CIT Day 3

Fridays are nice not only because class gets out early, but because we get to hear one another's life stories during Heart of the Missionary time. Like a small group, these sessions are an opportunity to go beyond the surface relationship and see the struggles and the triumphs of God's people in the mission. We fully expect that there will be tears during these sessions because there are many hardships that missionaries go through both on and off the field. We are a fallen race and all of us fall short of the glory of God. Nevertheless, it is in His righteousness that we put our faith and hope.

Following lunch, an expedition was commissioned of the back 20 acres of the CIT property. A narrow trail wanders through the forest as children take turns fighting over who gets to be the leader. NOTE - missionary kids are really no different than regular children.

CIT Day 2

The clouds parted and the sun shone on our second day of training at CIT. After an opening time focused on the Biblical foundation of the Gospel and its significance in keeping us energized while we're on the field, we spent the remainder of our training looking at the results from our DISC personality assessments. Not only is understanding your own personality important for knowing why you do the things you do, but it's critical in knowing how to deal with other people - especially on the field with team mates and the nationals we are trying to reach. I learned that it's okay to be a driven, demanding, and decisive personality - but everything in moderation is best. Not everyone responds to criticism the same way, and not everyone is motivated by the same things. Personalities can change over time depending on circumstances. Conflict resolution can best be achieved by knowing who you're dealing with and how to find common ground. After class, we spent time checking email, taking pictures and playing by the pool.

CIT Day 1

Our first day of training at the Center for Intercultural Training was jam-packed with stuff to do. We started the day with a basic orientation, followed by focusing on how we were called into mission service. Following lunch we participated in small group sessions called Heart of the Missionary. This gave us a chance to get to know others on a more personal level, and, as it turns out, everyone in our group will be going to Asian countries to serve. After HOM time, we split up into teams for a massive scavenger hunt that spanned the entire Rutherfordton county. We now know where every Dollar General, Family Dollar, Mighty Dollar, and Wal-mart store is. We can even tell you what's playing at the movie theater, the name of the lake in front of the community college, and the number of baseball diamonds at the Crestview park behind the hospital. That said, Union Mills isn't exactly in the middle of nowhere, but it isn't too far away from it. The entire day it rained and was fairly chilly. For the locals, this was a blessing as it hasn't rained here in ages.

Prayer Upon Arrival

We arrived safely Tuesday afternoon around 3pm in Union Mills. The weather stayed nice for the most part and we had no trouble getting settled. The apartment we're staying in on campus is outstanding. There's enough room for everyone and even possibly a guest who might like to stay a night or two. Our next door neighbors are also missionaries in training to Japan! Rusty, Brenda and their daughter Grace will be living in Hokkaido to work on their language training before moving down to Tokyo area. Please pray that Grace's fever goes away, her ear infection subsides and that everyone stays healthy.

The Sword is the Word of God

Having spent this past semester working with the elementary kids of First Christian during Wednesday night Bible study, I enjoyed the chance to tell them a bit more about our mission to Japan. I shared the experience I had during CPI to tell missionary kids in Japan about putting on the Full Armor of God and I got to show them the special samurai training swords given to me by Shimanuke sensei. I also taught them the most important word in Japanese - the name for Jesus. Can you guess what it is?
The children enjoyed getting to taste authentic Japanese candies - including strawberry Pocky. Yatta!

Lovin' It Ookii Jikan

If there's two things that I like best about Japan, it's McDonald's and their coupons. You've heard me rave the burgers, fries, and Cokes before, but it gets even better with a bit of technology added to the mix. They've started rolling out a new electronic coupon system that works with your cell phone. You pick the coupon you want on your screen, hold the phone over the scanner, and the cashier bows and politely says "Yokudekimashita!" You feel like a winner every time you order something - how's that for service?

Open Door to Japan

Today was our 12th wedding anniversary, and what better thing to do than share our mission presentation with the Open Door class at First Christian Church. This is really where it all started for me, as far as studying the Word of God and having the opportunity to lead a class ac couple years back. All things considered ( our lack of practice, not enough copies of the newsletter, no Powerpoint ), it went pretty well. Sometimes I think the Powerpoint and the photos can detract from the true message of the mission. So we spoke with words and our hearts and let them create the pictures.

We also had a special guest in class, Yuko - a Japanese college student staying with Josh and Glinda Cameron for 2 weeks to help at Give Kids the World. She made sure what we were saying about Japan was true! Domo Yuko-san. As a result of today's presentation, we now have over 85 prayer warriors! PTL.

Additionally, the folks of First Christian Church have bolstered our fund raising efforts for training camp by another $850! For that we are grateful. Hontouni ureshii (really happy)!

Going on Ahead

The death of a Christian friend, especially one who's been instrumental in shaping our walk with Christ, is a bittersweet reminder of the mortal tents that we live in. Paul Tucker unexpectedly passed from this life into eternity Thursday morning May 15th. He's gone on ahead of his loving wife Beth and two teenage sons Kevin and Brian. Paul was the guy I first shared my desire to "do something more with my faith" and he was the one who prayed with me and encouraged me to listen to God. It was that moment I believe that has propelled Weiling and me to the decision to enter the ministry in a full-time capacity.

Jesus reminds us in John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. How sobering to consider the magnitude of that statement? Certainly it was pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of the Cross, but if we are truly called to live as Christ lived, then ought not we count it all as joy when we are called home and when our life was spent working the fields of Christ's great harvest? The mournful tears we shed now will be tears of joy as described in Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Please join with us in lifting up Paul's family and friends who are devastated at this loss. May the Holy Spirit lift each of them up and carry them through this valley.