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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

More pics!!

 

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)

　
July 29th

God never ceases to amaze us. Through the Holy Spirit`s guidance our team members were matched with home stay families who are meant to be together. I can see the giftings and personal experiences come to life as the Lord uses each of each to minister to our host families. Several people have had the opportunity to share the gospel and others are simply showing the love of our Savior through their kindness and compassion. Please continue to pray for hearts to be open to the redemption He provides.

Our team enjoyed a day filled with outreach activities. Denise shared her delicious recipe of pineapple cake - we had a Math lesson with converting to the metric system of measuring different amounts. Then Cyndy shared how to cook pasta primavera. Several of the women in Sanda tried to find fresh grated parmesan cheese, but that wasn`t available. Oh well. The powdery grated cheese did the job and everyone said the pasta was oishii (tasty) after all. Our team members  rehearsed for line dancing scheduled for tomorrow. And even though we were sweaty, we practiced our Zumba steps. Ok, that`s it for now, time for oyasuminasai (bed time).

Hi Everyone,

Well the entire team has been Japan for nearly 4 days now.  Praise God for our safe arrival.Time is flying by. Patti, Lucille, Russ & Mike met Denise, Cyndy and Mark at the Washington Kansai Airport Hotel Thursday evening.  Interesting mix of dinner including Mos Burger, takoyaki, chicken katsu & Kyoto's famous yatsuhashi manju. Friday morning we were met by Nishinomiya chapel members Isamu & Tadanao, along with Naoko and her daughter & Keiko & Minami Sakamoto of Sanda chapel.  Long drive through traffic back to Sanda for lunch.  Met other members of Sanda chapel at the restaurant.  Japanese lunch was excellent and the fellowship even better.  Old friendships were renewed and new ones made.  We gave our Japanese hosts English names and they gave us Japanese names, good fun.

Ok, off to homestays...

Mike and the Yamanes spent much time playing ukulele, laughing and eating. Day trip to Shikoku island to see the whirlpools & eddies that occur under the Naruto Bridge.  During the trip George was attacked by a black, hairless caterpillar.  Seeing the danger, I sprung into action and flicked the beast from George's shirt, narrowly avoiding ministerial disaster.

Today is Sunday service with New Community Church pastor Makio Sensei from Nishinomiya.  We worshipped at the Sakamoto's home with BBQ following.  Minami led worship singing.  Later, George, Aiko and I sang some worship with ukulele.  This was followed by a rendition of "Hele On To Kauai" with Lucille doing hula.

Kyoto

Mark, Cyndy, and Denise made it safely to Kansai yesterday.  We made our way to the Haruka Express train to Kyoto.  Once we got to the train station, we couldn't find our hotel which was in the train station. We were given different directions by several people, but by the grace of God, we finally found it! We are enjoying the Kyoto food and beautiful sights.  We will be joining the rest of the team tomorrow!

Who is this King of Glory?

In just 2 days, Denise, Mark and I will arrive in Japan, 2 days ahead of our other team members. We covet your prayer support. Thank you for keeping us lifted up to the Lord. There is nothing we can do that will have any meaning apart from the Holy Spirit's leading and blessing. I am excited to see how God will use our team to minister and love on the Japanese in Sanda, Nishinomiya and Ishinomaki. In my devotions this week in preparation for our trip, the Lord spoke to my heart through Psalm 24.

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, O you gates, be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord Almighty - he is the King of glory."

We pray that the gates to the hearts of the Japanese people we encounter, be lifted up to the only true God, the King of Glory, Jesus Christ.

Less than one week to go

Where did the time go? I blinked and it is Friday morning July 19, 2013 with the click ticking down, the excitement building, and the level of expectation rising.  I am not sure what to expect, I just believe God is at work behind the scenes.  He is like the unseen musical genius conductor who loves music and his orchestra.  I am part of the individuals who have been assigned a part to play at a certain specific time.  It may not captivate people by itself with its hauntingly beautiful notes, like a saxophone on a still and cold winter night, and by itself may be an annoyingly shrill high pitched screech, but together with all the other instruments, will be blended together to produce a never before heard masterpiece.  Can you hear the orchestra?  I know, I cannot either.  So I am listening as hard as I can with my ears wide open.  Will God speak?  He does all the time.  Will I hear him?  I hope so.  Remember you are also part of the orchestra with your part to play too.  Will you join me in our journey to Japan as we seek to change hearts and to be changed ourselves?  Thank you.  Please keep us in prayer.  Prayer is like the stage all the orchestra members sit on.  We all need the stage.  We all need prayer.

Dancing Missionaries

The team received dance instruction on June 22nd & 29th.  Dance instruction?  Yes, one of our outreach ministries will be to teach American line-dancing to our eager Japanese students.  We will also conduct a class in Zumba, the popular dance style of fitness aerobics.  Our line-dance sensei was the ever-patient Gladys Kamikawa and our Zumba sensei was our own Cyndy Lum.  Thank you Gladys and Cyndy!  We learned a lot and you were both Senseitional!!

        Line-dancing with Sensei Gladys K

        Sensei Gladys

        Sensei Cyndy

...barely five weeks to go before launch to Japan.  Feels like there is still so much to do before we're in the air, on the ground and working in The Mission Field!  It seems daunting:  Will we get everything done before we leave?  Will we be prepared?  Will we be effective for God?  These questions naturally follow our  weakness but it is when they arise that we need to allow God to work in our hearts and listen for His calming voice.

What I am certain of is that He chose each member of this mission team for this venture, and He chose this venture for each team member.  I am also certain that if we are obedient to His call and leading, we will accomplish exactly what God set out for us to accomplish.  We may not realize what has been accomplished and we may never see the fruit of what was begun in His name.  Nevertheless, we are to obey and go out.

This will be a transforming experience for us as well.  It will be at times fun, at times fatiguing, always enlightening and, I believe, fulfilling.  So let us continue to pray; seek His counsel; share our fears, frustrations and joys; align our will with His. Let us also pull together in our love for each other, for the people of Japan and for our Savior Jesus Christ as our time draws near.

Blessings...

CBC Japan Mission Team1 2013

Preparation is always the key.  Jesus continuously prepared for ministry by praying.  Early in the morning, before anyone was around He went off alone in solitude to spend time praying.  This prayer is what fueled the ministry He had among those He touched.  Wanting to follow in His footsteps, the Japan team 1 would ask you now to pray for them.  Right now.  Take a moment and whisper a prayer for their effective use of the tools God has given them, the hearts may be open to God's leading, seeds of change may be planted, and restoration of the country, their homes, and their hearts.  God is afoot.  Do you hear Him?  He is at work.  Do you see Him?  He is always near, always present, always reaching forth the hand of salvation to any and all.

Never a moment is there to haste as we walk in God's glorious pace
Seeking Him wonderfully magnificent face
We know. His love.

He walks beside me every day, looking out and guiding me along the way
I want to see him face to face
today

To give him of my best, especially lying at his rest
I seek to do his will
day by day

As we walk in his grace we know that no matter which way the wind may blow
We will walk with him hand in hand
Today
And always.

Today marks the beginning on an incredible journey for this group of Christians traveling from the world of Southern California to the other side of the world thousands of miles away to Japan.  They are following the call of the one who created them, the Lord Jesus who commanded all Christians to "go and make disciples of all nations".  In this spirit, the people of Cerritos Baptist Church have banded together to "GO!"  They go for reasons they will explain in this blog.  Read on and follow the adventures of those brave in heart.   This blog is to encourage, embolden, and strengthen those who read of the travails of the human soul in their quest to follow Jesus.  Read and be challenged.  Read and be made aware of the desperate need.  Read and be entertained.  Most of all, read and be touched in your soul.  This could be you one day.