It has now been a week since we have been back, and life is returning to normal---but is it. Lives were changed in Japan, and the lives of the participants were changed to. As I reflected on the time in Japan, I am once again inspired by the faithfulness and kindness of the Japanese people. They labor so diligently with so little and are generous with what they have, and never once was there ever a hint of complaint. I know I could learn so much from them. And the missionaries we met, the Luethys (Jonathan & Dorothy), the Reisters (Bob), and the Noars (Bill), had been so faithful, some ministering for over 30 years, just like Paul's parents did. What an inspiration these people are. I am sure there will a permanent impact on all the lives that were touched---on both sides of the ocean. Thank you for your part.
As a P.S., we were contacted after we returned by Lance Corporal Ramirez of the Iwakuni Public Affairs Office (the one you saw taking pictures and interviewing the girls) who sent a link to the news story & pictures that he prepared. Also below is the link to the Iwakuni Youth Sports Facebook page.
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni News Story
MCCS Iwakuni Youth Sports Facebook Page
Friday, August 1, 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Days 18 & 19, Final Camp day, Game, Travel Home
Today was our final camp day. We did a lot of soccer drills and then Coach Ray had the kids play games to practice the skills they learned. We did skits, songs and contests during the break. We ended camp at 10:45am, and then have a massive water balloon fight. The parents supplied us with hundreds of water balloons, so we had many rounds of kids throwing at us and vice versa, 2 balloons at a time. It was a lot of fun. We had our final skit at the end led by Danielle about the story of the fiery furnace. Paul gave the closing message and prayer.
After the program was over, lunch was provided in the pavilion. It was great to see the kids mix with the Seahorse coaches, signing autographs on the team brochure and the shirts.
After the camp ended, we had a couple of hours of free time, and then it was catch a train south again to play the high school girls that were part of the game on Tuesday. We played some 6 v 6 first as the entire field was not available. We won 2-1, with goals scored by Ashleigh and Natalie. Then we played the full game and won 1-0 on a goal by Savannah. Before the "full" game started, the team was really sweet and wanted to honor Breeanna who couldn't play all tour because of a broken foot. They had her do the initial kick-off at mid-field.
After the game, it was the team and Japanese song, and then a testimony by Alex L. Then we mixed with the team for a while until they had to leave. After they left, we had some final words from Danielle, who was staying down south with some friends who had know her grandparents.
The missionaries who sponsored this event, Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, came and told us about the impact that our Tuesday visit had. Apparently, the faculty at the University didn't think the President should be paying for our food because we are a Christian organization. Even though he (the President) is also not a believer, he insisted and said that if they wouldn't approve, that he would pay for it himself. The faculty also came to the event and were moved by what they saw happening. Apparently in Japan, they are stressing E.Q. (emotional quotient) as much as I.Q. and they really liked the E.Q. they saw happening. Also, when Jonathan was asked by Paul to pray, it was the President's own initiative to explain to everybody what prayer is and why we do it (which he knows from his wife who is a believer). The Luethy's were very encouraged by this.
We were so late getting home, that we just went to bed
It was an early morning 5:30am wake-up call to have the bus packed and loaded by 6am. Then it was 5 hours up to Osaka, fly to Tokyo, and then fly to LA, landing at 11:45am, Japan Airlines JL0062. (This is being written in Osaka). While on the bus, we did our third and final hynack session, and then each person had a chance to share their hi-light and low-light from the trip. One of those hi-lights is you all who have supported us faithfully, financially and through prayer. There will be many more stories you will hear when your individual participant gets home.
Pictures
Day 18 Video Montage
After the program was over, lunch was provided in the pavilion. It was great to see the kids mix with the Seahorse coaches, signing autographs on the team brochure and the shirts.
After the camp ended, we had a couple of hours of free time, and then it was catch a train south again to play the high school girls that were part of the game on Tuesday. We played some 6 v 6 first as the entire field was not available. We won 2-1, with goals scored by Ashleigh and Natalie. Then we played the full game and won 1-0 on a goal by Savannah. Before the "full" game started, the team was really sweet and wanted to honor Breeanna who couldn't play all tour because of a broken foot. They had her do the initial kick-off at mid-field.
After the game, it was the team and Japanese song, and then a testimony by Alex L. Then we mixed with the team for a while until they had to leave. After they left, we had some final words from Danielle, who was staying down south with some friends who had know her grandparents.
The missionaries who sponsored this event, Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, came and told us about the impact that our Tuesday visit had. Apparently, the faculty at the University didn't think the President should be paying for our food because we are a Christian organization. Even though he (the President) is also not a believer, he insisted and said that if they wouldn't approve, that he would pay for it himself. The faculty also came to the event and were moved by what they saw happening. Apparently in Japan, they are stressing E.Q. (emotional quotient) as much as I.Q. and they really liked the E.Q. they saw happening. Also, when Jonathan was asked by Paul to pray, it was the President's own initiative to explain to everybody what prayer is and why we do it (which he knows from his wife who is a believer). The Luethy's were very encouraged by this.
We were so late getting home, that we just went to bed
It was an early morning 5:30am wake-up call to have the bus packed and loaded by 6am. Then it was 5 hours up to Osaka, fly to Tokyo, and then fly to LA, landing at 11:45am, Japan Airlines JL0062. (This is being written in Osaka). While on the bus, we did our third and final hynack session, and then each person had a chance to share their hi-light and low-light from the trip. One of those hi-lights is you all who have supported us faithfully, financially and through prayer. There will be many more stories you will hear when your individual participant gets home.
Pictures
Day 18 Video Montage
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Day 17, Iwakuni Camp, Kintai Bridge & Castle
Today was basically the same routine as yesterday. Leave for breakfast at 6:45, for the field at 7:45, and camp at 8:30. Having passed out the camp shirts yesterday, we started the camp with our camp picture. Camp today was fun games (like crab soccer---use your imagination) followed by actual games (in each age group) using the skills from yesterday. Water breaks continued to have games and contests while keeping everyone hydrated. Thank you for your prayers as the weather, although very warm and humid, has not been as bad as prior years. Joining us at camp for a second day was Corporal Ramirez, who was taking pictures to post in a base news story. Our day at camp was completed with another skit led by Danielle---this time the story of the house built on the rock and on the sand from Matthew 7:24-27. Paul followed this skit with his testimony and a very clear presentation of the gospel. At the end, he gave an invitation for the kids (privately) and then encourage them to tell their parents tonight, and the coaches tomorrow if they made a decision. We haven't had as many of the kids stay as we would have hoped, but God is in control and knows who needs to be there.
After camp, walk to the mess hall and then back to the dorms. (We shouldn't gain any weight with all of the walking we are doing). We had a couple of hours to rest/shop and then took taxis to the Kintai bridge and Castle. This is a very beautiful area, and is where Paul grew up. We took a cable car up the mountain and then walked to the castle. It is beautiful and the view is spectacular. If was fun to imagine Paul growing up in this environment. We took taxis back to the base, and since we stayed late, everyone was on their own for dinner, and all chose to eat at the food court (subway, burger king, KFC, Taco Bell, etc.) The evening was free, although some were going to an on base soccer tourney tonight from 8-9:30pm.
Please continue to pray as there have been some significant issues that have arisen (external). Your individual tour member can update you when they arrive home. Thank you for your support.
Pictures
Day 17 Montage
After camp, walk to the mess hall and then back to the dorms. (We shouldn't gain any weight with all of the walking we are doing). We had a couple of hours to rest/shop and then took taxis to the Kintai bridge and Castle. This is a very beautiful area, and is where Paul grew up. We took a cable car up the mountain and then walked to the castle. It is beautiful and the view is spectacular. If was fun to imagine Paul growing up in this environment. We took taxis back to the base, and since we stayed late, everyone was on their own for dinner, and all chose to eat at the food court (subway, burger king, KFC, Taco Bell, etc.) The evening was free, although some were going to an on base soccer tourney tonight from 8-9:30pm.
Please continue to pray as there have been some significant issues that have arisen (external). Your individual tour member can update you when they arrive home. Thank you for your support.
Pictures
Day 17 Montage
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Day 16, Iwakuni Camp, Tokuyama Game
Today was our first full day in Iwakuni. It saw a radical change in our schedule. We had to be ready to leave our dorms by 6:45am to walk 15 minutes to the mess hall. After breakfast (about 7:30-7:45) we would walk another 15 minutes to the field were we were going to do our camp. Camp began at 8:30 with an introduction to the coaches who all picked cute camp names. The camp was broken up in to age groups (6's, 7's, 8's, 9's, 10-11's, 12-13's) and then a group of older guys. Most of the day was spent with various soccer skills and the different age groups rotating around the different soccer skill stations. There were frequent water breaks due to the heat, so during those breaks (under the pavilion), we did songs, games and contests with the kids. Although it was hot and humid, we were not "black-flagged" (meaning it was so bad we would have to end the camp for the day). Camp ended at 11:30 and those parents who chose not to have their kids stay for Bible time pick them up. At 11:40, we do our Bible time, which consisted a skit about Noah and the ark led by Danielle.
After camp it was another walk back to the mess hall, followed by another walk back to our dorms. We had some rest time, and then it was another 15 minute walk to the bus station to catch the bus to the train station. There was a mixup with the bus information somehow, so Paul had to scramble to get six taxis ordered to take us to the train station. Paul was able to ask a passerby to call on her phone for us. Well, we finally got to the train station and then it was about a 45-minute train ride south to Tokuyama to play the Tokuyama University women's soccer team. When Biola played them 2 years ago, Tokuyama won 5-0. This year, we won 3-0 (Morgan scored 2 goals----almost 3, and Emily scored the other goal). After the game and a shower, we went to the cafeteria to eat dinner with them. We were hosted by the University President and the President of the Athletic Department. The University President's wife is a strong believer, but he is not---yet. Paul was able to introduce the missionary Jonathan Luethy by asking him to pray. The University president spoke up then and explained to the girls that this was an American custom and to go ahead. It was nice to have his support even though he is not a believer. It was a great time of mixing and building relationships---we first played this University's mens team back in 1999. Ashleigh concluded the evening with her testimony.
We were joined at the game by missionaries Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, who have been missionaries in this area for about 35 years. Their son Ben toured with the Seahorses to Japan in 1998-1999. Thursday we will be playing another game in the Luethy's area to help them build contacts there. Another missionary named Bill was there who knew Danielle's parents and grandparents. To those who haven't read all the previous blogs, Danielle is our certified athletic trainer, whose grandparents took over the ministry from Paul's parents. Bill also brought a Japanese man who was a student when Danielle's father was a teacher here. It is wonderful to see both the commitment of these missionaries, and to see how God's tapestry weaves through many generations. Pray that we will finish strong as we leave on the 25th---early.
Pictures
Day 16 Video Montage
After camp it was another walk back to the mess hall, followed by another walk back to our dorms. We had some rest time, and then it was another 15 minute walk to the bus station to catch the bus to the train station. There was a mixup with the bus information somehow, so Paul had to scramble to get six taxis ordered to take us to the train station. Paul was able to ask a passerby to call on her phone for us. Well, we finally got to the train station and then it was about a 45-minute train ride south to Tokuyama to play the Tokuyama University women's soccer team. When Biola played them 2 years ago, Tokuyama won 5-0. This year, we won 3-0 (Morgan scored 2 goals----almost 3, and Emily scored the other goal). After the game and a shower, we went to the cafeteria to eat dinner with them. We were hosted by the University President and the President of the Athletic Department. The University President's wife is a strong believer, but he is not---yet. Paul was able to introduce the missionary Jonathan Luethy by asking him to pray. The University president spoke up then and explained to the girls that this was an American custom and to go ahead. It was nice to have his support even though he is not a believer. It was a great time of mixing and building relationships---we first played this University's mens team back in 1999. Ashleigh concluded the evening with her testimony.
We were joined at the game by missionaries Jonathan & Dorothy Luethy, who have been missionaries in this area for about 35 years. Their son Ben toured with the Seahorses to Japan in 1998-1999. Thursday we will be playing another game in the Luethy's area to help them build contacts there. Another missionary named Bill was there who knew Danielle's parents and grandparents. To those who haven't read all the previous blogs, Danielle is our certified athletic trainer, whose grandparents took over the ministry from Paul's parents. Bill also brought a Japanese man who was a student when Danielle's father was a teacher here. It is wonderful to see both the commitment of these missionaries, and to see how God's tapestry weaves through many generations. Pray that we will finish strong as we leave on the 25th---early.
Pictures
Day 16 Video Montage
Monday, July 21, 2014
Day 15, Travel Day, Osaka to Iwakuni
Everyone was up this morning at
7:30am for breakfast at 8, and time to pack and clean up the church, then walk
to where the bus would pick us up (it is too big to park in front of BJ’s
church) for the trip to Iwakuni.
We drove for 2 hours, ate lunch, drove for another 2 hours and had a
quick pit stop, then 1 more hour to the base.
One would think that on a travel
day, that there would not be anything substantive to report. Well, not so as God showed up big time
in the most unusual way. It
happened at the first truck stop where we were doing lunch. Gil was deciding between an ice cream
and Starbucks and then chose the ice cream. Then, he decided he wanted Starbucks too. Paul decided to accompany Gil to the
Starbucks instead of back to the bus.
As Gil went to order his drink, Paul went to sit with the others. The Starbucks employee (Sarah-Japanese),
speaking perfect English, asked Gil if he was going to Iwakuni with the
girls. She asked because Gil
“happened” to be wearing his Iwakuni shirt. It turns out that she grew up in Iwakuni, and her mom still
worked on the base. Gil thought
this was so interesting, he introduced Paul to her. Well, it gets better.
Paul recognized Sarah’s last name and told her that she had been led to
the Lord by Paul’s parents! She
said, “Oh, you mean Papa Gizzi?”
So she was very familiar with who Paul’s dad was. What are the odds!? A random truck stop, and a Starbucks
employee whose Mom was led to the Lord by Paul’s parents. God is so good!
The second leg of our ride found us
holding our second hynack session.
For full discussion of hynacks, see blog for the last travel day. In short, we accuse each other of cultural
faux pas, or just regular silly things.
You will have to check with your individual team member for details as
these were internal things and/or a “you had to be there” kind of thing.
We arrived on the base and checked in with no problem. With us on the bus was Oksana. She is the community services liaison for the base who helps coordinate the details of our visit. She made sure we had our individual passes, and gave us instructions for eating, getting around, and the dress code. It is VERY strict on the base. Among others, no sandals (must be tennis shoes or the like), no shorts above mid-thigh, no muscle shirts or spaghetti straps, and since we are eating in the mess hall this year with military personnel instead of the food court, no sportswear of ANY kind. We were not expecting to eat there. They had not told us that so some were not prepared. We are scrambling to see that everyone has something appropriate. Our rooms are another story too. We were all looking forward to the individual rooms with air conditioning were we could get the occasional respite from the heat and humidity. Well, there is a HUGE amount of construction going on on the base, which includes our dorms. The air conditioning, programmed to go no lower than 70 degrees, does not do even that. Temperature in the rooms when we arrived were between 80-86. Most of the rooms could get no better than 78-80 degrees. Just one more thing to deal with. At least the weather report for Tuesday is only 85 degrees with 60% humidity. Pray for our endurance.
After settling in our rooms, we left for a 15 minute walk to the mess hall for dinner. Nothing like working off the dinner BEFORE you eat it. After dinner, a short staff meeting and then a team meeting going over the general details of our 3 days here and specific details for tomorrow. We closed the evening with a time of sharing and prayer led by Susan.
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