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.