Harvest Christian Fellowship Sunday night

On Sunday night, New Years' Eve, we headed over to Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside. They were having a car show in the parking lot. Matt really liked the Pink Bug.
Here's Matt in front. He was hoping to see Greg Laurie.
That night, Tree Sixty-Three played for worship along with the Day 7 Band. It was rockin'. It was a packed house. The spirit of God really moved that night as many, many came forward to give their lives to Christ. In-cred-ible!

Lunch @ La Habra

Please pray for the Stead family. Jason has been the Missions pastor at La Habra forever and God has now called them to Uganda, Africa. They will be leaving in June 07. Pray for Jason, Tara, Emma, Benjamin, and Analiese.

It was great to have the Silva's and Jessica V. with us. The fellowship with the La Habra crew as awesome.
Pastor Lance and Pastor Chizuo's daughters are best buds. It was amazing to hear Lance's girls speaking Japanese so fluently.
This is Bob Dominguez. He serves as the Spanish pastor. Bob has become a good friend over the years. He has come to Japan on several visits.

We visit Calvary Chapel La Habra

The first Sunday in California we were invited by Pastor Lance Cook of Calvary Chapel La Habra to come by. CC La Habra has been a tremendous supporter of the work here and over the years, we have forged some wonderful relationships. Lance is the Calvary overseeing pastor for Japan. We are thankful to the Lord for his love and support. Since the very first year we came, they have sent a team every year.

Matt's first Alberto's

Of course we had to visit "Alberto's" when we were in Cali.
This is Matt Andersen's first Alberto's burrito.
Right off the plane and he wasted no time.
His only wish was his wife, Jessica could enjoy one with him.

We were blessed to hang out with Richard Bueno.
Richard was our very first missionary with us 6 years ago.
God has been doing great things in his life.
Please pray for Richard as he leads the youth group at Livingwater.

Love you Richard!

Jessica V. @ Starbucks in Cali

While in California, we met up with Jessica Valadez at Starbucks. She is alive and well. God has brought her back to California from Mexico for this season. It was great to see Jessica and catch up. The kids posed for some fun pictures while we were there.

The New Horsemen

Here's a picture of Ben Barnett and Luke Gaines. They are the new "horsemen" waiting for the new recruits. How cute are they? Look Ben's head's twice as big as Luke's... what do they feed that kid?

Girls @ Mihama for coffee = trouble

So, after the Send Off party, the girls went out for some coffee and other fun fellowship. Nice do, Sandra. It's her new Italian look.

Velarde's Send Off Italian Bash

I got Rodney with a big bite in his mouth! :) Normally, this guy's always smiling but with so much good Italian food - he can't.
Sandra was on her way back in for her 3rd plate. Get out of my way David!
Later that day, into the evening, we gathered around to share words of encouragement and appreciation for the Velarde's.
We gathered around Damian and Sandra to pray for them as the Lord leads them to Italy. What a blessing to see the body of Christ come together in His Work. God is doing great things in the lives of His people here. We are honored to be a part. This reminded me of the book of Acts. How cool is our God?

Livingwater Crew in Okinawa

Okay, I know it's old news, but I'm trying to update this crazy thing... it's like the dishes or laundry - if you're away from it for a while, it just gets away from you... anywho... a few weeks back, we were blessed by a visit from the team from Livingwater. These pictures are from when we went to lunch with the CCBC kids - the Livingwater crew came along with our good brother Joe and Voonder.

Jon Fredriksen visits!

How cool was this... to walk in Sunday morning a few weeks ago and find our old friend & beloved brother Jon sitting in the sound booth! How awesome God is to keep the CCO family connected even after people move! Love and miss you tons Jon!

The Barnett Family grows

We were taking a family picture for the Velarde's going away scrapbook and Micah & Hannah joined in! Over the past 3 years, we have all become family in Christ with the Velarde's. We love you and will miss you much.
Check out Micah's hair! Just like his papa.

Tamiko & Gen have returned!

Gen and Tamiko are back! They returned this week from 3+ months in Austria, serving at the "Vision for Life" Calvary Chapel Bible College Austria campus.
We are excited to have them back and to hear all that God had spoken to their hearts. Everyone missed you gals. Welcome home!

Mens Retreat @ Okuma

At the end of last week, a group of guys from the church went up to the north part of the island, to Okuma. It was an awesome time in the Lord. We had a men's retreat called "Into the Deep" based upon Luke 5 where Jesus tells Peter to "launch out into the deep". God ministered to all our hearts in personal and powerful ways - it was just awesome. For the boys who missed out - don't fret, we're gonna do it again soon!

Homeless Outreach

The Sunday following Thanksgiving, we got together at the church and made meals for the homeless in our city. I was so blessed that so many came out to give a helping hand. When Paul began his ministry, the church leaders told him to remember the poor...

A solid group of folks came out Sunday afternoon just to help with preparations.


Here, Yasutomo serves the Lord by rubbing seasoning salt on the turkey that we deep fried for our outreach. It was Yasutomo's first time. He said it was "foul".

We divided our group in two. One group went to a park in a part of the city called Goya, the others stayed in the park near Kadena Gate 2. The Goya park had many drunk and passed out homeless. There we met this boy named Kazuki. He is 6 years old. Please pray for Kazuki and his father, who is on the left. We will be returning to the park with food and items on Dec. 17th.
Okinawa is considered the poorest of the prefectures of Japan, with the greatest percentage of unemployment. It is our heart to reach out in the love of Jesus Christ in a practical way. We will be returning to provide meals, clothes, blankets and as the Lord leads, even medical assistance. Please pray with us for these the poorest of the lost.

Thanksgiving Outreach w/ Hansen Christian Center

Each year, we have a "Day After Thanksgiving" outreach to the single missionaries and service members on Okinawa. This year, we partnered with Mike & Lisa Thompson, who are serving as Directors of the Hansen Christian Center hospitality house. Mike & Lisa are a part of our Calvary family and are a giant blessing to all of us.
The HCC is located on the northern end of the island, just minutes outside Camp Hansen. They minister to mostly single and younger Marines stationed there. We joined forces to cook dinner and have a great time of outreach to their community.

Turkey Bowl 06

This year's Turkey Bowl was all it was "cracked up" to be! Pastor Rick's team "Scarlet Thread" demolished Glenn's team "Romans". Glenn's team won last year by a narrow margin and Glenn had held the coveted trophy for the last year. It was given to its rightful owner this year as God granted victory to the righteous team.
This year's excitement also pitted Ginowan City vs. Okinawa City. Alas, the college boys plus Glenn were just no match for the well oiled machinery of Okinawa City- perhaps next year fellas. Maybe Shannon should have played.
This year's MVP choice was a difficult decision. Most would agree that Greg was the overall best... quarterback, reciever and rusher... but the award goes to Steve Gaines who in a marvelous leap of faith snatched himself an interception right before Voonder knocked him to the ground and cracked his ribs. Steve is doing well. He reports that he counts it a blessing to suffer for Christ's sake, even on the grid iron... by the way... it was flag football...

Andersen Family has grown!

Please welcome Ella Svea Andersen. She was born November 17th, almost an hour after midnight. Matt and Jess are just glowing these days. Look at the proud papa! We are so excited for the Andersen's. To see more pix of the family, please check out their blog at http://www.jessmattandersen.blogspot.com/