If you think listening to a sermon in English can be long (not Skip Ryan’s, of course), you should try listening to two of them in Japanese! We split the team in two today. One went to Midoridai, the other to Oyumino. My group went to Midoridai where we participated in a morning worship service, lunch, an English class, an afternoon worship service, and a pizza party with students. Lunch was delicious and they were kind to fix both Japanese (beef bowl) and American (spaghetti). They even transliterated the Japanese so we could sing their worship songs – in Japanese! So here’s the crazy part of the day: there’s a Japanese lady that can’t speak English, but she can speak Spanish. Thanks to Cindy Steele (don’t worry, Mama Steele, we haven’t lost her…yet) and her Español skills, we were able to make conversation. Who would have thought that we would be using our Spanish in Tokyo of all places?! It was a lot of fun, we made many new friends, and we loved being at Midoridai – two sermons and all! We see more Tokyo sites tomorrow with students…
I’ve been praying for you all, and it’s a joy to read your words and see your pictures! Enjoy Tokyo tomorrow. Grace and peace to you! PS–Anne should’ve warned you to keep the mike away from Jeff. Once J-Dub get his groove going, he’s an unstoppable force.
my mistake, I meant to say youth quartet.
Mom
Long sermons, eh? Fantastic to hear from all of you, and to see a photo. Today is my designated prayer day and I promise I have been diligent. Go, go, go people the book of Proverbs says that you do not need that much sleep; we are all proud of you, and we send you strength. Dallas update: Providence is having a picnic today from 4 – 6, and several of us will be gathering to watch the MAVS play tonight. Keep writing. Peace.
It sounds like everything is going wonderfully well. FYI – the PCPC web site was down 2 days ago. Did you get a call to fix it?!!! I mean, you DO have your lap top! By the way, David and Amanda’s shower was on Saturday. There were at least 30 people here. Everybody had a good time and food was eaten by all. They got quite a haul. The first name is definitely Nick, but they’re still debating about a middle name. If you want to get in the fray, send them a few suggestions.
We’re enjoying the blog. Continue with your good work and we’ll be looking forward to seeing you when you get back.
Love, Mom and Dad
Who would have ever thought that you would be speaking Spanish in Japan!?? It just goes to show how flat a world we are really in. By the way, I had something oval, green and fuzzy in my frig yesterday. It turned out to be a very old avocado. It was way past speaking Spanish. It had been lost for awhile, but I was really glad I found it. I know the food in Japan has got to be better than what was in my frig in Georgia.Take care of yourselves. Keep up your good work. We continue to pray for your success.
MM
YAY CINDY! Wouldn’t Senora Johnson be proud!! It was great to see all the “downtown” pictures. That pizza looked a little questionable. What were those green things?? Lots of people are praying for you. Trust you’re getting adequate sleep. Much love,
Mama Steele
Mandatory Mavs. update: Game 2 (W) 99-85. Yes the Lords’ blessings are plentiful. May he be praised, as his glorification is our victory. May Jeffs “force” be utilized for the expansion of the kingdom, I suppose the Lord can work through anything.
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15
way to go cindy, glad you are safe. I hope this trip is amazing for all of you. I’ll be praying, even through the hurricanes. sneaky alberto came right up on us, i sure hope this isn’t an indication of the season to come. love you cindy
First I wanted to apologize to Matt. We couldn’t figure out why you missed lunch on Friday. It wasn’t until I looked at pictures that I remembered you were on the Japan trip. Sorry for being so out of it. Does Bobo have anything to wear besides button down shirts and do your rooms come with ironing boards because his shirts are never wrinkled? Where are the pictures of the closets you are staying in? Good job with the web site. Enjoy yourselves and keep up the good work.
We are praying for all of you and your work there. Thanks for the daily up dates and pictures. Very interesting. Love, Granddaddy & Grandmama
Cindy, we got your email from the pay-computer thing! YAY! Dad went to Florida yesterday (monday) with Jonathan because it was a chance to see Grandpa. I forwarded your message down there last night. That way they can be praying too for those requests you made. SO GLAD you’re having such a fabulous trip! THANK YOU, LORD! There have been no new entries on the blog since June 11, just new comments and new pictures. Hopefully today!
MUCH love, Mama
Y’all must be really busy — I haven’t seen any “new” news on the blog. Is everything going well? Any new food issues?
By the way, have you really not heard any news about the Mavs or has someone filled you in? We’re recording them for you — Season Pass on TIVO, the greatest invention of the 21st century!
Love you,
Mom and Dad
We just painted and we all miss you – We are praying for you and your friends – We are proud of you !!!!
We are praying for you HRT!!! Love you -
Hey to Cindy Steele. Praying for you!! Who’da thunk you’d be speaking Spanish in Japan?? (I hear Spanish is way easier to learn than Japanese!) We love you! Grace!
Tony, J-M and Hannah
Hey team, hopefully the winning of souls has been more successful than the pitch and court has. I hate to be the barer of negative news, but the Mavs. fell by 2 in tonight’s game 3. Also after Japan’s favorite sons giving up 3 goals in the last 10 minutes and the U.S. falling 3-0 we could use some victory in Jesus. Though I’m sure the schedule has been very demanding, i pray the Lord would renew your strength and passion of purpose daily. “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.” Matt. 5:13-16
Hey group, hate to be the bearer of negative news, but he Mavs. fell by 2 in 3. Not a good trend after Japan gave up 3 in the last 10 minutes ans the US rolled the donut. I know the schedule has been taxing but I pray you continue to be the light you are called to be and that your passion of purpose remains. “let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matt. 5:16
We have thoroughly enjoyed looking at the website, photos, messages, etc. Please know that we are praying for you. Isn’t our Lord wonderful to have you in JAPAN and yet use you, only you, to communicate in Spanish. He never ceases to amaze us!! Our prayers are with you and the team. Keep your eyes on Jesus and allow Him to use you – to stretch you – in ways you would have never imagined.
With love and prayers,
James & Linda