule for us, most of the kids today were different than the ones yesterday. This has been a great inroad for Pastor Hasui. It is his first contact with them, and this group of guys has had a fantastic impact because of their enthusiasm (more later). Our presence has also helped him further his relation with those two soccer officials.
After the morning clinic, it back to the church for lunch. During lunch, I personally talked with two ladies who brought their kids from over an hour away just to come to the clinic (these two ladies were already believers). This shows what a draw the Biola/Seahorse tours are. Pastor Hasui told us in his goodby comments that there is already some fruit as one lady told him that she wants to visit his church and bring her son. God is good. Pray that there will be more contacts like this now that our visit has opened the doors.
After lunch we did English time again. The Biola guys had been split into two groups. One helped out yesterday and the other today. You can tell from pictures and video that the kids had great time.
We said goodbye to the kids and then it was off for another game with the SSU men, but a different group than yesterday. The weather was different too. Very This group was a little more physical than yesterday's group and Pastor Hasui noted that even though the game was rough, they could see from our spirits after the game that we could let that go and have fun. It is amazing how much that Bo-te-le-li cheer can have an impact on them. They tend to be reserved, and to see that Christians can have fun and be crazy, gives them the permission to do so too. Pastor Hasui said that our enthusiasm and attitude even led one of the guys to tell Pastor that he also wanted to come to his church. This is what our ministry does--provide that bridge to the Pastor that he then can develop when we are not there.
We finished the game, and then Paul had a surprise for the team. Iwata is home to a professional soccer team (Jubilo Iwata), so we picked up Bento dinners and took them in and ate them at the game. It was an amazing experience. The Jubilo team won 6-0, and there were even some scores that didn't count. You will have to ask you individual member about details, but the most amazing goal was won that was from about 50 yards out and caught the goalie "cheating". There was a cheering section that some of the guys joined on the outskirts of--cheered the entire game. At one point our guys were so enthusiastic, they were invited to sit in the middle of the group. Great to see the men rewarded for all their hard work.
Tomorrow we have a bus ride anywhere from 8-10 hours and right into typhoon area. There is a chance the freeways could be closed. As I write this on the bus, the freeways are clear, but pray that they stay that way.
Lastly, thank you every day for your prayers. Despite the wet weather, and slick & muddy clinic and game fields, there have been no injuries so far.
Pictures (8/14)
Pictures (Complete)
Video Montage (8/14)
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