Today was a much needed day of rest and not having to be "on" for ministry. It was a day free to do some sightseeing on the island of Miyajima (known for its famous Torii Gate & free-roaming deer). It was time to do some shopping, enjoying the culture and another team picture in from of a Pagoda. After Miyajima, we went to the Peace Park in Hiroshima. While it rained on and off, it was mostly off and even the times it rained was not too bad (as opposed to today--as I write this it is pouring outside). The visit to the Peace Park was very moving to everyone. Seeing actual pictures, and particularly reading the stories of actual survivors brought many of us to tears. Reading about it is one thing--seeing it is another. After Hiroshima, came the long awaited trip to a sushi bar. We had had to postpone it twice due to unexpected schedule changes (what else is new on an outreach trip), but we finally got it in and the guys loved it. After dinner, one last trip to the sento and back to the church. While this was a day not to be "on", we had many, many opportunities to pass out brochures, Paul's life story and generally meet and engage a lot of people. Pray that these contacts, as short as some of them may have been, will spark something in them to follow up and ask questions. The brochure and the life story have contact points should the readers want to find out more.
This will be the last blog entry as today is just the trip home, and by the time an entry could be done, everyone will be home and can report personally. It was a great trip and I am sure that it will change many of the guys. We had a lot of chances to share, continued building old relationships, broke a lot of new ground, and enjoyed meeting people who were the fruit of prior trips. Continue to pray as you think of Japan, for those faithful people working here (including Pastor BJ, Masa & Chie, Pastor Hasui, and Pastor's Glenn & Keegan) and that they may have plenty of opportunities to continue and further the seeds that we helped plant & water.
If you feel led to support this ministry, you can do so by contacting MAI or the Seahorses, or if you want to specifically support Japan, there is a link on the blog to support Masa & Chie. Also, consider supporting next year's trip as it will be the Biola Women's Team. Thanks again for all your prayers. We couldn't have done it without you.
Pictures (8/19)
Pictures (Complete)
Video Montage (8/19)
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