Today was a sad day in some respects as we had to leave those we love so much. Even though it had only been 4 days, everyone felt like they were losing their good friends. For those of use who have been several times, even though it may be years since we have been there, there is an instant feeling of being home, where one belongs. Not that it replaces our home, but it is that welcoming. We had an early 7:30am breakfast so we could have 2 hours to pack between 8-10. The girls were so efficient that everything was packed, and the church was cleaned up by 9:10. At 10, we packed the heavy luggage in vehicles to be taken to where we would get the bus (the streets were too narrow for the bus to be parked there for the length of time we needed it to. Then we walked about 4 blocks to the bus. It wasn't easy saying goodbye, as some realize that they will never come back. Once we had boarded the bus, Pastor Hasui got on to say a final goodbye by reading 1 Cor 13:13 " . . . but the greatest of these is love" and then saying, "Thank you for love." What a servant man. We learned
that with his church so small, that he works another job to earn support. This keeps him so busy that on Saturday nights, he usually gets 1 hour of sleep because he has to prepare his sermon. And the church people---Wow! Providing rides, fixing meals, bringing gifts---sometimes it made us wonder who was serving whom. Jesus said that the greatest shall be the servant of all. These people will definitely be numbered with the greatest!
The bus ride to Osaka was about 5 hours, with a stop at a truck stop for lunch. We occupied ourselves part of the time by having our first "hynack" session. The term arises from a 1980's tour in Africa where one of the tour members mentioned that the word hynack in the local African language means cultural faux pas. For us, we "nominate" those who did funny or silly things. It is a favorite time of the tour as there are accusations, followed by a defense, and then a closing argument. As to the details, you will have to ask your tour member when you get home, but rest assured, a fun time was had by all amidst much laughter. The rest of the time was spent by most in sleeping. It was a very comfortable bus.
While the day started sadly, it was a joyful reunion for many of us as we arrived in Osaka (about 4pm) and got to see Pastor BJ, his wife Mary, and son James. 19 girls are sleeping on the floor of the sanctuary on futons, Susan (as team mom) has a separate room, and the four men are crammed into a room upstairs, but we couldn't be happier. The air conditioning runs constantly, not only for the temperature, but to reduce the humidity. We had a short team meeting and then free time (a.k.a. nap time) until a 6:30pm dinner.
For dinner, we walked to a local food court, where some of the girls enjoyed a change of menu with an order of hamburgers and fries. Then off to the sento to shower as the church has only 1 shower. After the sento, we had a team meeting where BJ introduced himself and gave an orientation. BJ had a couple of particularly interesting points about this year's ministry. There is an elementary school where he does an early morning clinic (0730-0805) before school starts. In the area of the school there is a Shinto cult, but BJ does not know who is in the cult. The people in the area don't really want to listen to him as he is just a local pastor. However, they will come to hear us, and WILL listen to him when he is translating for us as he is then "only" translating. This is one of our means of ministering as we provide a "bridge" to those who wouldn't normally listen to him. In addition to the clinic in the morning (Thurs), we also will be taking the whole team on Friday, and again BJ will have a chance to say things through the team that he normally would not be able to. This is also the first time that BJ will have the opportunity to be at this school. Secondly, the families who are providing the homestays would normally bring the kids to church and stay, but the bad weather a few weeks ago means there is a re-scheduled game Sunday. Spiritual warfare is alive. So, they will still bring the kids to church but the men will then have to leave to play their game. After their game though they will at least come back to join us for lunch, and then we have a game with them in the evening (it is BJ's team of 40+ year-old men). While this may seem strange to have college girls playing 40-year old men, these are BJ's peers, and an opportunity to reach them and their families. Pray for these two opportunities.
Pictures
Day 10 Video Montage
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