Two things before we start today's blog. Yesterday's blog (Day 5, 8/9) has been completed with all pictures labeled and about 5 videos added, so if you read it before, you might want to go back to check it out.
Secondly, I want to give a big shout-out to Kousei. I was way behind in the blog and had no way of catching up, as yesterday was so busy, but during the afternoon game with Masa's team, after shooting some footage, I had time to work on it. Kousei had purchased a hot spot that he graciously allowed me to use. Without that I would never have caught up. Thank you Kousei!!
Blog-abbreviated version:
It was an early morning as we had to leave about 7:30 and eat breakfast on the bus. It was about a 90 minute ride to the Junior High where we had a clinic with the Junior High kids. We played various games and skills and sang our Bo-te-le-li song. We then took the bus to our next location, and had a Bento lunch in an air conditioned room, followed by the game with Masa's friends. After the game, we went to our last location, ate lunch in the food court (1st floor) and then had the clinic with Masa's school up on the roof (8th floor). After the clinic, it was off to the sento to clean up. By the time all was said and done, we didn't get back until midnight, and then 15 of the players were off to stay at a church overnight and then attend that church in the morning.
Blog-Extended Version
Junior High: The junior high we went to is where Joe Yokota attends (Masa & Chie's son--14). Being a public school, Masa said they probably would not be that open to have the Seahorses come, but having built a relationship (that's what it's all about here in Japan) with the coach and teachers over the last 6 months, it was agreed that having some international experience would be a good thing. While we could not share our testimony, we could share our attitudes and pass out the brochures which has a plan of salvation on the back in Japanese. Through building these relationships, maybe a future year will allow a testimony, or maybe kids/parents will just be curious as to who we are.
Masa's team: This game was more of just a friendly match, but it helps give credibility to Masa among his friends. Not all of these are Christians, so that is another impact. They received a brochure, but this time we were able to share a testimony (Alex--goalkeeper). As friends of Masa, he can follow up with whatever questions they may have
Evening Clinic: This was a clinic for the SSIC, Seahorse Soccer International Club, which is the school/club that Masa runs as a business. The campers are his students. It has been running since 2010. While it teaches soccer skills, the parents understand that it is a Christian organization and accept that Christ can be taught through their activities. As such, not only do we pass out the brochure, but we were able to share a testimony (David). They have brought students (& parents) on a tour to the U.S. in addition to our working with them in Japan. Masa received a lot of positive feedback from the parents (you can see from the pictures there were a lot who attended the 2 1/2 hour camp. It was quite a venue too. Three small (futsal) courts on the roof of an 8-story building. Masa & Chie are some of the most humble and faithful servants I know. If you feel led to support them, there is a link of this blog page to do so.
Prayer: Please pray for all the hearts that were touched by various forms of the message we were able to communication. Pray also for the team as many are suffering from head colds/coughs. Thank you all for your support. Tomorrow, 15 team members will be attending 1 church, 4 others to a 2nd church, and the rest will stay here at BJ's church. Pray that these times will be a time of mutual encouragement as we get a little taste of heaven in worshipping with other nations.
Pictures (8/10)
Pictures (Complete trip)
Video Montage (8/10)
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