Now The Work Begins

Beloved,
The English Camp was completed this afternoon.  It was a blast.  The kids did a wonderful job singing in front of their parents.  They were in tune, and LOUD.  Real kids sing real loud.

One very pleasant surprise was that Jotaro, son of Toru (wheel chair), walked in to register himself for the EC since his parents were working.  Remember, he's 9 years old!  He mixed well with the others and had a great time.  Before lunch, Stan sent Toru a picture of Jotaro laughing and jumping and Toru was so thankful that Jotaro was there.  They will be in church on Sunday....first time in a church.  Keep praying for them and the encouragement they will bring to Nakada Sensei.  This is the very reason that you sent us here to Sendai.  We give thanks to God and anticipate great things.

The weather has been hot and we welcomed that since the forecast was for rain when we checked it a week before we left for Japan.  We appreciate our youngsters, Tyler and Jonathan, playing with the kids outside under the hot sun.  Well, today we were hit hard with thunder showers but they occurred during the hour that Tyler and Jonathan did not have a class scheduled.  Then the rain stopped and the sun came out just before their next session started.  Thank you for your prayers.

The children were a blessing.  At their 'graduation', each child received a certificate at the end of the closing assembly.  It was awesome to see.  Now that the EC is done, it is now time for the Sendai Church to build on this good start.  They asked that we return next year.  But now the hard work begins.  Now is the time that the Sendai Church needs our intercession the most.  Let us start this race together.

Thank you, beloved.   Tomorrow, we are off to one of the devastated areas 2  hours east of here and visit one of the temporary shelters.  Please pray and thank God for the open hearts of these people who have lost much and have so much to gain.  To God be the glory.

And we will praise Him,

Your Sendai Team

Of to a Good Start on the Last Day

Jotaro catching up with the Crafts

You can't tell by the picture, bu it's raining really hard.

Graduation

Graduation

We're did fireworks in the evening (sparklers)
The kids had  a great time, especially the big one.

Tyler in action.

Another Day, Another Blessing

Dear Beloved,
Today was a blessing as a result of all the hard work the team and church members put into the English Camp.  We were also blessed with the prayers spoken on our behalf by all of you. Thank you.

The ECC went extremely well today, from start to finish.  It was 'crazy hair' day; classes were on time; the "wild one" was tamed for a day; the children participated well in the classes; attendance was up by 2; the food was great; the weather was on the warm side, but no rain.  Thank you for praying for our time in Sendai.  Your prayers make a difference every day.  Thank you.

This evening, we were invited to the Fukuda's home for dinner.  Mr. Fukuda is a retired Colonel from Japan's armed forces and is very humble.  Sorry for not having pictures as I forgot my camera.  But know that they were very gracious to us.  The Fukuda's have been attending the Sendai church for the past 4 years shortly after Mr. Fukuda became a Christian.  He is 82 years old and God will still use him in a mighty way.

Our days have been long.  During the EEC, we start the devotions at 6:30am, breakfast at 7, staff meeting at 8:30 and oversee the EEC from 9:00 to 3:00, clean up and then prepare for the next day.  Today's update will be short so enjoy the pictures.   We look forward to the children blowing the roof off tomorrow with their singing.

Good night, beloved, and know that you are making a difference here.
With gratitude,

Your Sendai Team

Our Hard Working Ladies in the Kitchen.
Aihara-san, Ono-san & Aoyama-san
"The lunch was delicious"

Our Group Leaders were the BEST!
"Domo Arigato, Sasaki-san"

Sendai EEC 2014 

Crazy Hair Day
"Yikes, Sensei, you actually do look good!!!"

Is it OK for pastors to act like this?
No one could guess who the mad max was (Nakada)

Ryoko Kashiwagi joined us from Tokyo
She is a former member of Nichigo, SFVHC

Devotions Led by Nakada Sensei

This Horse is ready for the glue factory

Kids Will Be Kids

Beloved,
The day is almost over and there are a few very exciting events to report.

The Sendai English Camp started today and despite a slow start (getting the kids warmed up), it ended in a huge success (getting hot kids to cool down).  Fourteen kids arrived (3 more are starting tomorrow) and 3 others just entered the doors of the church with their mother just as we started and stayed for the morning.  We're hopeful that they will be back tomorrow.  It was a good start for the Sendai Church.

Even though the numbers were small, it still takes an effort on the part of the team and church members to deliver the 5 modules of the camp program.  The pictures and captions describe what happened today.  There is always at least one 'wild' child to keep you honest, and you never forget his name because we know that God will use this child in a great way.  But the majority of the kids listened, participated and had great fun.  At the end of the day, kids are kids no matter who they are and where they're from.  All of them combined to make for a challenging and fun time.  We were blessed.

Earlier this morning, Stan received a reply from Toru Sakai (man in the wheelchair), and that he and his family wanted to join us for dinner tonight.  We were elated thinking that we would not receive a reply.  O' ye of little faith!  As planned, Diane, Jonathan and I were 'picked' up at the church by Toru and his wife, Chiho.  He came in his wheel chair and "wheeled" us to the restaurant which was a 10 minute walk away.  His son, Jotaru, arrived later on his bike in the dark.  He is 9 years old.  One cannot help but feel safe in Japan.   We had a wonderful time of fellowship over a well prepared dinner of cow tongue, a first for many of us.  We even  had cow tongue ice cream which was a treat.....I think.  This time when Stan asked for the "check", he did not get a beer.  The Sakai's are planning on coming to church on Sunday.  Please pray that the Lord will continue to open their hearts to His leading.  We look forward to seeing them.  And Nakada Sensei was very encouraged.

In this morning's devotional, Sensei referenced Acts 13:1-2 which tells of how the God uses all different types of people from varying cultures to serve the church under the calling of the Holy Spirit.  He again expressed his thanks for our team coming and thanked the Holy Spirit for bringing our churches together even though there are barriers in communications.  We are also thankful as we already feel a bond with Nakada Sensei and Kimiko Sensei as well as church members who we have seen on a regular basis as they make our stay comfortable with their generous hospitality.  Our team is one, but not because of anything we have done.  We give all thanks to the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Thank you for your continued prayers as we move to the second day of EEC.  We pray for the Chino team who will be starting their EEC tomorrow.  Thank you.

"The Grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you."  2nd Thessalonians 5:28.

And we will praise Him,

Your Sendai Team

Opening Assembly - Getting Warmed Up
"Which way is right?"

"This is the best craft ever!!"
That's Dai helping out Pastor Ben

Kumi and Kazue leading the Bible Study
"This is so interesting!"

Jonathan and Tyler were Hot in more ways than one.
"Please speak in English, Pirate Jon"

Fumi & Diane teaching English
"English is so hard....but keep coming"

Lunch Time!
"This curry rice is oishi"

Singing Class with Willie and Stan
"Hey, are we going to sing or what?"

Closing Session
"Jesus loves me" led by Diane and Willie

Closing Session
"Sasaki-san, you have to jump like Willie!"

Closing Session
"Thank you for coming"
BTW, Nakada Sensei is also a magician.

Dinner with the Sakai Family
Sho Yuasa (pastor to be), Jon, Chiho, Diane, Stan, Toru, Jotaru
Please pray for this precious family.  God will light their way.

Come and See for Yourself

Beloved,

Today was set aside to make final preparations for the English Camp which starts tomorrow.  We decorated the church in the morning and started practicing our songs and skits in the afternoon.  In fact, it is now approaching 11:00 at night and Kumi and Kazue are still practicing their Bible lesson for the kids.  I don't know what they're saying, but it sounds sad and uplifting at the same time.  They are sure working hard on it.

Our team is so fortunate to have Kazue with us.  Some of our team members met her 6 years ago in Chino and remember her as being reserve, very polite and hard working.  Well, her work ethic is still the same but she is so much more animated today.  When we sing our songs, she is jumping the highest with the greatest joy.  She is representing her members very well and the kids will just love her tomorrow.  Thanks be to God.

We took a break from the preparations and held an English Conversation workshop which was scheduled in the afternoon.  We did not expect anyone to come, but 4 kids and 2 parents showed up.  We were overjoyed with thanksgiving.  Among our guests was Toru Sakai and his son, Jotaru, who came as a result of reading a flyer that was posted in the neighborhood.  Toru is in his early 40's and suffered a broken neck in a diving mishap when he was 17.  He is in a wheel chair and has limited use of his arms, but he is one tough cookie.  He plays in a professional rugby league for disabled players and has overcome his handicap in many ways.  He lives just down the street from the church and we're hopeful that he and his family will take Stan up on having dinner with him, Diane and Jonathan.  Please pray the Toru will be able to meet with us and "come and see" what the Sendai Church is all about.  Pastor Nakada is encouraged.

Today, Sho Yuasa showed up to help with our camp.  He is in his late 20's and preparing to enter Bible school to prepare him for pastoral ministry.  He is a very impressive young man with great enthusiasm and purpose.  Pastor Nakada led him to the Lord about 5 years ago when he was pastoring in Akita.  What a joy to see the fruit of Sensei's labors.  God will do a good work in the life of this young man.

We close tonight with thanksgiving for your on going prayers for us.  Thank you for taking on more prayer requests for those whom the Lord has sent our way.  It is a joy to be here serving on your behalf.  In this morning's devotional, Pastor Nakada shared Acts 12:5, "While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him."   Peter's imprisonment had a good and miraculous ending.  We trust that our camp will end in the same way.  Like Peter, we trust in God for each of your prayers for Sendai....and for Chino.  To God be the Glory.

And we will praise Him, 

Your Sendai Team

English Conversation - Toru & Stan

English Conversation - Jotaru & Diane

English Conversation - Kumi & Misora & Koyo

Future Pastor - Willie and Sho Yuasa

Pirate Ben
Note to Yuriko:  Don't worry, we are keeping Pirate Ben's servings at
every meal down to 3 servings per meal.  He is smiling all the time.

Pirate Kazue - Ready for action for our English Camp

Comments by Tyler Yamashita

First, I want to start by letting everyone know that I'm fine and having a great experience in Sendai. The food is great and the people at church are very nice and patient with me despite not being able to communicate well with me. It took me about fours day to warm up to the idea, but on this night (Sunday night) I decided to try out the Onsen (public bath). It was very relaxing despite me being very uncomfortable around other men bathing. I took off my glasses before entering the bathing area, and that was the first time that I was so glad to have bad vision. Seeing everything blurry helped me to calm my nerves and enjoy the bath. I also got a chance to talk to Nakada-sensei (Sendai church pastor) in the bath and afterwards to his daughter, Misaki.

It's been less than a week, but I am already starting to feel homesick a bit. I may be having a good time meeting new people, learning about Japanese culture and helping some kids to practice their English skills, but I do think about my family, pets and friends all the time. It's kind of late, and I'm tired, so that's all I have to say for now. And yes mom, I am taking LOTS of pictures.

Can't wait to see you all again,
Tyler

Graciousness, Hospitality, Gratefulness and Dreams

Beloved, 

It's 8:15pm and we just returned from dinner with Nakada Sensei, Kimiko Sensei and their daughter, Misaki.  It was interesting in that we had Japanese Italian food.  Very delicious.

It was good to sit in a relaxed atmosphere and learn more about Sensei and his family.  One tidbit is that before Sensei entered into pastoral ministry, he trained under a bonsai master (former Yakuza) and was destined to be one of the top bonsai experts in all of Japan.  But he followed his calling from God.  Sensei is a very gracious and humble man who dreams that the Sendai Church will be a beacon of light for all of Tohoku and serve the people and Christian ministries in the area.  Thank you for adding this to your prayer list.

During the car ride to dinner, Jonathan demonstrated his command of Nihongo and it is very evident that a short stay in Japan will quickly master his command of Japanese.  Stan tested his command of the language when, at the end of the meal, he asked for the bill and got a beer instead.  Gomenasai!

The Sunday service this morning was very warm and uplifting.  The congregation is small, but they are a grateful people.  Time and time again, they tell us how thankful they are of our coming to Sendai to partner with them.  They say it again, and again, and again.  It is impossible to tire of hearing such thankfulness.  In yesterday's blog entry, we mentioned the dinner we had at Kinuko Suzuki's home.  Well, we also learned that in preparation for this very dinner, she planted beans, cucumbers and nasubi months ago so that they would be ripe and fresh when we arrived last night.   They were.  That is hospitality to the fullest.  That is "omotenashi" (did you google that word?).

Thank you for  your prayers for the worship service this morning.  It was very good.  Kumi and Stan gave their messages and the singing went well.  Of special mention was the "skyping" of 2 members from the Akita church where Sensei served prior to coming to Sendai.  They don't have a pastor there, so Sensei is still their long distance pastor.  The members served us graciously with lunch and we remain grateful for their generosity.

Pause - The "sento" contingent just left for the public bath.  We're wondering if they will duplicate their effort from last night when they returned to the church at midnight - very clean, very hot, but refreshed.  BTW, Tyler and Jonathan will experience this tradition of Japan this very night.  Amen.

At our devotion time with Sensei this morning, he spoke about how we as followers of Christ should anticipate God's answers to our prayers when we are swept into the storms of life.  Sensei concluded the study by saying that if you expect God to do something for you, you also need to act.  He again expressed his gratefulness to Crossway Church and South Bay Japanese Christian Fellowship for acting and sending our team to Sendai.  Thank you, beloved, and know that your acts of kindness are clearly felt here in Sendai.  We ended our time lifting up in prayer our co-team in Chino as they were preparing to serve the Chino members in this morning's service.  Thank you, Lord, for responding to our acts of love.

Beloved, please keep on praying for the English Camp which starts on Tuesday.  We feel a little pressure to deliver a good camp which is normal, but the members are longing to impact their community for Christ and it starts with this English Camp.  We will act together and rely on the Holy Spirit to direct us.  But make no mistake, we will act.  Thank you for staying the course with us.  Thank you for your prayers.

"Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace be with all who have an undying love for o ur Lord Jesus Christ."  Ephesians 6:23-24.

And we will praise Him,
Your Sendai Team

Her'e's a shot of the church where the ladies live

Your team leading worship

Two members skyping from Akita

After Service lunch with members

The Sendai Church

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

Beloved,

Another day has passed and we again are so thankful for your ongoing prayers for us.  We have a sense of what the Philippian Church felt when the Apostle Paul wrote them saying,  "I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the Gospel from the first day until now."  Thank you, dear ones, for remembering us.

In our morning devotionals, Pastor Nakada has been sharing from the book of Acts, chapter 9, verse 10 and following.  It tells about the time that Saul was converted to follow Jesus, and how Ananias, fearful as he was about this persecutor of his fellow brothers in Christ, was told by the Lord to go and meet Saul.  What did Ananias do?  He just went, not knowing exactly what he was to do.   Sensei thanked us for coming to Sendai, just as Ananias went to Damascus, under the prayers of many.  Thank you.

Sensei and Kimiko and their family have been in Sendai for almost 4 years.  Prior to coming here, he and his family ministered for 19 years in Akita which is located in the very northern part of Honshu where the membership of his church was smaller than the dozen he has here in Sendai.  Such faithfulness.  He is a "super" handyman who can fix anything, and is a master gardener which was his trade before entering the pastoral ministry.  All of the vegetables that we eat are from his garden.  Beautiful, fresh and big.  Please pray for them and their members.

I forgot to mention yesterday that we almost lost 2 of our members.  Kumi and Kazue went for an early morning walk (and I mean early) and just before we sat down for devotions, Sensei received a call from Kazue that they were out there somewhere and did not know where.   Well Sensei went to their rescue and now has "fire rescue" among his list of skills.

Here are pictures of what we did on Saturday.  As you view each picture, we trust that you will find yourselves ministering with us here in Sendai.  Enjoy, reflect, smile and pray.  The Lord bless each of you.

Arigato Gozaimasu, 

Your Sendai Team

 This is where the men live.  This community center is located a few houses 

  down the street from the church.  We sleep in a tatami room which is very 

  comfortable despite Stan's snoring every night.  The women are housed

  at the church

    This a picture of one of two groups of children that Sensei ministers to.  

     It's called "Kids Brown" which is a basic lesson in English that can be taught 

     by anyone.  We were there to help the kids with their pronunciation.   Real

     fun!   There were a total of 12 kids in attendance today and it is Sensei's hope 

     that they will find Jesus.  More prayers for you, beloved.  Thank you. 

 "My name is Tyler.  What's your name?"

                   The church "entertained" us in the afternoon with 

                   members and friends who presented some of the Japan's 

                   culture to their Nikkei friends from America.   Their dances 

                   were beautiful and we learned so much about the meaning 

                   of arranging flowers through "ikebana".  Thank you, Sendai church.

We hope you're impressed with our creations.

Diane and Willie shared their testimonies

                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                        

  

We ended the evening at Kinuko Sasaki's home for dinner.  She's sitting to the left of Fumi.  Before eating, we sang worship songs and Jonathan and Kazue shared their testimonies.  It was a very sweet moment.  Then the food started to come.  We have never seen so much food in one place at one time for such a few.  Kinuko mentioned that this is the first time she had so many guests to her home.   Please google the word, "Omotenashi" - and you'll begin to understand what true hospitality is.  Sasaki-san demonstrated omotenashi - a really beautiful thing to receive.  We were blessed.

Sorry, no pictures of us at the onsen - it's restricted.  It was so late by the time we go there that some of us fell asleep in the warm water.  Some of us meaning Tetsuo.

They Are New Every Morning

Beloved,
Ohayo Gozaimasu from the land of the rising sun.  We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Blessing on all of you.

It's Friday.  Right now as we start this 2nd day's blog, we are on the Shinkansen (bullet train) moving at 200 miles per hour on our way from Tokyo to Sendai.  You hardly notice that it's going that fast due to the smoothness of the ride.  But when you look just outside the window, it is clear that we are really moving at NASCAR speed.  Awesome!  Even at the speed we're traveling, It will still take about an hour and a half to get to Sendai.  The countryside is green and lush, and the air is hot (90 degrees) and muggy (100% humidity) ……it's great!   Wish you were all physically here.

Due to the jet lag, we were all up early this morning.  One at 2:30am, others at 4:00 and 5:00.  Kumi and Jonathan were sharing favorite Bible verses at 5:00am in the lobby; Stan joined in followed by Koby.  These are the times when we really get to know each other so much better.  Thank you for your prayers. 

The Chino team was first to leave at 8:00am.  It was good to see their cheery faces as they gear up for the 80 children who await them in Chino.  The bus was on time!  Oh, Ye of little faith.  The Sendai team prayed for them before they left and lined up on the hotel curb to bow as their bus sped away.  It's good to be a part of our Japanese heritage.

Our team gathered for prayer and left shortly thereafter.  At the Tokyo station, we joined up with Kazue Sugimoto who is Chino's first missionary from their church.   It was so good to see her and we look forward to serving with her.  Did I mention that it was hot and muggy?  Several of us are walking around with towels in our hands to keep dry.  At the Tokyo Station, Tyler and Stan stood in the middle of all the foot traffic to take in the little air tunnel that was streaming from one of the A/C ducts.  Oh, that felt good.

Taking a pause here as we are arriving at the Sendai station.  Will reconnect tonight.

It's almost 10:00pm and our first day in Sendai has gone by quickly.  Some of the team are showering in the one shower at the church and others are on their way to the sento (public bath) for a late one.  Tyler and Jonathan will hit the sento at least once before they leave.  A must! 

Sendai is big, at least in comparison to Chino (1 million in population vs 70,000).  We were greeted by Pastor Nakada and his wife, Kimiko who is also an ordained pastor.  After an orientation of the church and the community center which will be used for the English Camp, we took a "prayer" walk and stopped at a high point on a hill above the church where we prayed for the surrounding neighborhood.   We called out to God for the souls of these unreached and precious people which included the 2014 Olympic champion, Yuzuru Hanyu.  With God, nothing is impossible.  Amen?  Kimiko prepared a "do it yourself" sushi dinner and it was fabulous.  We are certainly "gaining" with every day.  One touching moment today was the way in which Kinuko Sasaki expressed her thanks for our team coming to serve their small church.  Her gratefulness was reflected in the tears that accompanied her sharing.  We were blessed, and we pass that blessing on to you.

We have a big day planned tomorrow - 7:00am prayer meeting with Rev Nakada; we'll be helping with "Kid Brown" which is an English curriculum that the church is using to reach out to the neighborhood kids of which 9 are attending our English Camp; participate in "Japan Day" in the afternoon; and attend a house meeting at a members home in the evening.  In between, we'll be getting ready for EEC.  Every team member will be touched in one way or another and we are energized as we anticipate the goodness of what tomorrow will bring.  Thank you so much for your prayers.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness O' Lord, Great is Thy faithfulness."   We look forward to the newness of tomorrow morning, and all that it will bring.

And we will praise Him,

Your Sendai Team

We never sent you a team photo so here it is with Pastor Nakada on the far left and Kimiko Sensei on the right.
(Stan's taking the picture)

 

                                   Go, Chino Team !

Faster than a Speeding Bullet

With God, Nothing is Impossible

Arrived Safely

Beloved,
Greetings from Narita where we arrived safely 4 hours ago.  The plane was full but the service and good food on Singapore Airlines made for a good flight.  This mission team was full of energy as it seemed as thought most of the team did not sleep much on the flight.

Thank you, everyone who met us at the church or dropped us off at the airport.  Your good wishes and prayers sustained us during the flight.   Our 4 first time missionaries were smiling upon arrival.  We gave them a good report on bus service in Japan - that it is never late.  Well our 8:50 bus never showed up (unheard of in Japan), so the hotel paid for the 20 minute taxi rides to the hotel.  We still checked in over an hour late. The team was ready for a good night's rest.

We're up early tomorrow and will get back to the airport to catch our trains to Chino and Sendai.  We're excited and ready to go.  Thanks, again, for your love and prayers.  Please know that we sense every prayer lifted up for our team and know that you are with us here in Japan.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu,
Sendai &Chino Team

    

1st Timers = Kaori, Michelle, Tyler, Jonathan

We're Smiling, but where is that bus?  It's really 9:15pm.