Prayer Request for fires in So Cal

There are several military families that were a very special part of our church here in Okinawa that now live in the Southern California area near San Diego and Camp Pendleton. With the fires in the area, they have asked for prayers for protection and comfort. Would you please add to your prayers the Loquist family, the Fisher family, the Garcia family, the Sotingco family, the Rutter family, Mike Ubuco (did you ever get married yet?), the Reedy family and the Wheelers.
Below are some pictures from Camp Pendleton that Vicky took.

GodTube Video- Too Cute

Derek in Korea

Look at Derek! He looks so GQ! He could be the next James Bond. As many of you know, Derek is in Korea right now serving the Lord with the Franklin Graham Festival folks. God has used him in a powerful and incredible way. We are so blessed for him and proud of him.
You have to check out his blog and see all the incredible pictures of the Festival and his report of what God did there. http://derek-4bes.spaces.live.com

We spoke to Derek today and he said that he will be home (back in Oki) in a few weeks and then he's off to Hong Kong for the Franklin Festival there. He will return to Okinawa afterwards and then on to Taipei. Please continue to pray for this young man. I cannot wait to see what else God has in store for him!

Harvest Carnival 2008

The other day, I took the kids to the Okinawa City Zoo. It is quite an experience - if you live on Okinawa and you have never been- you have to go.

Anyways, when we were leaving I saw this billboard poster advertising Halloween. My family and I have been here now for almost 7 years and when we first came, there was very little to nothing of Halloween in the Japanese markets but now- more and more, stores and businesses and the Okinawan community is embracing this holiday and incorporating it. What an amazing process to watch. They've taken all in too- the witches, the bats, the jack-o-laterns, etc. and of course, the candy.
So... what a wonderful opportunity to continue to shine the Light of Jesus Christ on a dark day. While the stores and the world continues to spread its poison, we want to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to "declare the praises of Him who called us out darkness and into His marvelous light".
So... if you can, we'd love to see you on Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. We will have all kinds of booths, 3 jump bounce houses (even one for jr. highers only!), live music and just taking the opportunity to "light the night".
We are praying for good weather like last year and really just for a great time. We're blessed that this year, the Harbor, Hansen Christian Center, Noah Community Church and Kingdom Outreach Ministries and Hakugaijin band will be joining us in our effort to not only in-reach to our own kids but to outreach to our community here. See you there!

New! Young Ladies Bible study starts up

Please pray with us and for Ashley (pictured on the left). Ashley recently finished CCBC in Jerusalem and returned to Okinawa. She is one of the missionary staff and does a great number of things serving the Lord here at church. This past week, we started up a new young gals bible study at Ashley's house. We are looking forward to seeing what God will do in the lives of His precious daughters.

Tsunami ministry outing

Normally, our Jr. High ministry called "Tsunami" meets Sunday mornings for both the 8:30 & 10:30am services. Kevin and Katie Johnson are our ministry leaders and are doing a great job.
When the students meet on Friday nights or other times, we call it "Tsunami-Extra" and its a great time of fellowship, encouragement, strengthening relationships with each other and the Lord.
After dinner, the gals piled in some vans and went out for a favorite Okinawan past-time - Karaoke!
Some of the girls got really into it.
Here it looks like the whole group was singing their hearts out! Future worship singers in the making!

Please pray for the Longoria's

Please pray for the Longoria Family. The dad, Jesus, has left for training for several months. He will be back in December for a short visit and then on to Iraq for the war. The family is doing well and the girls are sad but also encouraged in the Lord knowing that God is doing a wonderful work in and through them all! The twins graduate this year and Jesus may miss it in person. I know they would appreciate your prayers. Thanks!

Cultural Food Exchange: A Taste of India

We had a packed house of ready and eager folks wanting to learn and to eat some yummy curry- Indian style!
We are so blessed by Jessie in many ways, but today that she took the time to prepare and show us how to cook a traditional dish. As she instructed, Karen was all set to be our group model student. Go Karen!
Here Sunita is making a vegetable version and is showing everyone the mixture. Takako says, "It's so spicy hot, I can feel it!" Notice how serious everyone looks! These were intense learners.
We had a great time of fellowship (again) with sharing cultural foods and just hanging out. It rained really hard that afternoon, so being together in the pre-fab trailer was just what the Lord ordered.
Finally, we get to eat! Everyone was stuffed and blessed. Next month, we're going to rock the PI! Where's Vanessa, Sandra, and Cathy when you need them? Praise God, we got Jojo Sotingco on island for a season plus the Merrilos' family. Maybe we can rope in Mimi too! :) Lumpia and pancit!! Masarap'!

Pastor Wives' Conference

In the first part of October, Kristy and Farah were blessed to be able to attend the Calvary Chapel Pastor Wives' Conference held at Murrieta Hot Springs. They were grateful that God blessed them to room with sisters from our original home church, Calvary Chapel Livingwater.
Here they are at one of the meal times...
On a few occasions, they got to hang out with the wives from Japan and those involved in the Japanese ministry at Calvary Costa Mesa.

Oh that God would make us dangerous

We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with.

But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed.

We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places.

Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross.

We are "sideliners" -- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged.

The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own.

Oh that God would make us dangerous!

- Jim Elliot

Shout out to the Langley's!

So, this is a recent picture of the Langley's... to include Mike's oldest daughter Jessica and her fiance' Mason, who just this past week accepted Jesus into his heart as Lord & Savior. A total answer to prayer!
Mike must be the one taking the picture. Check out their blog at www.thelangleylife.blogspot.com
We miss you all dearly!