NOTE THAT PAUL, KOUSEI, DANIEL & LEO WERE INTERVIEWED ON A RADIO STATION. IT WAS LIVE. YOU CAN FIND THE INTERVIEW IN THE BLOG HEADER, EITHER THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW, OR THE EDITED ENGLISH ONLY VERSION.
Summary version:
This was a slow relaxing morning for most of the team as we did not have anything to do until lunch at 1pm. Breakfast was at 9 and then Paul, Kousei, Daniel & Leo were off to do an interview at a local radio station. They joined us for lunch and then we took taxi's to the Kintai Bridge area for some general sightseeing and the traditional team picture. Then it was home by taxi again and a pizza dinner. We all needed the down time.
Extended version:
When we got to the bridge, it was too late in the day to be able to visit the castle as it closed so soon that we would not be able to have time to get up there. So, we just enjoyed the 100 flavor ice cream store, and walked the grounds, which included a visit to the location of Paul's childhood home. The amazing thing about that visit, is that when we arrived at the spot, there was an elderly man parking next door who was looking at us quizzically (wouldn't you?). So, Paul walked over to talk to him to explain why we were there. When Paul mentioned that he used to live there, the man, without prompting, asked if he knew Vince & Virginia Gizzi (Paul's parents). What are the odds! (actually, where God is concerned, the odds are very good). Anyway, both Paul and the man were thrilled at this encounter. The man had lived in this location for 47 years, so of course, knew Paul and his parents. They exchange e-mails and intend to stay connected.
Because we were not able to do the castle, Paul said that guys could swim in the river, but upriver from the bridge where the water is calm (they had already been prepared by bringing swim gear). Ultimately, I think they enjoyed this as much as they would have the castle. They had about an hour and a half to enjoy the water.
As we were leaving and crossing the bridge, we ran into a family from the base. The son (14) recognized Paul from his trip in June where they did a clinic at the base. The mom is a teacher at the Matthew C. Perry school where Paul went when he lived here. Again, what are the odds of leaving at that exact right moment. Love it when God shows up like that!
Before dinner, Paul shared with us that he had already heard from one of the Japanese guys we met on the train ride to Tokuyama. He wanted to share pictures and stay connected. You never know where ministry is going to happen. After dinner, Paul, Kousei, Daniel & Leo shared about their time (30 mins) being interviewed on live radio. It was a local station, but you could find it on the internet and a number of people listened to it (we have a copy, and we hope to post it on the blog at some point). The four gave a generally accounting of what we did, but were able to include some information about that we were Christians and sharing about Jesus. After their interview, they made visits to several community locations for "Meet & Greets". Just getting to know them and setting up the possibilities of ministries in the future. This station wants to do another interview with Paul when he comes for his set-up trip in March, and two more interviews next summer when the Biola women come.
So, a slow day, but still one packed with the Lord at work! Thanks for your prayers. Tomorrow our big event is the evening soccer time with Russell the F-18 pilot who has started a soccer ministry, so we are showing up to give it a boost.
Pictures (8/17)
Pictures (Complete)
Video Montage (8/17)
(Testimonies were all translated, but have had those portions edited out)
Testimony, Jake, Kindai, 8/9 (3:19)
Testimony, Alex, Masa's Aft Team (only partial), 8/10 (0:39)
Testimony, David, Masa's Clinic, 8/10 (3:07)
Testimony, Todd, FC Papas (Mr Mizuno's team), 8/11 (2:03)
Testimony, Leo, Tokuyama University, 8/16 (2:05)
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