Today we split up into four churches as per the schedule included in yesterday's picture set. Because, of course, I couldn't be in four places at once, you will have to hear about your team member's experience from them (as we fly home today--as I am writing). I went to a very small church with just two team members, Jazmin & Erika. I actually chose this church this year because I have been there twice over the last 14 years. The first time I went in 2009, a mother had just given birth to a baby and they skyped them in from home so they could say hi. It was special because the baby's name was Suzuna, the Japanese equivalent of Suzanne, my wife's name. That little "baby" is now 14. What a perspective on time as my wife said. While the church is very small, they are so faithful and so obviously love the Lord so much. Pastor Takei's sermon was titled being proud of our weaknesses, which is almost exactly what Paul had shared several days ago. Jazmin gave her testimony during the service. Also, during the service, the pastor got out his dummy and did some ventriloquism. He is very good and uses it to enhance his message. He actually told me that someone he knows came to Christ after hearing what the "dummy" "said". God is so creative. After the service it is traditional to each lunch with them (which the other groups did too). They cooked a very traditional Japanese meal. Yam (white) soup with dried seaweed flakes, served cold, stewed eggplant (also served cold) and chicken over rice. While it may not be something I would order again, it was great to be served with such honor and care as they were giving us something of them. After dinner, Pastor got out his shave ice machine and made shave ice for all of us. Then he wanted us to play a game where we would write down on a piece of paper a color or a fruit (2 games) and then go around the circle guessing who said what. It really was a lot of fun. Lastly, the church in two weeks will be performing at a gathering, some worship songs they will be singing in English and they wanted to practice with us. Lots of fun. I was struck yet once again by their faithfulness with such a little church. We then went back to the BJ's church for some down time. About 4:30 ish we left the church to go to the field for the night game with the F.C. Papas. This is the team BJ plays on, along with Mr. Mizuno. We played about 8 20 minute periods. Period 1 was Biola against just the Papas. Period 2 the Papas would be joined by the men of the tour & Emi (Brett, Daniel, Matthew (who has served locally before), Masa & Emi---Paul played goalie just period 2.) Then, every other period alternated between just the Papas and the Papas+ team against Biola. Winning wasn't the issue, although some of the guys you could tell REALLY wanted to score. The games went so long that we didn't have time for either song or a testimony. All we had time for was Paul explaining his book and why he wrote. However, God knew this was needed as he "brought it home" in a way that they needed to hear. Pray for these seeds that continue to grow and that maybe this was the final push that will bring Mr. Mizuno home. Well, it was yet another long night (after midnight again) as the games didn't end until about 9:15, then it was dinner, then sento, then a 30 minute drive home. We hadn't told the girls where we were eating so you should have heard their reaction as we drove into the parking lot of ----------McDonalds! I think they are all ready to be home. Since BJ, Carrie and Daniel are leaving at 7am for a missions trip to a youth camp, missionary camp and Okinawa, we had prayer for them in a special room at the McDonald's.
Well, it has been a pleasure to keep you updated and on behalf of the team we want to thank you for your interest and prayers. Since tomorrow (today) is a travel day, there will be no blog as not much is happening and before I can write it even, your members will be home. God bless and please keep Pastor Hasui (Iwata), Pastor BJ (Osaka) and Masa & Chie (Osaka: Seahorse Soccer International Club) in your prayers. Also consider supporting Masa and Chie in their ministry. You can find the link to do that right in the header of this blog. God bless and good bye.
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