Full Weekend

Yes, it was a full weekend! If I tried to write about everything, I'd be up too late. It's already 12:20AM!

First, let me say this: Thanks to the wonderful folks of Saitama church and friends who welcomed us into their homes for homestays this weekend. We had an awesome time and got to see real life in Japanese homes. We also got to experience the love of God in action.

Saturday, Cheryl and I spent time with the Abe's, Miho-san and Masanori-san. They treated us like family. We had dinner with them at the Takano house. Lots of fun and good food, too! On Sunday, we attended the Saitama City International Church. This is clearly a Spirit filled church. The people were loving and welcoming. They honored us with a luncheon and we even attended the wedding of a church member. Afterwards, dinner at a nearby rotating sushi restaurant. Definitely cool! We spent the rest of the evening being silly. Hoolahoops and monkey ears, but that's a whole story in itself!

Now, you might wonder with all this fun, when do we pray? Unceasingly. We have prayed on the train, on the street, while driving through the center of Tokyo and in the park. We are ramping up for the next few days of focused and purposeful prayerwalking. We do expect spiritual warfare, but we have gathered our armor and have claimed victory for the lost souls in Japan. We know that God loves the Japanese people as He loves us all. We are here to let them know and by joining the battle for and with them. Please continue to pray for the people of Japan, the families who invited us Amerigaijin into their homes and hearts, pray for us and those who are praying for us. And finally, pray that we follow the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Cor 15:58 when he said, Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Glorious Day

We had a glorious day today. We spent time with the team heading north to Aomori in a couple of days. They will be building a church. They are 7 strong from PA. A great group of people who love the Lord. They are Kathie, Takashi, Warren, Steve, Rich, Al & Joe. Those they will be serving will be blessed by their spirits. They are awesome. We look forward to hearing more about their work, but especially just hearing from them. We love you guys!

Steve Weems gave an awesome presentation. He made the day fun, informative and God-driven. Thanks to you, Georgia, Ruth and all of the other folks whose names I won't remember, but whose
hearts we will never forget. We were learning more about the Japanese culture. Do's and don'ts. Phrases and ideas that will help us acclimate.

Our reason and purpose is to pray for the people of Japan. To love on them as Christ would and to obey His commission in Matt: 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^a]">[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.."

We're Here!

Greetings from Japan!
We have arrived safe and sound. We're a little tired, but that was last night! Today is a new day (it's actually 6:13AM Fri morning- June 26). It's also my late grandfather's birthday.

Today begins our learning. We'll be studying today and on our way tomorrow. Still, just being in Japan is a learning experience. The sights, sounds and smells. All new. So much to absorb. We are beginning to gel as a group. Learning from and about each other. A journey in itself.

We had a minor mishap with a bit of lost luggage, but God is good. He will reveal His purpose in the experience in His time. Perhaps, the other person (who picked up the wrong bag) needed to know Him. What better way than to read someone's bible, which just happened to be in that bag! Anyway, we'll keep you posted. But again, a minor mishap.

In about 40mins, we'll be heading out. Continue to pray for us and the people of Japan.

Peace and Ohio goisaimasu (Good morning - forgive the spelling!)!

V

We're Off

This will be the last in country post. We're in the air tomorrow. Praying for old and new friends. For peace and for open hearts for God's love. For all who toil in the field, that they know their work is not in vain. For His work is no burden, but joy!

See you in the East!

Almost There

It's less than 2dys and we're off. Jitters. Overwhelmed. Elated. All of these emotions gather within me like a storm. As I drove from my office at 1AM this morning (after 11hrs of work!), an old James Cleveland song came to mind, "Peace, Be Still". The song speaks of the turmoil at sea when the disciples worried about their safety. If you know the story, you may know that Jesus was awakened from His rest. He simply said, "Peace" and the winds and waves were calmed. It is the way that our Savior works. He simply calms our jitters and fears by whispering calmness in our hearts. This is the awesomeness of our Savior!

Peace!

Group Blog

Just added the group's blog (http://eastmtn.com/japanwalk/) to this one. What you won't learn about our journey from this blog, you'll surely learn from our group blog. The group blog will include posts from all members of the team. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life....