Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Return information
The Japan team will be returning on Delta Airlines flight 636 from Haneda Japan to LAX Tom Bradly at Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 7:25 pm. This is a 10 hour 55 minute flight traveling 5473 miles. Come welcome them home to a well deserved rest! Pray for their safety and the continued work of God in the lives if all they have been in contact with. See you there! We look forward to hearing about their adventures in person. God does bless in ways we do not anticipate or even think are blessings. But. It is for His glory and it is by His strength we can do all things.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Our Final Days in Japan
We have heard remarkable stories of the resiliency of the local survivors here in Ishinomaki. Yesterday our team cleared out a small section of property belonging to a 14th generation survivor of the Kimura clan in the small town of Onagawa. This elderly man and his wife and daughter asked Eric Takamoto for assistance to clean debris from a plot of land that was devastated after the great tsunami of 2011. Our team found fishing poles, nets, pottery shards (which we salvaged for the Nozomi Project), a small bear, household items and other assorted rubble underneath layers of dirt. This gentle man and his family were the only ones whose home was left standing out of 30 homes. More importantly they all survived. Megumi Sensei said a beautiful prayer to bless the family with Jesus' comfort and freedom from worry. We pray that one day they will give their lives to our Savior who protected them.
Today all the team members participated in cleaning the broken shards and pieces of pottery used in the Nozomi Project. Several survivors of the tsunami gather together under the direction of the founder, Sue Takamoto (Eric's wife and missionary partner) to create jewelry from the pieces collected from debris and rubble in the local areas. These women find "Nozomi" or "hope" as they make a living from restoring these broken fragments into new objects of beauty. Their lives are transformed, just like our Lord Jesus does for us when we offer our "broken ness" to Him. For more information on the Nozomi Project, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqcKje6do3I&noredirect=1
We give thanks to our precious Savior for His grace during these past 2 weeks. We look forward to sharing our experiences with you. Thank you again for your abundant love and support for the CBC Japan Team 1 and His children in Japan.
Patti (our fine leader) is on the 2nd story of the Kimura home. Note the line across the shoji sliding panels. This is the line marking where the tsunami water stopped!
The women of the Nozomi Project working on creating jewelry
A cross decorated with broken pieces of pottery
Some completed pendants waiting to be purchased
Our Denise and Lucille designing some new pieces
Yay for our men - Mike, Mark and Russell
Cyndy cleaning the broken pieces found in the local area
Today all the team members participated in cleaning the broken shards and pieces of pottery used in the Nozomi Project. Several survivors of the tsunami gather together under the direction of the founder, Sue Takamoto (Eric's wife and missionary partner) to create jewelry from the pieces collected from debris and rubble in the local areas. These women find "Nozomi" or "hope" as they make a living from restoring these broken fragments into new objects of beauty. Their lives are transformed, just like our Lord Jesus does for us when we offer our "broken ness" to Him. For more information on the Nozomi Project, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqcKje6do3I&noredirect=1
We give thanks to our precious Savior for His grace during these past 2 weeks. We look forward to sharing our experiences with you. Thank you again for your abundant love and support for the CBC Japan Team 1 and His children in Japan.
Patti (our fine leader) is on the 2nd story of the Kimura home. Note the line across the shoji sliding panels. This is the line marking where the tsunami water stopped!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Earthquake!
Hi to all of you from Ishinomaki. We arrived on Saturday morning after a bumpy 12 hr all-night bus ride. We all got swollen feet, but renewed ourselves with breakfast at the Sendai train station. Then onto another bus for about 1.5 hrs to finally be picked up to be taken to the Takamoto's home. We saw manga statues in downtown Ishinomaki since the originator of manga comics came from this town. There was a joyous reunion for many of our group at the Takamotos especially from those from Sanda and Nishinomiya who had come up with us to help. The Takamoto children were so excited to see Minami who used to babysit them when they lived in Sanda.
We quickly got to work cleaning one of the neighbor's home with leftover trash probably from the tsunami from 2 years ago. Mike and I got to go with Eric to dump off the trash. It was sad to see mounds of so many different kinds of material being moved about by crane. Eric mentioned that the trash is accumulating there because other cities won't take the trash because of their own trash problems.
We men help assemble a BBQ/smoker for Eric. Sue was so appreciative since she said it would have taken Eric a 1/2 day to assemble it himself. We prayed that this BBQ that would be used for hungry people would also draw people to hunger for Jesus.
We surprised Sue and Eric with a birthday celebration after dinner. There were streamers, poppers, balloons, cake and ice cream. Lucille led everyone in hula lessons. It was great fellowshipping and celebrating.
Today we went to church and had a joyous time of worship. Cyndy, Mike and I were able to help Mao, the worship leader, with worship. I knew God was there especially when all of us sang Amazing Love. Eric asked for people to share about the good God had done in their lives that week. Many deep and heartfelt stories of God's miracles were shared by the team as well as members of the church. Sue shared about how the Nozomi project is receiving more business tied-in with a tourist group and a financial group. She shared how prayer is really required.
Eric's started to share from 2 Cor 4:16-18 - then it happened. Earthquake! We felt the vibrating jolt and many of us started to pray for Jesus' protection. Jesus answered: it was only about 20 seconds and nothing fell down and nobody was hurt. But Eric asked us to pray then for the people especially surrounding Ishinomaki for peace since he was sure the earthquake would bring back bad memories. There are many just outside of Ishinomaki who have not had the help of Christians.
Later on in the day were able to clean up another neighbors lot of weeds. Then we finished off the
evening with a BBQ at the meeting hall followed by line dancing and Zumba lessons. We were able to meet some other team members from the US. The children enjoyed fireworks and we said our good-byes.
We ask for the spirit of fear and depression surrounding this area to be removed in Jesus' Name. Please pray for breakthrough of the Holy Spirit and that God's love will shine brightly.
We quickly got to work cleaning one of the neighbor's home with leftover trash probably from the tsunami from 2 years ago. Mike and I got to go with Eric to dump off the trash. It was sad to see mounds of so many different kinds of material being moved about by crane. Eric mentioned that the trash is accumulating there because other cities won't take the trash because of their own trash problems.
We men help assemble a BBQ/smoker for Eric. Sue was so appreciative since she said it would have taken Eric a 1/2 day to assemble it himself. We prayed that this BBQ that would be used for hungry people would also draw people to hunger for Jesus.
We surprised Sue and Eric with a birthday celebration after dinner. There were streamers, poppers, balloons, cake and ice cream. Lucille led everyone in hula lessons. It was great fellowshipping and celebrating.
Today we went to church and had a joyous time of worship. Cyndy, Mike and I were able to help Mao, the worship leader, with worship. I knew God was there especially when all of us sang Amazing Love. Eric asked for people to share about the good God had done in their lives that week. Many deep and heartfelt stories of God's miracles were shared by the team as well as members of the church. Sue shared about how the Nozomi project is receiving more business tied-in with a tourist group and a financial group. She shared how prayer is really required.
Eric's started to share from 2 Cor 4:16-18 - then it happened. Earthquake! We felt the vibrating jolt and many of us started to pray for Jesus' protection. Jesus answered: it was only about 20 seconds and nothing fell down and nobody was hurt. But Eric asked us to pray then for the people especially surrounding Ishinomaki for peace since he was sure the earthquake would bring back bad memories. There are many just outside of Ishinomaki who have not had the help of Christians.
Later on in the day were able to clean up another neighbors lot of weeds. Then we finished off the
evening with a BBQ at the meeting hall followed by line dancing and Zumba lessons. We were able to meet some other team members from the US. The children enjoyed fireworks and we said our good-byes.
We ask for the spirit of fear and depression surrounding this area to be removed in Jesus' Name. Please pray for breakthrough of the Holy Spirit and that God's love will shine brightly.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Mark's notes
It has been such a joyful time sharing our lives and stories with the people of Sanda and Nishinomiya. In Sanda, our homestay family became "family" to Cyndy and me. I got to spend time going to "radio stretch exercise" at 6:30 in the morning with Sachiko, Yukio, Mako and Kako! I got to tour the Kirin beer plant with the family and enjoyed the luncheon afterward. They introduced me to the highly prized Matsutake mushroom cooked tempura style. Yukio graciously took the whole family and myself to an onsen hot pool. I felt so welcomed and accepted. I should have told them to call me "Uncle Mark." We were introduced to Japanese watermelon pinata, fireworks, cod roe, photo beauty booths, and a taiko drum arcade game. Cyndy and I prayed for the family, especially for Kako. Jesus also provided time for Cyndy and me to share about who Jesus is and how He was different than the many gods here (Japanese say the number 888 represents the thousands of gods here in Japan). We ask for your prayers that Yukio and Sachiko's hearts will be open to the Good News. There is an intellectual understanding of Christianity, but to embrace Jesus in faith appears difficult. We thank God that Sachiko felt Jesus during our prayer with her, and that she saw and said that "Jesus changes lives."
In Nishinomiya, Cyndy and I got to meet our other homestay family. Miyuki and Takahiro graciously gave us their whole house to stay in. Takahiro showed us his tatami shop. We also got to share about Jesus with their daughter Makiko who is a pharmacist. She said she was touched about our decision to go to Ishinomaki. We got to use their washing machine which washes and drys in one machine. Lucille, Denise and I got to attend a calligraphy class with a master sensei, and shared some worship songs and the reason for us coming to Japan with the class. We participated in American night and enjoyed meeting people from the Joyful English class that Randy teaches. There was so much laughter and so much eating. Miyuki and Ooe (one of the class members) cooked octopus balls (takoyaki) for us for dinner and we had a discussion about Jesus, similar to one which we had with Sachiko. God is good in providing the time to share about Him and His love.
Today, August 2nd, Denise led a wonderful scrap booking class. Many of the woman who attended brought their children along, and babysitting was provided by the church members and occasionally by some of our team. We all enjoyed being "grandparents" to the children and babies. Baby Yuki was shared by all. The Church provided a wonderful sukiyaki meal followed by some of the sweetest watermelon I have ever tasted. We also spent time ministering in prayer for Randy and Hitomi who run the English ministry there. I saw carp fish, representing the people of Japan, being drawn to Randy because of the Good News of Jesus; and Hitomi presenting a brilliant diamond on a pillow representing Jesus.
In Nishinomiya, Cyndy and I got to meet our other homestay family. Miyuki and Takahiro graciously gave us their whole house to stay in. Takahiro showed us his tatami shop. We also got to share about Jesus with their daughter Makiko who is a pharmacist. She said she was touched about our decision to go to Ishinomaki. We got to use their washing machine which washes and drys in one machine. Lucille, Denise and I got to attend a calligraphy class with a master sensei, and shared some worship songs and the reason for us coming to Japan with the class. We participated in American night and enjoyed meeting people from the Joyful English class that Randy teaches. There was so much laughter and so much eating. Miyuki and Ooe (one of the class members) cooked octopus balls (takoyaki) for us for dinner and we had a discussion about Jesus, similar to one which we had with Sachiko. God is good in providing the time to share about Him and His love.
Today, August 2nd, Denise led a wonderful scrap booking class. Many of the woman who attended brought their children along, and babysitting was provided by the church members and occasionally by some of our team. We all enjoyed being "grandparents" to the children and babies. Baby Yuki was shared by all. The Church provided a wonderful sukiyaki meal followed by some of the sweetest watermelon I have ever tasted. We also spent time ministering in prayer for Randy and Hitomi who run the English ministry there. I saw carp fish, representing the people of Japan, being drawn to Randy because of the Good News of Jesus; and Hitomi presenting a brilliant diamond on a pillow representing Jesus.
We are now on our way to Sendai and Ishinomaki by bus. The trip will be about 12 hrs. Your prayers for safe travel are coveted. As always, please pray for the Holy Spirit to open hearts. It is not by our own doing. Dear Holy Spirit, please show your grace and mercy to those in Japan we come in contact with. Let them see who Jesus is and how much He loves. We pray that the Good News will produce fruit. We love you Lord and we thank you for allowing us to love the people we have met.
We leave with sadness in saying good-by to our new friends. But we pray that what we shared about Jesus will touch those who we've shared our lives with.
Our time in Nishinomiya
Here are a few photos from the time we spent with Nishinomiya chapel - Makio Sensei and New Community Church. Our team received a warm welcome on Wednesday. See our sign with names and descriptions in Japanese. We felt like VIPs during our stay. The hospitality and generosity of everyone we met was overwhelming - from our home stay families to the chapel staff, church members, the Joyful Club staff (Randy and Hitomi), students, and everyone here! One photo shows the scrap booking class Denise (aka Haruko-san) led and the other is from our time learning Wadaiko drumming from this talented Nishinomiya Wadaiko club. Next stop is Ishinomaki.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Greetings from New Community Church - Nishinomiya Chapel.
Our days in Sanda were full. We enjoyed the company of our homestay families. We also enjoyed fun activities including cooking class and dancing. On Monday Denise taught our Japanese friends how to make Pineapple Bars. Cyndy taught them how to make Pasta Primavera. Oishii! On Tuesday we taught American Line Dancing and Zumba. Much laughter and good exercise at the same time!
All of our homestay families were so kind. They extended themselves to ensure our comfort. Praise God for these wonderful people!
On Wednesday, July 31 the team was transported from Sanda to Nishinomiya by our gracious hosts from both Sanda and Nishinomiya. We enjoyed a delicious traditional Japanese lunch on tatami mats: Sashimi, Yakiniku and Tempura. Mark, Denise & Lucille went to Gakuentoshi chapel for calligraphy class. We'll get their stories later.
We will prepare for American Night now. Off to shopping and preparation of the chapel for the evening activities. Looking forward to what God has in store. It has been exciting so far!
Blessings,
Makoto (my new Japanese name)
Our days in Sanda were full. We enjoyed the company of our homestay families. We also enjoyed fun activities including cooking class and dancing. On Monday Denise taught our Japanese friends how to make Pineapple Bars. Cyndy taught them how to make Pasta Primavera. Oishii! On Tuesday we taught American Line Dancing and Zumba. Much laughter and good exercise at the same time!
All of our homestay families were so kind. They extended themselves to ensure our comfort. Praise God for these wonderful people!
On Wednesday, July 31 the team was transported from Sanda to Nishinomiya by our gracious hosts from both Sanda and Nishinomiya. We enjoyed a delicious traditional Japanese lunch on tatami mats: Sashimi, Yakiniku and Tempura. Mark, Denise & Lucille went to Gakuentoshi chapel for calligraphy class. We'll get their stories later.
We will prepare for American Night now. Off to shopping and preparation of the chapel for the evening activities. Looking forward to what God has in store. It has been exciting so far!
Blessings,
Makoto (my new Japanese name)
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