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.