Men's Ministry Retreat "Building God's House"

A small group of the guys were able to get away for our men's ministry retreat. the focus of this retreat is to encourage and equip the men of Calvary that are feeling led into full time ministry.
Glenn and I taught through the book of 1 Timothy. We entitled it "Building God's House".
we were blessed as Damian led in our worship times.
we met up north at eco park. God blessed us with a beautiful weekend and we had some great time of study, fellowship, prayer, food, worship and hearing from the Lord. During one of the free times, Ken taught us how to play "bouchie ball" - we had a blast.
We met outside in the courtyard of the cabin we stayed in.
It also had a large meeting room inside where we ate and fellowshipped. This is was from one of our sessions in the morning.
during the afternoon on friday, we went to this huge fresh water lake (i did not know that okinawa had one!) and we got to kayak and have a neat time with the brothers.
what is Damian wearing??

Wednesday Night Fellowship

Every Wednesday night we gather before bible study for a time of fellowship and sharing meals.
There is always plenty of food and it is always yummy. Normally, I don't eat before I teach but lately, the dishes have tempted me to partake.
Allen and Jaime were down from Iwakuni! We were so blessed by their visit. They fellowship at Calvary Chapel Iwakuni with Mike & Sonya. Allen is one of Mike's key guys.
With Joe's surgery (please pray for his recovery and healing), God has been blessing us by stirring others to step up and minister their gifts with the body. Recently, Crystal has been leading in worship and we are so thankful to the Lord.
Everyone says, "Check out that pink guitar!".

Okinawa Children's Ministry Festival

Recently one Saturday afternoon, we joined with many other Okinawan churches to help with an island wide Children's Festival. We were honored to be invited. God has blessed us with ministry to both English and Japanese speaking kids and adults.
There were outside and inside activities & events.
We were asked to run the outside game booths and such. Many thanks to all of those that came out to be a blessing to the body of Christ. It was a great day. No one was there to promote a church or denomination- it was about uplifting the name of Jesus Christ and reaching out the kids He loves.

Beach Baptisms

God blessed us with an incredible day to gather at the beach and worship and rejoice with those that decided to be baptized.
We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.
The brothers and sisters in Christ gather around those that were baptized to pray for them and over them.
Please pray for Calvary Okinawa and the 8 folks that were baptized this day. Some say that the number "8" is significant and represents "new beginnings". It was our prayer that this day was the mark of a "new beginning" for these our precious family in Christ.
It was a great day in the Lord. An entire family came forward to be baptized. Mom & Dad went first and then baptized their children with us. One dear brother, Michael came out fully dressed in his clothes and shoes and all... Erin, a neat gal that was saved on Easter came out and has jumped in with both feet in following Jesus.
The water was amazing. The day was blessed. What a great place to make this commitment.
The beaches on Okinawa are pretty nice.

Damian visits Okinawa

We were so blessed this past Sunday as Damian Velarde was back on island to share with us the exciting new venture of faith that God is leading him and his family towards. Please pray for the Velarde's as they go to England to plant a church in the city of Exeter.
http://supernaturalwarriors.blogspot.com/
Damian encouraged us from 2 Chronicles 17 this morning.

In the afternoon, we went over to visit with Tim & Ayu.
Later that evening, Damian was invited to share at CC Ginowan's W2 bible study.

Steve Gaines: Missionary with an assault rifle

Please pray for Steve and his family. Steve is still deployed in Afghanistan. He sent this picture of his crew and to show us the snow there. He has several more weeks until he returns to Oki. Steve and his family have a heart for missions and desire to return to Okinawa to minister along with us. We are excited about the future. We got to skype with him for a bit the other day. He's all buff boy now and even though, he never smiles for pictures, he was in great spirits. We miss you Steve and are praying for you! See you soon.

Noah turns 9!!! Yikes

It is one of those weird realities that sneaks up on you. You have a kid... kids... and your first-born is now nine. Nine. It is hard to believe. Just as all those before me warned me and told me- the time will fly. It has. If God should lead him to depart at 18 or his mom gives him the boot, we are at the half-way mark- that is weird. We are grateful for the joy that God blessed us with nine years ago.

Oh yes, McDonald's McFlurry was on the top of the "what would you like for your birthday?" list. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I know. BTW. They didn't have "Strawberry Shortcake" but "Double Chocolate" was just as nice.
That classic cheesy grin.

"Ja Mata" to the Petersen's

Last Sunday, we said "See you later" to Justin and Mary Petersen. They are leaving to Texas for 3 years and are praying about what God would have for them after. God has given them a heart for missions and has been stirring their hearts for the country of Turkey. Please pray for this wonderful couple. We miss them much but are excited for them in this new season.
There are many things we will miss about them.... Justin's quick, dry wit... his corny jokes... Mary's punchy-ness (Justin says she has a fire in her belly).... his intellectual, yet easy to understand teaching of the Foundations Class.... Middle Eastern food... Shadow.... Mary's cool tatoo... and all the fun we had about Star Trek.
Justin sent these pix when the arrived in Minnesota to visit family before heading to Texas.
The way is paved for Turkey. :)

Youth Servant Sunday

This Sunday was Youth Servant Sunday, where the youth were the ones who did the serving. They did everything from leading worship, doing the announcements, ushering, and greeting people at the door. They did a great job!

Allison is Here!

Allison is a dear friend here visiting from Calvary Chapel Monetebello! We are so excited that the Lord has led her to Okinawa several times. This visit was about a month long, and she has been helping serve the church in many ways. The Lord has blessed her in graphic design and photography. She will be leaving on Thursday, but with hopes on coming back as soon as she can!! Please pray for her and safe traveling.

A Special Visit

Kevin and Hallelujah


Hallelujah is a youth kid in our church who was recently diagnosed with a cancerous lump in his throat. He has been in Osaka getting chemo therapy and radiation for treatment. Kevin (his youth pastor) and Pastor Rick were able to take a couple days to visit him. It was an encouraging time for Hallelujah and his family to spend time together. Please continue to keep him in your prayers! We are looking forward to having him come back to Okinawa soon!

Hallelujah, Kevin, and Hallelujah's mom, Keiko

Tamiko's Departure..

Tamiko is leaving on Thursday to go to Germany for her 3rd semester of Bible College. She has been such a blessing to us, and we are excited for her to have this experience! We know that she will have a great time! Have fun Tamiko, and we will see you soon! =)

Korean Worship Team Comes to Okinawa!

We were blessed to have a Korean Worship Team come and visit us. They are with Campus Crusade for Christ. Every year, they travel all around the island and minister to people with the gifts God has given them. We were their first stop before they started their tour. Before worship, they filled up on the awesome grub we have on Wednesday nights before service.

Allison was able to get a quick shot of them while they were practicing, and doing sound. We truly had a fun and encouraging time as they led us in worship.

A Pleasant Visit

Just recently we had Ryuko Fujita,(on the right) Maria Williamson,( Middle) and Kayo (front middle) come and hang out with us for a bit. These girls graduated from OCSI in 2002, and just finished college. It was so good to see them and catch up. Kayo has been actively involved at Calvary Chapel Ginowan and is such a blessing! Ryuko will be staying here in Okinawa, seeking the Lord for what He has next. We want to say CONGRATULATIONS to Maria who is going back to the states and getting married! God Bless you girls!

New Classrooms

Here are some pictures of the new classrooms. There are some challenges,but for the most part, everyone has their own room. We are not suprised at God's blessing, just amazed at His faithfulness.

Although we don't have a picture yet, we do have a Japanese Sunday School Class and don't want to forget to mention them.

This is half of the Nursary. The other half is for those babies that don't walk yet. 2 & 3 year olds.
4 & 5 year olds.

Kindergarden & 1st Grade. 2nd & 3rd grade.

Planet 45.
Tsunami (Jr. High)

TC-1 (High School)

Adult service.

Dedication Sunday Luncheon Fellowship

After our first Sunday in the new building, we had a Dedication Luncheon to thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us.

It was a wonderful time. Sandwiches, Chips, Soda, Friends and Family and Awesome Fellowship.

And A New Season Begins....

Things have been very busy here. We have moved from our old building which, as you can see, is no more. This picture was taken on December 8th in the morning and by the end of the day the old church was gone.

Here is a close-up of the sun rise. As the old building is fading away, the rising sun reminds us that a new day is coming. We look forward to the new season God has for us in the new church building.
The Japanese take a lot of time to plan and they do it well. Once the planning is over and the work begins, they don't waste any time. I believe this picture was taken on Sunday or Monday afternoon. There is nothing left of the old building, but a pile of crushed concrete.
We have been blessed beyond comprehension. Here is the building God has placed us in for the next season. It is currently a beauty school, but they will be closing their doors over the next two Japanese school years. The Japanese school year runs from March to March each year.

We get to use the entire third floor, half of the second floor and one other room on Wednesdays and Sundays. In April, we will be able to use the entire first floor as well.