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.

Harvest Carnival 2007

Ms. Tammy headed up the Cake Walk and it was awesome. We had sooooo many cakes, pies, cookies and goodies- (thank you so much - all you bakers!).
Our purpose for having the Carnival is as much outreach to the community as in-reach to our own kids. This year we saw a great number of Okinawan and Japanese kids and parents come out for the event. We were able to pass out tracts, videos and share the gospel in small group and one-on-one settings. That night, a half-Okinawan man came with his kids for candy but found something much sweeter- Jesus and surrendered his life to Christ!
Some kids that came out were from the "Danchi" area (subsidized apartments) behind the church where we have done several outreaches with various teams. Some of the kids came back that weekend and came to church on Sunday!
We were blessed by several groups that came out to be a part with us.
The Harbor, Hansen Christian Center, Kingdom Outreach Ministries (seen above), Noah Community Church and CCBC Okinawa/CCGinowan worship.
This was the bounce house guy... he looked like our good brother Steve Gaines, so we took a picture. We miss you Steve!!!

Harvest Carnival 2007

This year's Harvest Carnival was over the top! God just totally blessed the night with incredible weather (it was "suppose" to rain) and packed the place all night long! It was great.
Dressed up or not, it didn't matter, we had a blast sharing the love and light of Christ on a dark night.
This was our "Knock the Idols Down" game. Sometimes even the "ghetto games" can be the most fun.
The Jr. High crew aka "Tsunami" made a "plinko" type game called "The Valley of the Shadow of Death" game. It was really cool, especially since the kids made the entire game themselves (with some help from the Johnson's)
Keeping the tradition alive- the High School group aka "TC-1" manned the food booth and was able to raise some funds for upcoming ministry events. Big time thank you to the Merrill's.

Surprise Appreciation Potluck

Kristy and I returned for Sunday services (thank you Roy Toma for teaching!) and were taken by surprise. Glenn and a few diabolical others had organized a surprise church potluck. We were so blessed. Normally I would be upset with Glenn for such things but it was Mexican food themed... it's just impossible to have yummy enchiladas and be upset. Thanks everyone.
God gave us a beautiful day to be outside and partake of the festivities.

Toni & Caroline blessed us with a special song. Toni composed, Joe played the music and Caroline sang- it was very beautiful and filled our hearts with gratitude to God for such an incredible church family.
All in all, it was a fantastic finale to a wonderful weekend that God blessed us with.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of the conspiracy :) We are so blessed.
This was a Snickerdoodle cake that Toni Hanson made. How cool is that?

10 Year Wedding Anniversary

On October 18th, Kristy and I celebrated 10 wonderful years of marriage. I am so thankful to the Lord for blessing me with such an incredible wife and terrific mother to our 4 beautiful children. We count it an honor and blessing to be here in Okinawa for almost 7 years now and to have had the privilege of sharing in God's goodness with so many. God has truly done exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could have ever asked or thought. Thank you Jesus for Your blessings upon our lives.
We farmed off the kids for the weekend and went up to the north of the island. We were so blessed because we were able use our travel mileage coupons for ANA at the Manza Resort Hotel. We didn't stay there but we were able to use the coupons for dinners and for Kristy's pedicure and stuff like that.
Kristy ordered a 50 dollar steak! Praise God we had those mileage gift certificates but we almost died when it arrived. Look at how small that thing is! "Where's the beef?" as those old Wendy's commercials used to ask. The steak was a "Yanbaru Beef". They said it was like Okinawa's version of Kobe steak. I don't know if it was worth 50 bucks but it was very yummy.
We got to hang around the Manza Hotel and enjoy the beautiful weather God provided.
On Kristy's birthday, we went to a dinner show buffet. The show was pretty good- it highlighted Okinawan music and culture. The buffet was all Okinawan food, which we love, so it was a great dinner.
The weater up in the Nago area was beautiful. We were so blessed.

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'!