Days 12 & 13, Clinic/Games, Tournament---Church, Shopping, Tour Wrap up

   Hello all.  Thank you for reading and praying along with us.  This will be the last blog of the trip.  Today (Sunday) there was church in the morning, but the rest of the day was shopping, dinner, sento and tour sharing wrapup.  As there would be nothing much to write about,  This post will cover Saturday and Sunday church.  The rest of the details you can get from your tour member when you see them.
     Saturday morning saw a very special event.  There was a former Japan professional soccer player who had come to the U.S. to see if he could make a team (a number of years ago), and Paul had agreed to host him for the 2 weeks that he hoped to be there.  Well, the 2 weeks turned into 2 months, and he never did make a team.  However, the connections made during that time have continued to be cultivated.  This man is back in Japan and involved in futsal (usually 5 players instead of 11).  Anyway, he invited 10 members of our team to play a match that was going to be recorded and then televised at a later date.  We lost the game 8-1, but we had a great time of ministry.  One note about this that you will have to ask those who went (I didn't)---it was like playing inside a sauna they said.  They could literally wring out the shorts or shirt and water would flow out.  One girl said that at the field even (hours later), her shoelaces were still dripping.  These ladies are such troopers.  Despite the conditions and the score, not one of them complained in any way.  Since next year is an open tour, we are hoping that some of them will decide to return, especially since the Japanese see those who return as something special.  It is nice to come once, but to come more than once says you really liked it.  Please encourage your ladies to repeat next year.
     The rest of us had a free morning until 11:30 when we left for the food court, where it was lunch and shopping until 1:15.  Since Paul Bostrum was not here today, it took 8 drivers to get us to where we were going today.  These people are soooo generous with their time.  It was basically all day (on and off for them).  Then we left for the field (the one surrounded by the rice paddies) to play the same Tahara club we played on Thursday, but this time it was the 5 grade boys (the others were younger).  They basically just wanted to play games, so we broke the large field into 4 smaller ones and just rotated teams for an hour and a half.  After the time we did our songs, cheer and a testimony (Mahe).  Then we had about an hour before the evening activity on the same field, so the ladies went into the air-conditioned clubhouse to relax for an hour.  The evening consisted of playing some teams organized by Pastor Sato of the Hamanako Bible Camp.  We broke into 8 total teams for the four fields that were already set up and actually had a round robin tournament (You can see the winners in the pictures).  Following the tournament we had a short time of worship and actually got to sing our Japanese song with help and accompanied by the guitar.  Rachel did her testimony, then it was off to the sento and dinner at Joyfull (next to the sento)
     Sunday we split up into 3 groups to go to three different churches (one was the missionary Paul Bostrum).  I stayed at Pastor Hasui's church, so that is the report you will get.  The service started at 10:30, and to allow us to participate as much as possible, they projected the words to all the songs in both Japanese and English.  About halfway through they called us up to introduce ourselves and then the ladies that were here did Kimi Wa.  They had us sing it through twice and joined us the second time through.  After the service, they provided lunch for us.  We split up among 4 tables so we could fellowship with them.  After lunch Pastor Hasui had the girls answer some questions (what is their major, what do they want to do in the future, what church do they come from, and what is the size), and then we played some games (Pictionary, 2 truths & a lie).  It was a great time.  We finished about 2:30 and then at 3 most of the team went to Lalaport Mall for shopping and dinner.  Three of us stayed back (including Ayaka and myself and one player not feeling well).  The group had a great time at the mall and even ran into some of the Sangyo soccer girls.  The three of us who stayed back had a great time getting to know each other and sharing our testimonies.  After dinner, it was off to the sento for most of the team.  Tonight will be a team meeting of sharing the impact of the trip, so that will have to be shared individually by each member (three of the Sangyo girls just showed up for the sharing---pray they may see and hear the love of Christ).  Tomorrow we leave at 8:30 by bus for that 5 hour ride back to Osaka, so there will really be nothing to report.
     An interesting cultural note from this morning's church service.  In the pictures, you will see a baby boy that captured the attention of the ladies.  I was talking with the foster dad at lunch (who is an American married to a Japanese) and he told me about the process.  Apparently the mother was a young girl who died suddenly a week after the baby was born.  So, the Japanese (according to the dad) are superstitious such that no one wanted the baby because they felt that if they adopted him that he might die suddenly also.  So, the adoption agency called and asked if they wanted him, they said yes, and a week later they had him.  No paperwork, fingerprints, background check---nothing.  Well, it is obvious this baby will have a loving home (they have 2 of there own and two other adopted children)
     So, thank you for joining on this trip, both financially and in prayer as you have followed what we have done.  We hope that you have learned something about Japan, and about why ministry is so important here despite "results" not being what you might hear from other outreach trips.  As stated earlier, relationship so important here in Japan that a returning trip member would speak volumes, so consider encouraging your member to return again next year.  Pray for the seeds that have been planted and attitudes that the Japanese have been opened up to in seeing how our ladies can be free and open without any sense of judgment.  May this encourage them that there really is something different about this Jesus they heard about that there will want to pursue it further.  We may not see the results, but God has promised us that they are there.
     "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, so shall my word be which goes forth from my mouth.  It shall not return to empty without accomplishing my purpose and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it."  Isaiah 55:10-11
     God bless you all for joining us!

Pictures, Days 12-13
Pictures, All
Video Montage, Days 12-13
Testimony-Mahe
Testimony-Rachel
Kimi Wa (with the Hamanako Bible Camp)

Day 11, Games: Hyogo All-Stars, Shizuoka Sangyo University (revised)

    Today was an early start as our first game was at 8:30.  I forgot to add about the weather conditions.  At 7:45 this morning when we arrived it was 84 degrees with 96% humidity!  We went through so much water. The team (Hyogo All-Stars) are a traveling all-star team from a neighboring city/county.  They were in the area for a tournament and heard about us through the Sangyo girls (who they played in the tournament) and so a game was arranged for them.  What a creative way for the Lord to arrange to get the gospel heard for those who probably never have heard it and "just happened" to be in town the same time we were.  We played two 30-minute halves and lost 3-0.  After the game, Paul did some introductions about who we are on why we are here, and introduced Pastor Hasui to them and then let him talk so as to build a connection that could continue when we leave.  Then we did our usual songs (again Paul Bostrum explained the "Peach of a Savior" song), and then we asked them to do some songs for us.  They were kind of shy about doing it (more on this later), but eventually they did some songs.  For their first one, they even mocked us by trying to copy the Bo-te-le-li cheer.  After all the songs, Madyson did her testimony and then we passed out team brochures and spent some time mixing and taking group selfies.  They then had to leave, so we ate lunch in the cafeteria, but 3 of the Sangyo girls that we would be playing against in the evening game joined us for lunch (2 of them the same that came to Pastor Hasui's our first night).
     After lunch we went back to the church and had about 3 hours to rest before the afternoon game.  Both games were played at Sangyo U but on different fields.  The field for our night game is the one we have played on several times before.  We also lost this game, I think by the same score of 3-0.  After the game we did the same routine as in the morning game, but this time the testimony was given by Danielle S.  When we asked them to do their songs, again there was that initial reluctance but they eventually did it and actually got into in the same spirit that our ladies did.  You can also see from the video that they were having a great time getting to know our ladies.  As is tradition for this team, they were invited to join us for dinner at the Gusto restaurant and as you can see, they took us up on it (about 17 joined us).  Two years ago they were all having such a good time that the manager really wanted us to leave.  No such trouble this year but it was so loud that at our table we couldn't really even hear each other talk.  Just for fun, I downloaded a decibel meter app and noted that decibel rate hovered between 85-90 with gusts up to 100 (hey, what else does an former auditor do to amuse himself?)
    While it was difficult to talk, probably the most impactful part of the evening came from a conversation I had with missionary Paul Bostrum (who was sitting at my table, 40 years in Japan).  While I was (and am) happy to see the way the ladies were relating, I asked Paul that realistically this was a one-shot deal, and what impact could it really have when it was barely a half of a day.  He indicated that it was an incredible effect.  He said that the Japanese are notoriously shy (as I mentioned earlier (and as you saw/will see in the video) and very self-conscious of what others will think of how they act and what they say.  To see our ladies acting crazy with no self-consciousness allows them to do the same, and to see that we continue to relate to them afterward with no sense of judgment whatsoever is incredibly huge to them as they don't ever experience openness like this.  He said that the nearest they come is when they party and are drunk, but then they are not responsible for what they say.  Paul Bostrum said that it actually opens up a whole new world for them that people can actually be open and non-judgmental and that they would remember this experience for the rest of their lives.  This blew me away as I had always figured we had an impact, but didn't understand how really big it was.  Thank you Mr. Bostrum for allowing us to more deeply understand the impact of our ministry.
     Another insight came later when the other Paul (Gizzi) mentioned how important it was that 3 leaders (including the two that came to Hasui's and lunch) came to the dinner and brought the whole team including the freshmen.  He said that that builds into them the culture that this is an OK thing to do which bodes very well for future ministry.
     All in all it was a wonderful end to the day to bring into focus more clearly from those who know the culture so well, one having been a missionary for 40 years (or more) and before that, grew up in Japan as his parents were missionaries, and the other whose parents were missionaries and he grew up here.  Thank you Paul 1 and Paul 2!
     Tomorrow a group of 10 goes to a special game that will be filmed and show about 2 weeks from now.  The rest have a slow morning until 11:30.

Pictures, Day 11
Pictures, All
Video Montage, Day 11
Bo-te-le-li Cheer (led by Danielle V.)
Bo-te-le-li Cheer (led by Emily)
Bo-te-le-li Cheer (led by Sam, with the Sangyo team captain)
Hyogo Team Songs
Sangyo Team Songs
Testimony-Madyson

Day 10, Kakegawa Castle, Tahara FC Boys Clinic

    It was a 9am breakfast this morning so we all had the opportunity to sleep in a little.  Then it was the opportunity for a little culture, and a new experience.  We had the chance to do a little sightseeing.  We walked to a train station, took a short train ride (the first one) and then walked again to the Kakegawa castle.  This particular castle, at least the guard tower, had completely burned in the 1800's and that portion of the castle grounds had been made into a park. Then a number of years ago, someone donated a large sum of money to rebuild the castle, other donors matched this, and the tower castle was rebuilt to its original specifications.  The steps in the tower are extremely steep, intentionally, so we were told, so that as one retreated up, it was easier to defend as the attackers could not get a good position.  Eventually though the lord of the castle realized that he would be taken and committed suicide.  It was very interested to learn of the history of the castle.  Then between Paul Bostrum and Pastor Hasui, we were shuttled to our lunch area.  After lunch, 10 ladies (& Paul G) were taken to the train for the ride back to Pastor Hasui's, while the others were taken directly to the church.
    By the time we got back to church, we had about 45 minutes to rest, and then it was off to our next location.  We went to field seemingly in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by rice fields.  Before, during, and after the event, when they got a break, some of the ladies went frog hunting.  There were literally hundreds, probably thousands around the field (very small ones).The ladies practiced from 4-5 and then the 10-12 year old boys from the Tahara FC Club began arriving.  The ladies immediately began mixing before the official start time of 5:30pm.  There were the usual introductions of the captains, coaches and the leaders of the two clubs (Tahara, Seahorses).  Then both the ladies and the kids were broken up into 8 different teams, with 3-4 of our ladies, and 4-5 kids on each team.  They spent some time doing drills, but what most of the kids wanted to do was play games, which was done most of the time.  It was great to watch the ladies adapting their games to make sure they involved the kids as much as possible.  You could tell that the kids were having a great time.
     After the games, we did the usual post-game activities:  Japanese song, American song (we explained the meaning of the song and Paul Bostrum translated it for us), team cheer (and then they joined us for the cheer), and testimony.  Bree M (Mik) did her testimony.  After her testimony, we passed out the team brochures and there was a lot of informal mixing.  As part of the closing ceremonies, Pastor Hasui was introduced, so that those there then now had a connection to a church should they desire to get attend.
    Please pray that the seeds planted would grow, and that those there would feel comfortable to go to Pastor Hasui's church.
     After the clinic was over, we got a ride to the sento to get cleaned up and then walked next door to eat dinner.  After dinner we rode home and were off to bed.  All except Paul.  Pastor Hasui's son Yo (whose wedding Paul perform the ceremony for).  He had traveled over an hour (with wife and baby) to be able to see Paul and particularly to play ping pong.  They have had this ongoing competition for many years.  Yo was here until 12:30.  Please pray that that relationship would continue to grow and bear fruit also and that Paul could get some sleep today/tonight).

Pictures, Day 10
Pictures, All
Video Montage, Day 10
Clinic Boys Song, Day 10
Bo-te-le-li Team Cheer, Day 10
Bo-te-le-li Team Cheer, Day 10 (with the kids)

Day 9, Osaka to Iwata, Fellowship Time

   OK, OK, so I changed my mind.  Since Matthew had his hotspot on the bus I could actually get an unexpected head start, and then breakfast the next morning wasn't until 9 so I had plenty of time to get a post done. This will keep the two-day post from being too long.
     This morning we had to still get up early to be ready for the bus by 8:45.  This meant not only packing, but putting away all of the bedding and putting the church back the way it was before we got there.  Then we had to walk our luggage about 100 yards to where the bus would pick us up.  Unlike the bus BJ drove us in, this was a full-size, 50-person bus which couldn't fit on his street.  We did something different this year for the bus ride, and that is that we didn't eat breakfast downstairs as usual.  Every year there are "tweaks" to how we do things and this was a great idea as it saved preparation and cleanup time.  Instead, after loading the bus, we split up to go to various convenience stores and purchase whatever we wanted for breakfast.  The bus had been gone about 5 minutes when Matthew got a call on his phone from Masa that one of the team member's backpack had been left behind.  She had wanted it to be stored underneath the bus, but the driver thought it would go on the bus, so it got left.  Anyway, we stopped and let Masa catch up with us with the backpack (member to remain nameless).  Thanks for coming through again Matthew! Little did you know how your presence would minister to us.
     The bus ride was nice, particularly through the mountains where it was so pretty.  We did hit a lot of traffic, some due to construction in one of the mountain tunnels, and some for no apparent reason.  By law, bus drivers in Japan have to stop every 2 hours (at least).  The 1st stop was a rest stop, and then we stopped the 2nd time early for lunch because of the traffic ahead.  Between the 1st and the 2nd, we did the traditional "hynack" awards.  These were originally "created" years ago to represent those who did something culturally inappropriate, but has evolved over the years to anyone who did something silly.  What is this doing on a missions trip?!  Well, talk to your tour member and ask.  It is amazing that spending so much time essentially poking fun at each other would create so much bonding.  There was so much laughter as the stories were hilarious.  However, because these are more personal stories, and because they are pretty much a "you had to be there' kind of thing, the stories will have to wait to be told until you can talk with your tour member.  It was a fun time though.  This took up about 45 minutes and the rest of the 2nd leg was spent mostly in much needed sleep.  The 2nd stop was lunch and then back on the road for the last 1 1/2 hour leg.  It was interrupted half-way through for a much needed pit stop.  We arrived in Iwata about 4pm.  It was a quick unpacking and then off to the sento, because the ladies from Sangyo University were coming to spend time with our team from 7-9 (and Paul said that knowing the way things go it could end up being until 11).
     Well, as usual, things change.  We got to the church, took our stuff in and then set up the sanctuary by moving all the benches to the sides and putting them front to front to make beds and then put futons in the middle of the room (see pictures & video).  We were able to fit all of the ladies in the sanctuary after all so Paul & I did not need to bother Pastor Hasui by sleeping in his house as we were able to use the second floor after all instead of having to put some of the ladies there (you can see the sliding door to our room to the left of the kitchen door in one of the videos).  We went for an early sento as we were going to have the Shizuoka (the name of the prefecture, which is like U.S counties) Sangyo University girls come for a visit.  We had dinner at 7 and then met Paul Bostrum, a missionary in Japan who joined us to be a translator.  He came along with 3 of his 14 children.  We met the head of the Iwata Soccer Association and a Pastor who has arranged for some futsal games on Saturday.  It was a time of getting to know them and then we had some worship time together.  The Sangyo girls actually came at 8 instead of 7 and there were only 2 of them, so fellowship was with not only them, but some of the church members who came to be a part of the evening.  Again, our team did a great job of mixing with everyone there.  The ladies were off to bed by 10:45, but the two Sangyo girls stayed to play ping pong with Paul and another gentleman.  Tomorrow is a 9am breakfast, which means sleeping in.  Then we get to take a train (not the bullet train) to visit a castle, back to the church, and then an afternoon clinic with young boys.  Even though there were only 2 of the Sangyo girls who came, it was great to see the continuing relationship there.  They have been involved with the Seahorses for 7 & 6 years respectively.  One, Mei, has been to the U.S. twice when the Sangyo team came with Pastor Hasui.  The team is planning on coming again next March.  Pray that these two (& others) continue to be impacted by the Seahorse ministry.


Pictures, Day 9
Pictures, All
Video Montage, Day 9

Day 8, Kyoto Temple, Game

     This morning saw another early start as we were up for breakfast at 7:15 and then left by 8 for a bus ride to Kyoto.  It was about 90 minutes.  Our first stop was at one of the Kyoto temples. We did our group picture first and then we had about an hour and a half to tour the temple and do some shopping on the long street leading up to the temple.  At the temple visit, the emptiness of Buddhism was very evident.  Paper prayers tied to strings in hopes they would be lifted to the gods, ringing bells to get the gods attention, praying before idols, and drinking water for a blessing are just a few of the ways it seemed so empty.  It made what we are doing that much more important as we have so much hope we can give them, a hope that they do not have now.

     Then it was a short bus ride to Ratsumeikan University.  It was a really pretty field.  The ladies thought the other team was so cute as they were waiting at the entrance of the school so they could greet us as the bus drove in.  We played this team 4 years ago and have a relationship with the University, but the players are all new.  Instead of eating together after a game, we had lunch with the team in the school cafeteria.  The food was actually very good and inexpensive.  It was great to see how the ladies mixed up the seating and began relating so well to the other team.  After lunch we played 3 20 minute games and then played 3 7-min games of the coaches against the ladies (2 for our team and 1 for their ladies).  During the games it was great to see the heart for ministry these ladies have.  After the first 20 minutes, the ladies who had been playing could have just decided to rest after getting hot and tired from playing, but instead, they chose to go to the other side and mix with the other team.  This is what ministry is all about and what these ladies are so good at. After the game we did all the team songs, cheer, and Jessie did her testimony.  The other team did a couple of songs for us too.  Then there was an extended time of just mixing and building relationships.  Despite the language barrier, the ladies had such a great time mixing.  I heard Facebook mentioned a number of times so it seems that some plan to keep in contact.  It was really so much fun to see how well they related.  Pray that these relationships can continue, whether with the ladies or Pastor BJ, and that the gospel they heard today will continue to grow in their hearts.

     After the fellowship time finally ended, the ladies showered in the locker rooms (no sento) and then we went to a food court for dinner and then back to the church.  The evening consisted of a meeting where we spent some time thanking Mr. Mizuno and Pastor BJ for all that they did for us.  Pastor BJ continued his tradition of providing special t-shirts from the Japanese J-League for any of the ladies who scored a goal against him, and then also shirts for the 2 goalies (since he is a goalie).  Probably the most special part of the evening was what Paul had to share about Mr. Mizuno from his ride back (Mr. Mizuno drove a van to Kyoto to take those ladies who wouldn't fit in the bus). Mr. Mizuno said that he considers himself more Christian than Buddhist, but yet can't quite make the commitment yet.  BJ added that Mr. Mizuno said something to the effect that what has happened with the Seahorses and his relationship with BJ is based on the guidance of Jesus!  Mr. Mizuno is not quite there yet, but he is getting oh so close.  These comments by Paul and BJ were even made while Mr. Mizuno was still there.  Please pray for Mr. Mizuno that he can make that final step.
     We closed the evening by gathering around BJ & Mary and having a time of prayer for them.

     Well, the bus arrives tomorrow at 8 and we leave about 8:45-9 for a 5-hour bus ride to Iwata.  Pray for a safe journey, rest and fellowship on the bus.  Since there won't be much to report, there will be no blog tomorrow and the travel day will be included with the day after.
     As a P.S., I was not able to finish the blog this morning because the internet went out and didn't come back on until just when we had to leave.  But Matthew comes through again.  You have heard me mention him several times as having joined the tour last year, and now he is actually riding with us up to Iwata to join the ministry there---AND---he has a hotspot on his phone, so for the first time ever I am able to blog on the bus.  Thank you Matthew!!!

Pictures, Day 8

Pictures, All

Video Montage, Day 8

Testimony-Jessie

Team Cheer

Other Team Song

Day 7, Games, Masa's Soccer School (older kids), Pastor's of Passion

     This morning saw a fairly early start of breakfast at 7:15 as we had to leave by 8:00.  On Saturday when we had Masa's soccer school clinic in the morning, we usually would have had his older kids in the afternoon as he has a separate group for the teenagers (a lot of whom are missionary kids and most of whom speak english).  This year Masa was not able to get the field so we were able to play them.  God's timing was very evident in this.  Although the field we played on today was a more expensive rental than Saturday, we didn't know back in February when the trip was set up that we would have homestays on Saturday starting at 4pm.  This means that the game with Masa's older students would have conflicted with 15 team members who would not have been able to play.  Instead we were able to play the older students this morning and everyone could participate.  Another side benefit is that Saturday's game would have been on dirt (if you want to see the field, go back and look at the blog post from last year for Masa's school), while today's game was on turf.  The game was in Kobe, the town where Paul was born.  We had to leave when we did because of morning traffic that would have taken normally 60-90 minutes---we got there in 45.  On the last part of the trip, BJ pointed out a freeway we traveled under which had been rebuilt he said 20 years ago because it had collapsed during the Kobe earthquake.  We played 3 20-minute games.  It was a good time of ministry to encourage these boys.  We sang our songs, and Annie did her testimony.
     After this game, we had about 2 hours until our next game, so we took the bus to Masa's church to relax for awhile. Two of the Masa's students rode the bus back with us as Masa's church was a block from their house and so we had a great time getting to know them (two brothers).  Paul gave everyone money for lunch and we walked around the corner to the grocery store.  It was fun to watch everyone shopping for lunch and interesting to see the choices.  We ate lunch then at the church, and played games or just relaxed.  Then it was back on the bus at 2 for the next set of games against the Pastor's of Passion.  Paul explained before we left that this is a group of 6 pastors that have banded together to try to gear up their ministries with a focus and goal on ministering in the Tokyo area in 2020, during the Tokyo olympics.  They are connected with BJ who is very well known in the Emmanuel denomination since his dad used to be the head of the denomination.  It was Paul's desire that before/during/after our games with them that we just show how ministry can happen with soccer and that that would encourage them to be able to use soccer themselves for their ministries.
      We took the bus to the games which were back on the rooftop courts where we were on Saturday for Masa's clinic.  We had two courts reserved and so to get everyone involved, we had two games going simultaneously.  Since these were futsal courts, each game was just 5 vs. 5 (4 players & goalie) and lasted just 7 minutes.  Lot of good action, so I hope you enjoy the pictures and video (pictures were taken using high-speed burst so the quality is not as good as the others--post game pictures I forgot to take off high-speed burst mode so those are lower quality--sorry).  After the game, we had a time of sharing from the pastors again, and then we did our songs (the girls are getting really good and the acoustics in the alcove we were in were great).  Erin did her testimony and it was the perfect one for these pastors as she has been in many countries doing sports ministry herself.  Pray for these pastors that they were able to catch or enhance their vision of what sports ministry can accomplish.
     After we were done, it was dinner on the 1st floor again at the food court, return to the church for change of clothes and then off to the sento.  After sento, there was a short team meeting on the 2nd floor (where the main group of ladies were staying---wow is it packed!) and then off to bed.  Tomorrow we head to Kyoto for a visit to the temple and shopping, lunch with another team and then play that team.  Pray for our fellowship during that time


Pictures, Day 7
Pictures, All
Video Montage, Day 7
Testimony-Annie
Testimony-Erin
Japanese Song, Day 7 (Pastor's of Passion game--great acoustics)
American Song, Day 7

Day 6, July 31, Homestays, Church, Tournament

     Today the team was split up into groups.  16 people were still on 5 different homestays, while the other 18 team members stayed at BJ's church.  So, the morning part is only about the homestay that I was on as (of course), I don't know what happened at the other locations.  It was great though to be split up and it was obvious how much it meant to the church to have us there.  They seemed very delighted and encouraged to have us there--but as I said, I don't know who was more encouraged---them or us.  I was particularly struck during the service as we sang "Fairest Lord Jesus."  The beginning of the last stanza started with "Beautiful Savior, Lord of the Nations . . ." and it hit me that here we were worshipping together as different nations----a little taste of what heaven would be like.  Talking with some of the others, our experience probably wasn't too different.  The people were so kind and generous and wanted to do whatever they could to serve us.  It was very humbling.  Our church actually had a 7:30 service, but said we didn't have to attend that one (about 10-12 people).  We did join the children's Sunday School class at 8:45 until about 9:15 and then they did the traditional making shave ice.  I say traditional because every church I have visited here seems to do this.  This was the first time though that it was not merely ice and the syrup.  They had toppings like mandarin oranges, pineapple, mochi balls (hard to describe-kind of chewy), sweet bean paste and green tea powder.  It was all very good.  After Sunday School, we attended the church service from 10:30-11:30, and then joined most of the church for their Sunday lunch which they do 3 times a month.  It was great to sit with them and get to know them better.  I was showing one of the ladies at my table my family picture taken at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center this summer and she remarked that she had been there with friends and walked the trails (about 40 years ago)!  Lunch went until about 1:15 and then we had a short break until we left about 2.
     We had come prepared to go straight to the field for the games.  We were playing the team called the FC Papas.  They have a team of men, 50 and older, and a team of 40 and older.  We played both teams on an alternating basis.  The older 50 men are the team that BJ is goalie for.  Mr Mizuno, who has been a part of every Osaka trip we have been on, is the captain of the FC Papas.  The schedule was to play 6 20-minute games, but then they wanted to play more, so we ended up playing 8 20-minute games.  While this was good game time (Masa and some of the guys who had helped out got to play in the last two for us), the disappointing part was that one of the two teams had left by that point and didn't get to hear the song (we did just the Japanese song) and Paul's testimony (Paul did it because it was a group of older men). Oh well, the Lord knows.  I don't remember all of the scores, but it was something like 1-0, 0-1, 1-2, 0-0, 2-0, 0-2, 1-1, 0-2).  Our goals were scored by Alexis (2), Marg (on a great steal), Sarah, and Masa in the last game when he played for us.  We also played so long that the people who had the field reserved at 7 came and we had to do our post-game song and testimony stuffed into the stands.  Flexibility, always the key.  There were some members of the other team that were new and never had heard the gospel.  We pray that the seeds planted will be able to be watered and harvested some day by BJ.  We particularly pray for Mr. Mizuno as he is always around, helps with transportation, and even hosts a homestay, but yet has not made a decision for Jesus.  There must be something that attracts him and we pray that God can overcome whatever is holding him back.
     After the game, we took the bus back to the food court we were at the first night for dinner.  Then it was back to the sento to clean up, and then home for much needed rest.  Thanks again for your prayers as it is amazing to see how well everyone is doing with jet lag, but some much going on and still having great attitudes.  Next year is most likely an "open" tour, so anyone could come who wants to.  Some of the girls are talking like they would like to come back---which would be great as it says a lot to the Japanese when people return.


Pictures, Day 6
Pictures, All
Video Montage Day 6
Team Song Day 6
Marg's Testimony
Paul's Testimony

Day 5, July 30, Masa's Soccer School

    The morning started with breakfast at 7:30 and then cleanup. This may seem like a mundane task, but with 34 people, and the kitchen so tiny and on another floor, it used to consume a lot of time. This year they assigned cleanup detail and did it on the first floor. It went a lot faster and we were able to finish earlier. BJ gave an introduction for the morning which was real inspiring as he talked about how many people would be there who had never heard the name of Jesus and those who hearing it again would drive it deeper into their hearts. It was a great focus to begin the day and trip with as it drove home from the people themselves how important it is what we are doing. Erin followed with encouragements to the girls to group in threes and discuss what they are learning in their devos (see video montage for these two focuses). We left at 9 for a 45 min bus ride to the facility. It is on the roof of an 8-story building and was held in three separate futsal (small fields) courts surrounded by nets.  One of the surprises was to see Matthew there. He joined us for the tour last year and has an amazing story.  His parents are American missionaries in Japan--they run an organization that saves babies to be aborted. His mother was a 14-year-old and part of a Mafia family whose grandmother wanted her to have an abortion.  Just prior to that, the doctor noticed a brochure that had been left in his office and called Matthew's parents and told them about him.  Not only did they rescue him, but they actually adopted him! (That's why the American name). I had heard but never met an abortion baby.  God has a great plan for him and it is exciting to see his love and desire to serve the Lord (he hopes to go to Biola soon but is not sure if he can financially.)

      The kids are ages 5-12 and are soooo

Days 3-4, July 28-29, Travel

     Wow, you would think we were going on a missions trip for something?! What a morning!  It goes to show that the enemy will stop at nothing, big or small, to try to sidetrack and ruin attitudes. Horrendous traffic to the airport, so we didn’t all bet there until 11:30.  However, that is the advantage of planning to arrive 3 hours early.  Check-in actually went very smoothly, but Gil’s backpack got left in the car and the driver had to come back in that horrible traffic.  Paul forgot his phone (very important for coordination in Japan) or at least thought he had.  It was in a different pocket.  Another member forgot her 2 t-shirts and Paul had to bring some more.  At the airport, another member dropped her phone and the screen cracked.  Another member’s name had been misspelled on the team list and so it didn’t match with the passport—but with a little extra verification, it was approved. 

     Have you ever thought about how expensive amusement park or event food is?  Well, 

Day 2, Orientation & Send-Off

     The morning started with practice at Biola.  We couldn't use the main field as it was being refurbished, so we practiced on McNally field by the tennis courts.  After about an hour and a half of drills, we went over to the soccer meeting rooms for more orientation.
     Paul started with some overall orientation about the country of Japan and then discussed in detail what we would be doing each day (see 2016 Itinerary).  After discussing the schedule, he went over a lot of administrative and functional details of day to day activities.  This was followed by an extended time of relational evangelism.  While he mentioned that we do have (if necessary) bi-lingual Four Spiritual Laws, the emphasis is on relationship and just telling your story.  Introvert or extrovert, it doesn't matter, the most important thing to consider is just to be who you are, be interested in the relationship, and be prepared to answer questions of why we are who we are, as people will be asking questions.  It is also not just us having a relationship with them to share the gospel, often it is us providing a bridge for the pastor to have a relationship with the Japanese, so relationship evangelism can be either direct, but mostly indirect.
     Assistant coach Katie was able to share about her trip to Japan in 2012 and had some really encouraging words (see video montage) that were great for all of us to hear.  Coach Erin continued that spiritual focus by introducing the devotional book she created for the team to use not only on this trip but during the rest of their 28-day training period.
     Then it was time for lunch in the Biola cafeteria.  After lunch we worked on our Japanese song ("Kimi Wa") and came up with our American song ("I've Got a Peach of a Savior").  After that, there was a break and then about 30-45 minutes of testimony workshop where each player wrote out and practiced their testimonies.  After testimony workshop, Dani V. led the discussion for coming up with our spiritual skits (lost sheep: Matt 18:12-14 and the treasure hidden in the field:  Matt 13:44) and funny skits.  It was great to see the enthusiasm of the team and their focus on themes that would reach the audience with a simple gospel message.
     Following the skit practice there was a break of a little over an hour before we had to be at Whittier Christian H.S for our intra-squad scrimmage from 4-6.  It was great to see so many parents there.  Following the scrimmage there was the send-off dinner at Biola's firepit put on by the Biola moms.  Thanks so much ladies!  In all my years (9), I have not seen any send-off like this.  Including the spread, the team was blessed with a crowd of 90 people--by far the largest send-off we have had.  After dinner and some words by Paul & Erin, the team performed it's Japanese song, American song and team cheer.  The evening was closed in group prayer and closed out by Randy Brunelle, coach Erin's dad.
     Thank you to all the supporters for coming and lifting us up in prayer tonight and throughout the trip.  We couldn't do it without you!

Day 2 Pictures
All Pictures
Video Montage, Day 2
American Song
Japanese Song
Team Cheer

P.S.  Most days in Japan, I will post the blog daily, which in Japan time would be about 7-10 am US time.   This will be true except for travel days where there might be a one day lag.  There will be no blog tomorrow as we will be traveling.  The next blog should be probably Fri morn 7-10am your time.

Day 1, Welcome & Orientation

     Well, we are off and running!  Quite the full house as this year will be the largest number of people taken in the 21 years of Japan tours.  30 tour members and 4 staff.  Housing will look slightly different this year too, but as usual, flexibility is the byword of any missions trip.  The tour unofficially started at 1pm as the ladies arrived in town back from their summers away, and spent the afternoon getting reacquainted and meeting the new freshmen.  There was relaxing out by the pool (for those who could stand the heat) or inside where it was quite cool.  Paul did a welcome before dinner and then the girls were introduced.  Vickie (Paul's wife) fixed a wonderful dinner, followed by her signature brownies.  During dinner, Erin supervised the passing out of the team gear.  This may not seem like much but imagine trying to organize backpacks, 5 different shirts, jackets, pants, shorts, uniforms for 34 people.  Coaches Erin and Katie were very organized.
     After the equipment was passed out, we met back in the main room for some more orientation.  The first part we watched the video "Why Japan?" It is a great video (produced by YWAM), only 4 1/2 minutes, and explains very succinctly why ministry in Japan is important.  If you haven't had a chance to view it yet, it would be perfect to view now to understand why we (& others) are going (it is available on the blog or select the "Why Japan" link above).  After the video, Paul used a powerpoint presentation to give an overall view of the kinds of things one might possibly experience on the tour.
     The rest of the orientation was continued outside by the pool.  It was mostly overview again of the types of things we will be discussing in more detail tomorrow.  The most important emphasis in this was the importance of relationship in Japan and making the effort to try to connect with them despite a language barrier.  Erin emphasized what Paul said by adding that we don't really even need our phones there--maybe for pictures, but not to let the desire to connect back home make us miss what we are really there for.  Even using the phone to try to help communicate might make one miss the joys thru tribulation of trying to communicate and how that can actually help build relationship as you struggle together to figure out words.  Also emphasized was the importance of testimonies, and that it is not just the "wow" testimonies that are important as different testimonies reach different people.  We also had a cultural overview of things we would discuss in more detail tomorrow.  Committees were set up to come up with the team songs and skits that are used as part of means of communicating the gospel, or simply breaking the ice.
     Personally, I am really excited to see how excited the ladies are already and it is only the first day.  Thank you all for your prayers.

Pictures (if you open the individual picture and select the info icon (white circle with an "i") then there will be a description of the picture)
Video Montage, Day 1