Having shared our mission work with Florida Christian College earlier in the week, we wanted to get together with those that have an interest in missions. Seven students joined us for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. Psalm 126:2 says: Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
The originally scheduled movie we had planned for didn't arrive from Netflix =(, so we watched an outstanding Japanese movie called Ping Pong. Here's the opening clip showing the main character facing his life's greatest challenge. Believe it or not, this is actually an action comedy.

Labels: Japan, outreach

One of the perks to working in Japan during a recession is the pro-creative ways companies are dealing with it. Take Canon for example. To combat the growing trend of a dwindling population, twice a week they are setting aside a 12-hour work day and encouraging staff to go home early and make babies. I have to give the Japanese credit for being aware of the situation and selling the solution in an unorthodox way. CNN has the bedtime story.

Labels: culture, Japan, praises

We shared this video during our presentation to the student body of Florida Christian College. How interesting that the challenge to do what God has called us to do can be reinforced by someone who doesn't believe God exists. If you care...share.

Labels: outreach

We had the privilege of being invited by President Armstrong to share our mission calling with the students and faculty of Florida Christian College. This is a God honoring institution that is near and dear to my heart. I'm thankful that we had an infantry of 300+ prayer warriors who supported us in such an uplifting way. We could not have done it without their support because I know these students represent the future church. We are happy to report that we have 7 new recruits who are interested in being a part of this mission operation to ensure that the Gospel reaches the lost in Japan. We constantly remind ourselves that we want to be the church of Acts in Japan, and you're helping make that a reality!
The college also asked me to shoot another panoramic photo during chapel. Click and drag around in this picture.

Labels: outreach, praises

In spite of having a missions budget that is maxed out, Richard Geringswald and the missions committee at Legacy Christian Church in Lakeland, FL welcomed us to share our calling and passion for Japan. Their congregation is unique in that it went through a church split some 40 years ago, but recently came back together and are stronger than ever in their faith and walk with Christ. 22 prayer warriors have enlisted with us to pray for Japan! Shouts to Cassandra and the ladies who put together an awesome lunch, Marvin and Faye pictured above (who know Bob Higgins at First Christian Kissimmee), 95 year old Gussie who is likely the most active woman I've met, Morty who knows the Turners in Japan, and everyone who visited with us Sunday afternoon. Thanks for your generosity in helping us purchase airfare to get to the field! Legacy also donated 30 Japanese flags to our ministry to share with our supporting churches which will be given out at our ordination Feb 4th in Kissimmee.

Labels: outreach, praises

Our family was invited to help kick off Lake Eustis Christian's faith promise event. This church is special in that it was the home church for Harold Simms, missionary extraordinaire to Japan for over 50 years! He has since retired to Ohio, but the legacy continues and we were blessed to have heard several stories about their ministry. It was an honor to speak to this faithful congregation and walk in the footsteps of intrepid followers of Christ who've shared the Gospel around the world. Shouts to Luanne, Don and Jo, Bob and Jane, Jim, Doc, and everyone who visited with us and the delicious lunch. 25 people became a part of our prayer warrior team. Praise God!

Labels: outreach, praises

Seems a downturn in the economy hasn't entirely stifled the growing trend of Japanese seeking companionship on a pay-as-you-go basis. This fascinating BBC article offers a peek into the lonely world of some folks in Japan who aren't into commitment, but prefer to use a picture menu to make their selections. Not only does it work for cats and dogs, but also friends and even spouses. Not sure if married life is worth the hassle, why not rent a husband?

Labels: Japan

We were delighted Emily Heeringa paid us a visit on her recent journey to Florida. When she's not keeping tabs on Team Expansion's 300+ missionaries from her office in Louisville, KY, she makes a point of visiting them in the field. Following her adventure to the local IKEA store to stock up on lingenberries, we had pizza together and enjoyed watching The Bucketlist, a movie highlighted in Gene Appel's sermon last weekend at Eastside Christian Church in Fullerton, CA. This visit demonstrated yet again just how small the world becomes the more people you get to know. Pray for Emily's continued success with Team Expansion and that her future endeavors would be blessed.

Labels: blessings

One of my passions is photography, so I'm always challenging myself to try new things. Here is a 360 degree panorama of the graduation ceremony of Hope International that took place in the chapel at Cross Roads. Many of the folks in the back of the room are fellow classmates.

Labels: photos, webtech

I'm just geeky enough to video my commute to Cross Roads Church where the Londen Institute's courses are being held. The traffic in this area isn't that bad - especially when you speed it up 500%. The techno song that just happened to be playing on the XM radio was Far Away and rather appropriate considering where our family is headed in Japan, but as you can see YouTube's copyright system wasn't keen on letting you hear it. Oh well.

Labels: webtech

A growing collection of photos and soon to be videos taken during the 2009 Londen Institute residency at CrossRoads Church in Corona, CA. These are available to all the students and staff who participated. Feel free to use them in any ministry context as you see fit.

Labels: photos

This week and next Garry is in Corona, California for an intensive residency for his masters degree in missionology (intercultural studies). There is tons of great things relevant to our mission and the future church being learned. Praise God.

Labels: praises

This month's newsletter is now available for download. Please share it with your Bible study and church.

Labels: outreach