Today we split up to go to five different churches. You will have to get your story for your tour member of what happened at the other four churches (there are a few pictures from one of the other churches). I heard briefly that the testimonies and fellowship went very well. I went with Matthew Gordon (mentioned in an earlier post) and True Tamplin. We were taken by Mr. Mizuno to the Izumi Chuo church with Pastor Takei (Tah-kay). He started the church 16 years ago in his garage with just him and his wife. Five years later they purchased the building they are in now. Church is on the first floor and they live on the 2nd floor. He teaches school during the week. We invited Mr. Mizuno to stay, but he said he had "homework". We will keep trying and praying. This was my third time to this church, the first being 6 years ago. It was fun to see everyone again, and to see the baby that had just been born now 6 years old (and adorable beyond words). One thing that has always struck me about most of the churches here (as you will see from the video) is how small they are, but yet how faithfully these pastors labor for so little. And their passion for the Lord is obvious as this pastor demonstrated in his prayer that brought him to tears (video). One special thing was that what True spoke about in his testimony was almost exactly the same theme that Pastor Takei had in his message---as if "someone" planned it that way. Our group was able to eat at the church and fellowship for about 2 hours after the service and before we went to the game. Pray for these Christians who labor so faithfully with very little support--at least the kind that we are used to.
I was also able to get to know Matthew Gordon a little, and his story is quite amazing as to how God works. As previously mentioned, he was adopted by American missionaries and has 10 siblings, most of them adopted also, and has live with up to 9 foster kids in the house in addition to the siblings. His birth mother was 15-years old and part of a mafia family. Her mom did not want her to have the baby. As the doctor was preparing to do the abortion, he was in his office and opened a desk drawer, and on the top there "just happened" to be a flyer from the ministry that the Gordons ran. The doctor called them and told them about the baby, and two weeks after he was eventually born, the Gordons adopted him. If that flyer had not been there, or he had not opened the drawer, well Matthew would not be here, wanting to be a part of the Seahorse ministry. He has been a great unplanned addition to the trip, both in spirit and in his translating help.
Well, the team eventually converged from all of the churches and we were scheduled to play 4 30-minute periods against Kinki University, the 2nd largest university in Japan, on par with a skill level of a UCLA. Although they played mostly their B players, we were still up against it. Then consider that everyone was telling us that this was the hottest August day ever in Osaka. As we were waiting for the game, the temperature gauge in Mr. Mizuno's car read 39 degrees Celsius (about 102 F). Before the game, Mr. Mizuno introduced the team, and explained how the team is a Christian team. We pray that even as he introduces us, the Mr. Mizuno actually is impacted by what he is saying. Paul then introduced Pastor BJ & Masa. This may seem small, but an important part of our ministry is providing a bridge between the locals and providing for proper introductions, which then enhance the ministry when we leave by allowing the contact to continue since it has already been introduced---and all this through a man (Mr. Mizuno) who is not a believer. Fortunately we got started late and only played 3 30-minute periods. We held them 1-1 until about 10 minutes left when they scored 2 goals for a 3-1 final, but our guys played great considering only 1 practice together this season, not playing at home, and playing 102 degree heat with humidity. We had a great time of mixing after the game. A very enthusiastic song, an impromptu race (Daniel M.), and some Sumo wrestling (Carlos & Daniel A.). We also tried to get them to sing a song, but what we got was the goalie singing the ABC's and relating it to his name (he only got to "G"). Joey gave his testimony again, and while we like to give multiple people the chance, it was felt that it would be more respected coming from the team captain. This match had been arranged by Mr. Mizuno who is a friend of the President. The President was so impressed by what he saw that he said he wants to talk about continuing this relationship (its a start). Pray that this could continue in future years.
After the post-game activities, the team showered at the university and then we took the bus to the food court again for dinner. The day ended with a late night short meeting about tomorrows activities.
Pictures
Video Montage
Testimony-Joey O'Keefe Take 2
Testimony-True Tamplin
American Song Take 2
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