May 09 Departures

I don't think it ever gets easier. Every year, we have the wonderful blessing of meeting new and awesome people. God brings them in various ways and we come to appreciate and love them dearly and then, God sends them out. This past 2 months we said "good bye" (really, 'see you later') to Rudy, John, Jeremy, the Kunter's, Matt, the Bassett's, Ivan & Suzie and this past
Sunday, the Ferry Family. We miss you and love you guys! Thank you for making Okinawa a wonderful place for us!

Beach Baptisms

So, it started off with one.

Amy, who wanted to be baptized before her family left Okinawa. So, we said, "let's go for it."
Then Steve & Phyllis Green...
Then Aaron...
Then Jacqueline...
Then Chantal...
Then Justin...
Then Anna...
Then Rebekah...
Then Jennifer...
Then Seth...
Then Joshua...
Then Ed...
Then Jonas...
Then Chandler...

Needless to say it was an awesome day!

It was an honor and blessing to be a part of God's work in the lives of these wonderful people.

(Click on the photo to enlarge image)

Firmly Planted - Women's Conference Pics

The gals had a great time on Saturday being strengthened in the Lord.
The title of conference was "Firmly Planted" and the emphasis was to be planted firm in the Lord in all areas of life.
They had specific workshops to encourage the gals in various ways.
There was a workshop for married gals, for single gals, a home-making workshop (Noemi taught it!), a workshop for our Japanese sisters on dealing with cultural and family pressures as a Japanese Okinawan Christian women, there was a fellowship time for the gals 40 years+, and one on dealing with difficulties that Amy & Amy taught!
All in all, it was a very blessed time. God gave great grace to the gals!

Women's Mini Conference - This Saturday, May 23rd

The ladies are planning a mini-conference (1/2 day) entitled "Firmly Planted". Please pray for the gals as they gather to be strengthened in their walk with Jesus. There will be workshops and general teaching sessions. Pray for the Japanese translation and we're having a special workshop for our Japanese sisters too! It should be a great time in the Lord.