CHINO IN MACHIDA

Beloved,
Just wanted to send one last blog out before we leave for the airport in a few hours.

The Kawano's from Chino Christ Church came to visit today.  They drove 4 hours to get here and we had a blessed time over an extended lunch talking about their church, their lives and their gratitude for the Chino teams that have been sent from South Bay and Crossway.  Chi-chan is 8 now (that means it's 8 years that Crossway has sent a team) and she grew at least 2 inches since we saw her last year at this time.  They send their love to all of you.  Then they got back in their car and headed home.  It was worth it.

Some miscellaneous thoughts on our trip:
- We realized how 'western' Yuriko has become.  We were shocked when she walked out side of the church with her inside slippers on!!  We couldn't believe it!
- The women drivers here in Japan are quite awesome.  When they park their cars into a stall, no matter how tight, they always reverse into the parking stall.  Not sure why that is so amazing (maybe it has something to do with observations made of U.S. drivers), but it is really something to behold.
- Gas stations in Japan are a reminder of how it use to be in the U.S. way back when.
- An international license really comes in handy.  Just give $15 to AAA and you'll have one.  We're thankful that Stan didn't bump into anyone or anything.  PTL.

We'll be on our way to Haneda and will see you in a bit.  Thank you for your prayers for traveling mercies.  We give God all the thanks for you.  Glorify thy name in all the earth.
And we will praise Him,
Stan

WHAT A JOY TO SEE THE KAWANOS
CHI-CHAN, YOU HAVE GROWN!!

LOOKING COOL, CHI-CHAN
STAN IS ALLOWED TO DRIVE THE VAN,
BUT NOT SENSEI'S MOTORCYCLE

A REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST

THE AMERICAN WAY

Dear Beloved,

Your team ended the week and our trip with an Amercan style worship service, lunch and program today (Sun).  There were about 75 adults and children present. About half of those present were guests who came as a result of the JOY Club Christmas Party or flyers left in public places around Machida.  We thank the Lord for them..

It all started with Stan and Michael (translation) chairing the worship service.  The team shared in some double duty with Michael also on the piano, Stan and Tracy singing with the worship team, Diane, Yuriko and Tracy serving as ushers, Yuriko doing a children's message, and Stan delivering the sermon with Uchumura Sensei translating.  While it seemed packed with a lot of moving parts, it went quite well.  Thank you for your prayers.  God is so good.

After the service, our guests were invited to sample American appetizers which Diane, Yuriko and Tracy prepared.  They enjoyed them so much that it was difficult to get them back to the santuary for lunch.  The Evergreen members brought so much food that our hungry guests didn't even dent the homestyle buffet.  The lunch menu carried the title "American Style" with the ladies of the team preparing yams, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravey, cranberry (out of the can) and imitation turkey (also known as chicken).  The program started 30 minutes late as people indulged in seconds and thirds of the desserts too. We're full just thinking about it.

However, we finally did get the program going and everyone loved dancing around like chickens (like all Americans do) and playing Jan Ken Pon together.  We loved seeing an 84 year old gentlemen dancing his way to his raffle prize.  Quite "genki" and fun.  We thank the Evergreen members for playing an active part in welcoming and entertaining our guests.  In the end, there was fun had by all. Please pray that these guests will return to Evergreen and find the hope that only Christ can give.  Pray that this Christmas will be very special for them and that they will meet the Savior of the world. Thank you.

Tonight, we will head into Machida city (the church is really located in Narusedai which is about 15 minutes from the center of Machida) and share an appreciation dinner with some of the Evergreen members.  It's been a joy to serve with them on this mission trip.  And again, we come to realize the importance of all that Joy is doing with her kids and their families.  Everthing we do here is not in vain.  We plant and God will grow and harvest.  Your prayers encourage us.

So we come to the end of our mission here in Machida.  We give thanks to God for His love and grace in all that we accomplished in Japan.  We give thanks for His response to all of your prayers lifted up for us.  Thank you.  Our team and the members of Evergreen Chapel are mutually indebted to each other for the partnership we shared in serving the people of Machida.  We will miss them.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, the Father, through him."  Colossians 3:15-20.

With thanks to God for you in the Name of Jesus,
And we will praise Him,

Your Machida Team

PACKED WORSHIP SERVICE

FUN WIH CARDS
KOJIRO WAS OUR YOUNGEST COMPETITOR
AND 2ND PLACE FINISHER

THE OTHER TABLE HAD RICE, SALAD
DESSERT AND BEVERAGES.
TOO MUCH!

SATO-SAN, WINNER OF JAN KEN PON

YURIKO SHARING HER TESTIMONY

A BREAK AND FUN WITH JUNIOR HIGHERS

Beloved Family,
It's been fairly quiet since our busy Sunday at Tama Hillside.  We had a chance to catch our breaths and start plans for the American Worship Service and lunch this Sunday.

PLANNING FOR SUNDAY.  LOOKS LIKE STAN
IS INTO ANOTHER POWER NAP

We're  hoping that many of the guests at the JOY Club Christmas Party will accept the invitation to join us at church on Sunday. We'll be doing a Crossway/South Bay type of service followed by a "Thanksgiving" lunch with all of the fix'ins......minus the turkey.   We'll be eating well and sharing in some good old fun and games.  Please pray that God will open the hearts of the JOY Club families and cause them to thirst for the truth that awaits them. Thank you.

Last night, we were graciously received by Mr. and Mrs. Saito (parents of Miho) who treated the team to a extravagant dinner.  We were humbled by their extreme generosity.  At the same time, we celebrated the birthdays of Miho, Michael and Yuriko.  This is the 3rd straight year that we've celebrated Thanksgiving and their birthdays in Japan.  It was a blessed time with these two very special people.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE

             

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YURIKO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIHO

MR. AND MRS. SAITO'S GENEROSITY

Tonight, the team had some great fun with 5 junior high students.  Our job was to help them with their English.  They are learning well, but are so shy.  English will build their confidence.  It was a blessed time.

DIANE WORKING WITH KYOKA, KOYUKI & AMIKA

STUDENTS ARE
KYOKA, AMIKA, KOYUKI, SHUMPEI, KOJIRO

Tomorrow (Thurs), we'll be going in various directions to take advantage of a day off and meet up with friends in the Tokyo area.  With the cancellation of the outreach to the Shinagawa Church which was set for Saturday, we'll have some extra time to deliver a good service and well prepared lunch and program for our new comers on Sunday.  Therefore, please expect the next blog entry on Sunday evening.  We'll be cleaning up on Monday and heading home that evening.  So there is more to come.

Thank you, again, for your faithful support.  We thank the Lord for providing for our every need and give him all the praise for you and for our mission here in Machida. May the Lord fill your cups with joy and abundance.

And we will praise Him,
Your Machida Team.

A DAY AT TAMA HILLSIDE CHURCH AND SOME RAMBUNCTIOUS PRE-SCHOOLERS

Dear Beloved,
We are blessed with being here in Japan.  Your prayers have led the way in all that we do here and our cups overflow with joy and thanksgiving.  Thank you for being with us in spirit and in truth.

It was Sunday yesterday and we spent the entire day at Tama Hillside Church.  Last year was our first visit to Minegishi Sensei and her small and faithful congregation, and much has changed.

TAMA HILLSIDE CHURCH (LIGHTED AREA)
AND THE MANSION.  (PICTURE TAKEN AS WE
WERE LEAVING IN THE EVENING)

Earlier this year, they moved to this new location which is about 10 minutes from the former church site and in close proximity to a local university.  It is connected to a huge condominium complex which the Japanese call a "mansion", and there are multiple mansions in the area around the church.  Many young families live in these mansions and the church is connecting with their children through events like our Christmas party.

WORSHIP SERVICE
OUR TEAM OUTNUMBERED THE MEMBERS

The congregation is small.  Well, very small with less than 10 members attending the worship service yesterday.  But Pastor Minegishi's vision is big, just like her God.  She plans to penetrate these mansions and the university with the love of Jesus.  Her sermon reflected that same attitude that all things are possible when done under the wings of the Holy Spirit.  It was good to see our three churches (Evergreen, South Bay and Crossway) involved with this church and Pastor Minegishi solicits your prayers for them.  Thank you.

There were 23 children and their moms who attended the event.  It is very similar to the beginnings at Chino Christ Church and we are encouraged that the results will also be positive.  More pictures follow below.

Earlier today (Mon), we visited the Wakakusa Pre-School and were met with 2 classes of 60 rambunctious children..  So much energy and enthusiasm, and so much fun.  Joy has been ministering here for over 5 years and we pray that the seeds that have been planted in these little hearts will one day blossom to the Kingdom and glory.  One of the classes put on a presentation especially for us and it was quite moving.  Please pray for Joy and the Wakakusa children.

"YES, TEACHER, DIANE"

FUTURE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

VERY SPECIAL PRESENTATION

LUNCH AND A VERY SPECIAL 'STEEL" CHAIR

This afternoon, Diane and Yuriko met with 10 JOY Club mothers while their kids were with Joy.  They spent the time making a special Christmas craft and getting to know one another.  We're mindful that God will touch the heart of each Mom, as He did with Michiru Nakazawa.

                                     

So ends another few days in Japan and it is such a joy to be here.  We're thankful for our home churches and all the support we've received from you.  We ask that you pray without ceasing for the people of Japan and for the missionaries who patiently serve here.  It is a good work and the Lord will be praised.  Domo arigato gozaimasu.

And we will praise Him.

Your Machida Team

More pictures from the Tama Hillside Christmas Party.

               

  

JOY CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY AND ANOTHER STORY

Dear Beloved,

Grace and peace to you from God, our Father.

Earlier today (Sat), we celebrated Jesus' Birthday with over 110 JOY Club kids and their parents.  The volunteers from Evergreen Chapel did a great job in serving their guests.  It was good to see many fathers participating with their families in this joyous event.  The pictures below will speak to fun and fellowship which was had by all.  At the end of the day, the workers were spent having poured themselves out in witnessng to these unchurched families with the love and saving Grace of our Father.  We were reminded of why we come to Machida with this story of a mother who was first introduced to Jesus through JOY Club and our Crossway teams.

HIROMI, STAN, MICHIRU, DIANE

Her name is Michiru Nakazawa.  She brought her daughter to JOY Club over 8 years ago.  During that time, she was influenced by Joy's ministry to the JOY Club kids and moms.  It was 4 years ago that she met Stan through an informal "karaoke" English class which was extended a few  hours due to the great fun had by all. Michiru has always presented herself with a beautiful smile and a friendly disposition - until tonight.  Hours after the party, Pastor Uchimura, Hiromi Matsushima and Joy ministered to Michiru who was overcome with tears due to health and marital issues.  Before she left, Stan and Diane were able to able to pray with her and assured her that she would be covered with prayer from all of you at Crossway.  Michiru is still seeking God, and she will find him.  Please pary for Michiru; that she will be consumed by the great love that Jesus has for her; a love that will take her through the hardships of life; and friends at Evergreen and Crossway who will be there for her.  Thank you.

This is what this Machida ministry is all about.  This is what our mission endeavors to Japan, Thailand, Mexico and our neighborhood are all about.  It's all about Jesus.  

After the party, we all gathered together and ate the remaining dessert which was very delicious.  We then went out for some excellent ramen and returned to the church to pack up for tomorrow's Christmas party at Tama Hillside.  We're tired, but energized with all that happened today. Thank you for your prayers

Beloved, the Lord bless and keep you.  The Lord make His face to shine on you.  The Lord lift up His countenance to you, and give you peace both now and forevermore.

And we will praise Him, 

Your Machida Team

YURIKO GETTING CRAFT AREA READY

STAN BUILDING A MINI GOLF HOLE

TSUGURU AND DIANE SETTING UP PRIZE TABLES.
TSUGURU TOOK A BREAK FROM SCHOOL TO HELP
HIS MOM AND US.

BELOVED VOLUNTEERS

LAYING HANDS ON MIMI YAMASHIRO, YOUTH
PASTOR, FROM TOKYO ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH

OUR GUESTS GIVING ATTENTION TO THE SPEAKER

CROSSWAY TEAM BEING INTRODUCED

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!  HIT TRACY WITH A
MARSHMALLOW.  THAT'S MIKE ENCOURAGING
THE SHOOTERS

SATO-SAN HELPING AN UPCOMING GOLFER

YURIKO CRAFTING WITH HER FRIEND

I HAVE YOU IN MY SIGHTS!!

THAT'S A LOT OF PING PONG BALLS

YUMMY DESSERTS.  THANK YOU.

SURPRISE VISIT WITH THE MATSUDA'S.
THEY ARE BOTH MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS.
MR. MATSUDA IS WORLD RENOWN..

THANKS FOR COMING!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND DRIVING INTERNATIONALLY

Dear Beloved,

It's Thanksgiving Day in Japan and we want to extend our good wishes to all of you and your families.  Happy Thanksgiving!  

FLOODED PARK 

The weather in Machida has been quite mild (50's), but overcast with rain.   In the evening, the temps drop into the high 30's.  Wish you were all here.

Tonight, we spent Thanksgiving with Pastor Uchimura and his family: wife - Miho, daughters - Megu and Hana, and sister-in-law - Mizuki.  The team (well, the ladies since Stan was taking a power nap) prepared all of the food - "Chicken" with all the fixin's.  A turkey is just too big to bake in a Japanese mini-oven.  Your team, led by Joy, did well in that we packed everything needed for the dinner and brought the dirty dishes home with us.  It was a blessed time, which brings us to today's story.

Miho has been suffering over the recent years with a debilitating illness that attacks her nervous system (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease).  It has slowly taken its toll on her.  She is wheel chair bound and Sensei is there to take care of her needs.  For those of you who know Sensei, it is convicting to see this tough and very independent man care for his wife.  And he does so knowing that this may be their last Christmas together.  But as we prayed with them this evening, we were reminded that Miho is God's child and there is nothing more important than this.  We give thanks to God for her life in Christ in whom she places all her trust and hope.  Thank you for your prayers for Miho. (Sorry, we forgot our phones, so no pictures).

Tomorrow (Fri) will be spent making final preparations for the JOY Club Christmas party on Saturday.  This is the primary reason we're here in Machida.  Please pray for the party - that the hearts of the children and parents who attend will be open to the Gospel message; that the love of Christ demonstrated in the love extended by each volunteer will plant seeds of salvation.  

YOU CAN TELL THAT IT WAS A GOOD STUDY

Yesterday, we opened the day with a devotion led by Diane in which she encouraged us to take hold of the power of the Holy Spitit and be bold in sharing the Good News to all.  Thank you for the financial gifts given by all of you for Crossway's short term missions.  As a result of your generousity, we were able to bring many new prizes for the JOY Club party.  Domo Arigato Gozaimasu.

DO THEY LOOK SCARED?  NO WAY! THEY JUST
ENJOY MESSING WITH THE DRIVER. NOTICE JOY
JUST HANGING ON IN THE DEATH SEAT.

Later in the day, the team did some running around for supplies for the Thanksgiving dinner and the JOY Club Christmas party.  Due to the inclement weather, Stan's inexpensive, over the counter, international driver's license, issued by AAA was put into action.  In the course of traveling a relatively short distance to the store, he learned again the phrase many use concerning "back seat" drivers.  His cup overflowed with 3 of them, and they actually were in the back seat of the van.  Well, I guess you couldn't blame them since Stan couldn't find the steering wheel when he first entered the car. 

HEY, THE STEERING WHEEL
IS ON THE WRONG SIDE!!

So ends another day in Machida.  We'll sleep well tonight.  As ever, we thank you, again, for your prayers and support in all that we do here.  Thank you for your faithfulness.

And we will praise Him,  (Philippians 1:3-6)

Your Machida Team

(Diane, Yuriko, Tracy, Stan - Michael will be joining us on Sat).

MIZUKI SET US UP WITH A LOT OF SNACKS.
HUMBLY, WE ARE ENJOYING THEM.