File it away... (Part 1)

Lately I have had a few really interesting "light bulb" moments... where something really cool dawns on me and I think, "Wow, what an insight!" But as is often the case when epiphanies hit, we need to reflect on it a little before we can actually "own" the thought or idea. And in the past month, when I have had two kind of cool ones, I have not bothered to dig deeper and really make the thoughts/ideas even more powerful or impacting. But here they are, I share them with you, my friends and family (and anonymous lookers-in).

1) At the start of the month, friends of mine were heading out on their honeymoon. We were talking about their destination, and what their plans were, but then the conversation turned to omiyage. Now, that word gets underlined in red on this computer because it is not English, but for anyone living in Japan, whether they speak the language or not, they know its meaning. Omiyage is like a "souvenir" or something you buy for people back home. Some is bought with joy, some with obligation. It is usually a local delicacy or snack that can be shared with many people. We bring them to our workplaces if we have taken any amount of time off work to go anywhere, for any reason... including business trips!

Anyways, I was thinking, they are already thinking about what they can buy in a land they have never been, to give to people they have not yet "left behind"! Being a guy who was not born into "omiyage culture," I would tend to not even think about buying people snacks at all, and if I did it would be last minute. It's my vacation, my time and my money! And so I was asking myself the question... how preoccupied do we get with obligations, that we do not even enjoy looking ahead to vacations?

And I was also thinking... do we really hope to have our eyes opened on these vacations? Do we want to have our thinking challenged? Do we want to have our worlds changed? Or do we just want a collection of pictures of us with different backgrounds that we can talk about when company comes over for the next six months?

And I was also thinking... do I really look ahead to my future "vacation" in heaven? Am I planning for it? Do I realize that there will be no coming back to this "home" that I live in now? I will not be buying omiyage for anyone, I will not be snapping pictures to show off, I will not be thinking about what stories to tell others when I "get back home"?

And unfortunately, I have not really reached any conclusions about any of these matters. Just a bunch of thoughts filed away in my mind, hoping to find the light of day sometime.

And unfortunately, my bed is calling me, and deep thoughts, part 2, will have to wait until tomorrow or another day when I have my computer opened and a chance to sit and write for a substantial amount of time.

Sea of Japan

Last week I got to go up to Kinosaki, a well-known hot springs area in Hyogo. This was not a pleasure trip, but a school swimming camp. All 7th graders go up and swim and play and bond for 4 days and 3 nights.

Here is the hotel we stayed at.

The second night we had a campfire and the kids performed songs. It was a class contest and they had a blast. A shot from the fire night:

Then on the third day, the kids went to a rocky area to look at sea life and fossils. It was way too hot to be out in the sun for 75 minutes, but everyone had fun! Here's a shot of the area.

Overall, I had a great time with my students and co-workers, despite the threat of being "initiated" (hazed) by the veteran teachers. It never happened. Made me think of how often we fear things that may never come to be. Are you living with unnecessary fear? Give it to God. Just enjoy the beautiful things He has prepared for you, and if hardships come, count on His help.

A Special Place

Joe and I went out for a drive on Thursday. As we were heading towards Furano, we came across someplace unexpected, so we pulled off the main road and checked it out. I hope you enjoy this little video! (Subtitles take longer than you might think!) Hokkaido really, truly is beautiful in the summer time! Come on out and visit, if you get the chance!



木曜日に、ジョーとドライブしに行きました。富良野市に向かった途中、予想外な場所を見つけましたので、少しだけ見に行った。このビデオを楽しんでください。字幕を入れるのに時間がけっこうかかりました！

北海道の夏は本当に美しいです。機会があったら、遊びにいらっしゃい！

Tohoku - Day 3

最後の日は少し短くて楽でした。朝の予定はもっとも酷い被災地の石巻市にいく予定があったけどキャンセルになりました。だから、少し遅く起きて（６時くらい）デボーションを聞いてからまた牛網区避難所へ出かけました。今日は、何人かがまた千葉さんの家に行って掃除をしましたが、他の人が畑へ行って種まきをしました。私は避難所に残って子どもたちと遊びました。瀬谷さんも残って、子ども達に習字を教えたり、T−シャツのプリントなどを書かせたりをしました。しばらくしたら、私はどうしても労働がしたくて千葉さんの家へ出かけました。あそこでゆっくり千葉さんと話をして、一生懸命聞き取ろうとしましたけどやっぱり東北弁は難しいですね。


また避難所に戻ってみんなとバーベキューランチを食べてから片付けをして、別れの挨拶をして帰りました。帰りの運転も火曜日と同様に大変でした。道が非常に混雑してて１０時間以上かかりました。身体的にも精神的にも疲れ果てて神様の力なしには絶対に無事に帰れなかったけど深夜１２時くらいに東京に到着しました。帰り道に、周りのメンバーにたくさん声をかけてもらったり、アイスクリームの話で盛り上がったり（もちろん、食べましたよ、２回）して本当に３日間だけ知り合った人たちと仲良くしました。神様に感謝します！ハレルヤ！また東北へ行く機会が与えられたら行きます！


The third day was a little more lax than the others. We had intended to go check out Ishinomaki in the morning, where the worst of the tsunami damage was, but because we feared getting caught up in traffic, we abandoned those plans. Instead we woke up late (6:00?) and had breakfast, devotions, and headed back to the Ushiami Evacuation Shelter. Once there, we divided into groups. Some went back to Mr. Chiba's to do more cleaning, others headed out to the fields to plant seeds. I decided to stay at the shelter and play with the kids. Ms. Seya did the same, as she taught kids calligraphy and helped them to make original T-shirts. It was a lot of fun!


But after awhile, I felt like I needed to do some physical labor, so I headed to Mr. Chiba's. I helped out a bit and then sat and talked with him and his friends. Wow, Tohoku Japanese really IS hard to understand! Anyways, then we headed back to the center for barbecue lunch, cleaned up, and said good-bye to everyone there. The drive back, as predicted, was hard. We left the center at 1:30pm and didn't get back to Tokyo until around midnight. I was so beat. Physically and mentally drained, I still managed (by God's grace) to get us back safely. I also received help from the people in the car, who kept my mind engaged by talking about ice cream among other things (yes, we ate ice cream twice on the ride back). Amazing - I only spent 3 days with the people, but I felt like I got to know them really well, and hope we can meet up again sometime. If God gives me the chance to head out to Tohoku again, I will gladly go! Give me another chance, Lord!

Tohoku - Day 2

宮城県東松島市に着いたのは、火曜日の夜９時過ぎでした。牛網区避難所に行って、管理人の千葉さんに暖かく歓迎してもらいました。２時間くらい話した後、宿に行ってお風呂入って就寝しました。翌朝、早起きしてみんなと一緒に食事してデボーションを聞いて祈って出ました。目的地は、奥松島にある木村さんの自宅でした。木村さんは日本刀を集めていて、高価な刀をたくさんもっていました。今回はその多くを家から取り出す事ができました。


その後、松島（日本三景の名所）に行って焼き餅を食べてから次の場所へ移りました。そこは、牛網にある千葉さん（管理人ではなく、もう一人の千葉さん）の家で、庭のヘドロを取り除く作業でした。けっこうハードな仕事だったけど主の喜びに溢れてみんなと楽しくできました。夜は、牛網区避難所でバーベキューや余興がありました。美味しい醤油チキンとサラダとご飯とキムチと漬け物とプルーンが食べれて良かったです。カルバリーチャペル府中の牧師の奥さんのキャンディスさんがフラダンスを披露した後、三輪ご一家が６人で賛美をし、長女の愛（めぐみ）ちゃんがマジックショーをしてくれました。とても楽しい一日でした。主の恵みを感じました。


We arrived kind of late on the first night, and spent much of the evening speaking with Mr. Chiba. We were so tired when we got back to our inn past 11pm, that we did a quick bath time and then headed to bed. The next morning we got up early, had breakfast together, did a quick devotion, and then headed off to our first destination: Mr. Kimura's house on Okumatsu Island. He is an avid samurai sword collector, and many of his valuable swords were still in his house, so we were able to retrieve many of them. He also had armor dating back to the Edo period. Amazing stuff. It was hard to see a house so badly damaged on the inside, but Mr. Kimura appeared relieved to be able to get some of his stuff out before the home was scheduled to be demolished.


After a light lunch at Matsushima (one of the top 3 sites in Japan), we headed to Mr. Chiba's (a different one from the man who met us at the evacuation center) to clean out his garden. It was filled with sludge and all sorts of other junk... it was hard work, but we were able to do a joyful work until the Lord. Afterwards, we headed back to the center for a barbecue dinner (soy chicken among other things) and a little entertainment to end the night. First, Candice (wife of Pastor Rich of Calvary Chapel Fuchu) did hula and taught some of the ladies some simple moves, then the Miwa family (all 6 of them) performed some worship songs, and finally their eldest daughter Megumi did a little magic show. The people really received everything well, and it was a great night during which we were able to experience God's grace.

Headed to Tohoku

So here we go! We're heading out to Tohoku (Northeastern Japan) to assist with disaster relief. The team consists of 8: Kiyo and Taeko, three of their church members (Kyuki-san, Arai-san, and Seya-san), two evacuees (Kimura-san and Ueda-san), and myself. We took two vans. Three of us drove. The cargo consisted of our gear, plus tons of kimchee and pickled vegetables, and boxes of tracts and Bibles. Normally the drive takes 4 hours, but because it was Golden Week, it took us about 10 hours just to get to Soma City (Fukushima Prefecture). From there, we still had about 90 minutes or so to get to our destination, Higashi Matsushima City.


When we arrived at the Ushiami Evacuation Center, we were greeted warmly by Mr. Chiba, the man who is running the place. He is so well-organized and takes good care of the people there, and also makes sure all helpers/guests receive thanks and respect. So he offered us coffee, and we sat and talked with him for an hour or two. Not only was I tired from the long drive, but listening to his Japanese was SO hard! It is said that Tohoku Japanese is among the hardest to understand in the entire nation. Imagine listening to someone from rural Alabama, or West Liverpool (no offense if any of you are from those areas!)... so I got to the inn completely exhausted. Still, the first day was a good one. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness!


火曜日の午前７時半に東北の被災地へ出発しました。私たちのチームは８名で成りました。清正さん、多栄子さん、瀬谷さん、久喜さん、新井さん、木村さん（目的地の東松島から東京へ避難した方）、植田さん（福島県から東京へ避難した方）、そして私でした。３人の運転手がヴァン２台をロテーションをして走らせた。貨物は韓国の教会が作ってくれたキムチ、漬け物、トラクト、聖書、そして私たちの道具や荷物でし た。普段４時間がかかりますが、ゴールデンウィークのため、１０時間ぐらいかかりました！すごい混雑していました。


最初は、福島県相馬市にいるキヨマサの母親の知り合いのところに行って、キムチを届きました。本当は掃除の手伝いをもしたかったんですけど５時半に着いた ら作業が終わってしまった。その後、ラーメンを食べに行って、夕方７時過ぎに目的地の牛網避難所に着きました。あそこで、管理人の千葉さんに歓迎しても らって、一緒にコーヒーを飲みました。たぶん２時間ぐらい話しました。私は日本語がしゃべれるけど、東北弁は本当にわかりにくいなぁと思いました。幸いに もキヨマサさんは仙台出身で、千葉さんが話したことを標準語に直してくれました。でもその長い旅の後、すんごい疲れていました。宿に着いたのは１１時過ぎ で、お風呂入って寝ました。一日目は思ったとおりに行かなかったけど神様が忠実で、いろんな良いことがありました。感謝します。

Monday Night in Tokyo

I arrived in Tokyo and after hanging out with Mike and the guys at the airport, I headed off to Adachi Ward, to meet the famous Kiyomasa. He was not who I expected him to be, but he was a lot more! Dare I say he looks like a Japanese version of Gilbert Gottfried? You be the judge!

Anyways, it was great to spend an evening getting to know him and his wife, Taeko, before we started our trip up to Miyagi Prefecture.

東京に着いてから足立区のほうに行きました。迎えに来てくれたのは有名な聖書注解者のキヨマサさんでした。一緒におしゃべりしながら夕飯を食べて、そしてアイスクリームを食べに行きました。東北に行く前からアイスを含めて、３日間で４回ぐらいアイスを食べちゃった！やっぱりアイス好き！アイス愛好家の部長です！

Surprise Airport Meeting!

On Monday, I got to Haneda Airport around 12:30pm, and had planned on meeting up with a good friend of mine from the past, Mike Snider, who is a missionary at Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa. It was great chatting with him, as I find that we have a lot in common with one another. We enjoyed a light lunch at Starbucks, but then headed down to the departure area (he was about to board a flight to Okinawa). I was able to meet up with a few "old friends" there and even met a few new people as well! Travis was there, along with Tokito, and Pastor Tommy. Strangely enough, I have now met Pastor Tommy 4 times in the year since I left Okinawa: in Korea, Okutama, Okinawa, and this time at the airport! Always great to see him, as well as any familiar faces from my past!


月曜日に東京に行きました。僕の目的地は東北だったけど、直便はないだろうと思ってまずは東京に行った。（結局は、札幌から仙台の直便は最近、再び運行されたようです。）羽田空港で、４年半前に出会ったマイケルさんに会う事ができました。彼はカルバリーチャペル所沢の宣教師で、私と多くの共通点があって、話す度に励まされています。スターバックスで軽食をしてから出発ターミナルに行って、たくさんの知り合いに会う事ができました。その中は、トラビス牧師、常斗君、そしてトミー牧師がいました。みんなに会えて良かった！神様、ありがとう！

Calvary Chapel Ginowan

For one Sunday, I felt like I was transported back in time, as I sat in at Calvary Chapel Ginowan on a Sunday morning, hearing Eder lead worship, Pastor Tommy preach out of Matthew, and Natsuki translate like a pro. It was awesome. I love and miss my home church family/fellowship so much. Thanks Lord for giving me the chance to go back and visit and soak in Your love.

１年前に沖縄を出ました。長年、同じ教会に行って奉仕して御言葉を聞いてキリスト教徒と交わりの時間を持って最高でした。先々週は久しぶりに沖縄に戻って、カルバリーチャペル宜野湾の日曜日の礼拝に出席しました。エダー君の賛美のリードにトミー牧師の御言葉の教えになつきさんのプロ級の通訳に改めて感動しました。やっぱり母教会は最高に祝福されています！神様、この機会を与えて感謝します！また行かせてください！

Robby and Rika

Yesterday, one of my best friends in the whole world got married. I got to live with Rob for almost a whole year, and have known him for almost 9 years - 5 of which we were in ministry together for. We have always been able to have great conversations with one another, and I have always known that he would make a wonderful husband and household leader. Finally, last summer God brought the woman of his dreams into his life, and yesterday, Rika joined the Wunderlich family. I got to meet Rika just the day before the wedding, but my first impression was very favorable and I am so excited for the both of them, as they start their new life together. The wedding was held at Alivila Wedding Chapel in Yomitan, and was conducted by Pastors Tom and Santo. Picture-taking was not allowed in the chapel (though many broke out their cameras in spite of being told not to) so all I got were pictures before and after. What a beautiful day, and what a beautiful marriage God is starting! Congratulations, Robby and Rika!


私はロバートを知り合ってほぼ９年になっています。そのうち、５年間ぐらいは一緒に教会で活動をしていました。そして、そのうち、ほぼ一年間は同居していました。ロバートといつも仲が良くて一緒に話すのが大好きだった。去年の夏に、神様がロバートに最適な女性を紹介してくださいました。そして昨日は、梨香さんがワンダーリッチになりました。私は結婚式の前日に初めて梨香さんに会ったけど、彼女の優しさと礼儀正しさに感銘を受けた。これから二人が一体となり、共に生涯を歩むことを楽しみにしています。神様はお二人を大いに用いてくださり、お二人を通して多くの人々に祝福を与えることを確信しています。式場は読谷村のアリビラウェディングチャペルでした。カメラの撮影は禁止と言われたのに関わらず多くの人が写真などを撮っていました。私はそのうちの一人ではなかった。ので、私が撮った写真は、式の前後の様子だけです。本当に素晴らしい一日に神様が素晴らしい二人を合わせたことを感謝しています。ロバート、梨香、おめでとう！

The Ol' Schoolhouse

On Saturday before the big wedding, I was able to head up to my old workplace in Yomitan, Okinawa Christian School International. The school looks GREAT! The entire outside of the building has been painted a cream color, and it has red highlights in various places as well. It was really great to see some familiar faces, to walk about the familiar grounds, and just relive some old memories. OCSI really was (and no doubt IS) a great school! I miss it a lot... do any of the rest of you?

土曜日の結婚式の前に、元職場の沖縄クリスチャンスクールインターナショナルに行きました。その日はバザーだったため、けっこうにぎやかだった。色んな懐かしい人に会ったり話したりして楽しかった！校舎自体はきれいになりました！建物全体がクリーム色に塗られ、赤色のハイライトもあってステキです。本当にOCSIを懐かしく思っていて最高な学校だなぁと思います。みんなもそう思わない？

Okinawa Friends - Part 1

I'm in Okinawa! Unbelievable! It is hard to describe just how overjoyed I am to be here, talking with old friends and seeing familiar sights. Not to mention the incredible weather! God is GREAT! I will post more tomorrow or Monday, but for now I wanted to drop a note to say all is well, and I am so happy to see everyone in Okinawa. Here's a shot of me with Joe, Simon, Andrew and Chuck eating yakiniku (grilled meat) -- well, I'm eating ice cream in the picture, AFTER having all-you-can-eat yakiniku! Awesome meal and awesome company! Love you all! (Editor's note: This photo was graciously taken by Chuck's lovely wife, Yumi Takahashi Robb.)


沖縄に戻りました！今回の滞在は６日間だけですが、昨日の午後に着いて、夕飯は焼肉の食べ放題とアイスクリームでした。ひさしぶりにお腹いっっっっっっぱいになった！そして、久しぶりに親友と交わり、懐かしい場所に行ったりして本当に素晴らしい１日半でした。また明日かあさって更新するけどとりあえずはジョー、才門、アンドリューとチャックとの写真を載せようと思って今は夜遅くブログ投稿しています。神様にこの素晴らしい機会が与えられて心から感謝しています。

Marukoma Inn @ Lake Shikotsu

What an awesome blessing! One of my students hooked me and my mom up with a night's accommodation at an inn a few hours outside of Sapporo. Normally it would have been a beautiful, scenic drive... but unexpectedly, it snowed all the way there, and the road conditions were treacherous! God protected us and we got there safely.


What a beautiful inn! What a beautiful room! What a beautiful view! What a beautiful God! So we chilled in the afternoon, playing games, and then went downstairs for dinner. WHAT? An 11-course meal? Are you KIDDING me? It was all Japanese food, and while I can't say I liked it all, I ate it all! I'm so proud of myself! Mom ate as much as she could as well... but she has never been a picky eater like me.


Then in the evening, we enjoyed the beautiful and refreshing hot springs. Wow, amazing! The whole day was just a lot of fun... thank You, Lord, for providing such a great little getaway for us! I am hoping that if the weather cooperates, Mom and I can head out somewhere else and see more of Hokkaido before she leaves on January 6th. Wow, time is flying!


月曜日にいつも江別市に行って、英会話を教えています。この前はお母さんを連れて行って、生徒たちに紹介しました。あそこの一人の生徒は「お母さんがいる間、どっか連れて行く予定あるの？」と尋ねました。「うーん、天候次第だけど、支笏湖に行く事を考えてるよ」と答えました。すると彼はたちまちに携帯電話を出して、"Just a moment, please (ちょっと待ってください)"と言い、友人に電話しました。５分後に支笏湖の旅館丸駒に予約を入れてくれました。しかも、ただ！


行ってみたら最高の（五つ星）旅館に泊める事ができた！食事も豪華で温泉はすごく良くて部屋も広くて心地良かった！これはまさに神様からの祝福だ！って思いました。感謝します！


行きはずっと雪が降ってて道が危なかったけど神様はすべてを守ってくださり、楽しい２日間を過ごす事ができました。そして帰りは千歳市に行ってお昼を食べた後、リサイクルショップに行ってショッピングをしました。お母さんはけっこうテンション高かったよー！神様がこういうワンダーフルな時を与えて、感謝します！

Flower & Bird Garden - 花鳥園

On Sunday afternoon after church, I met up with my friend Yumi and some of her friends (Paulo, Ryota and Keiko) and we walked around a place called Kachoen. The Chinese characters making up the name of the place say it all - Flower (花）Bird (鳥) Garden (園). For me this was a special treat, as I love viewing all of God's creations up close. Of course it is much better to see these things in their natural settings, but since that is not exactly possible (or easily done) in Japan, why not dish out a few yen and help support the economy?


So we saw all sorts of cool flowers/plants, and lots of exotic birds as well! Since I was unable to see the "promised monkeys" at Mino Falls, I was really excited to be able to get close to the birds on Sunday! God has such amazing creativity! Look at all the varieties of birds and plants, and you cannot help but be overwhelmed and humbled. He has made the heavens and the earth and the seas, and all the creatures therein. Awesome!


日曜日の午後、友美の友達（パウロ、良太、ケイコ）と一緒に花鳥園に行きました。名前の通り、花と鳥の園です。土曜日に箕面の滝に行ったけど、クリスティナも友美も「猿が見れるよ！」と約束したのに見れなかったので今日は神様の創造物をゆっくり見たいと切に願いました。いろんな植物や鳥が見れて最高だった！神様の創造力（想像力でもそうだけど）は本当にすごい！本当に楽しい一日でした！神様ありがとう！

Kansai Meeting #3

Traveling between Osaka and Kobe was not easy, but it was definitely worth it! Since Pastor Saeki lives in the westernmost part of Kobe, and Osaka is east of that, my commute "to town" took around 90 minutes one way. But to see friends of this caliber, it was worth it! On Saturday afternoon I met up with another good friend of mine from California that I first met in Okinawa. May I present to you... Christina Duran! Christina is working at an elementary school teaching kids English these days. She has been in the Kansai region for almost 2 years now, and I think she is here to stay! With us was another friend of mine, one I met on an airplane ride back in May. Thanks for joining the fun, Yumi! And thanks ladies, for the time of prayer - it was one of my favorite times on the whole trip I took. (Oh, these pictures were taken at Mino Falls - a beautiful little place just outside of Osaka.)


神戸の西側に泊まっていたから大阪まで行くのに９０分くらいかかりました。けど、このような良い友だちと会うために、時間も距離も関係ない！会いに行けるなら行きます！クリスティナもキーゲンと同様にカリフォルニア出身で僕と知り合ったのは沖縄ででした。今は関西地方の小学校で英語を教えているみたいです。とても楽しくやっていてずっと関西に住んでいそうです！クリスティナと僕と一緒に箕面の滝に行ったのは、僕が飛行機でたまたま（まぁ、神様が出会わせたから必然やろう？）出会った友美さんでした。帰りの電車の中で、祈りの時間を設けました。そして下車してもホームでまた祈り合いました。すごく祝福された時間になりました！クリスティナ、友美、ありがとう！

Kansai Meeting #2

Friday afternoon, what a beautiful day in Osaka! And what a better way to spend the day than on a university campus? My "don't smoke the juice" buddy from Okinawa (well he's from Cali originally, I think) is studying abroad for the semester at Kansai Gaidai. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the long-lost, but much adored, Keegan Davis! We hung out for the afternoon, eating some good Indian food and walking around campus. I'll tell you, this guy has lots of friends! God bless you Keegs, enjoy your final month of studying in Japan!



先週の金曜日の午後、関西外大に行きました。あそこで、沖縄で知り合ったアメリカ人が日本語を勉強しています。体は小さいけど心は大きくて優しい！キーゲンに３年ぶりに会って超嬉しかった！一緒にインド料理を食べてから外大を歩き回って行きました。キーゲンは超人気者だよ！これからも神様に大いに用いられるように祈ってるよ、弟よ！

Kansai Meeting #1

After the Okutama conference, I flew to Kobe to visit some long-lost friends. First up was my former pastor and his wife, the Saekis. When I lived in Winnipeg from 2002-03, I found a little Japanese fellowship taking place in the basement of a different church. It was there that I met the family, and it was also there that I got my first opportunity to teach God's word in a church setting. Well, since then we have been in touch, and now they have moved back to Kobe, where they are leading Takawa Church - a small place in the countryside. Beautiful land, beautiful church, beautiful family. They graciously allowed me to stay with them for 4 nights, and picked me up and dropped me off at the subway station daily. Thank you so much for the hospitality, Sam & Grace! May the Lord bless your generosity and kindness!

Sam and Grace Saeki - serving the Lord at Takawa Church
佐伯修一、佐伯恵　ー　高和教会で主に仕えています

Great seeing Pastor Sam again!
久しぶりの再会！

This church has been in existence for over 100 years. Bless it, Lord!
この教会は１００年間以上、神の福音を伝えています。

奥多摩のカンファレンスのあと、神戸へ旅立ちました。あそこでたくさんの友だちに久しぶりに会いました。その中、最初に会ったのは佐伯ご夫妻でした。８年前に僕がウィニペグに戻った時に小さな日本人集会を見つけて、あそこの牧師は佐伯先生でした。その教会で初めて人の前で聖書から教えました。その時から連絡取り合ったりして今回は高和教会に泊まらせていただきました。そして毎日に最寄の地下鉄の駅まで送迎していただきました。ステキな教会にステキな自然にステキなカップル！佐伯ご夫妻、お世話になりました！主の祝福が豊かにありますように！また会うことを楽しみにしています。

Okutama Conference - from the inside

Pastor Tommy leading worship with Eder on the cajon.
トミー牧師とエダー君が賛美をリードしました。

Men worshiping the Lord in song. (No sound available - perhaps this is a good thing?)
歌を通して主に賛美をささげている男たち。（写真に音声がないのは良いことでしょう？）

More time of worship. Towards the right you can see Pastor Tim and his translator, Santo-san.
賛美の時間。右側にティム牧師と通訳担当の山東さんが座っています。

When Travis is cooking, you know the burgers are gonna be MAN-sized!
カンファレンスを主催したトラビス牧師が作ったデカイバーガーです！

As beautiful as the area surrounding the camp was, the true beauty of Okutama was on the inside of the cabins. Not that it's a 5-star place by any means, no! Because the Holy Spirit was with us and filled the entire place! The sessions were sweet - different men led worship each time, and we were able to seek the Lord about many things. Pastor Tim Newman taught out of Philippians about joy, particularly joy in the ministry. There were a lot of challenging words spoken, and I was so blessed to be a part of this conference. Thank You, Lord!

奥多摩の氷川キャンプはすごく綺麗だったけど外の自然より中のほうが麗しかった！特に施設が最高というわけではないけど聖霊様がその場所を満たしてくださったからそうなったんです。ハワイから来日したティム・ニューマン牧師がピリピ人への手紙から５つのメッセージを通して、伝道の中でどうやって喜びを持つ、どうやって喜びを保つかについて語り、カルバリーのリーダーたちにチャレンジしました。それに賛美はいろんな方がリードしてくださり、祈りの時間もたくさん設けました。このカンファレンスに出席することができて主に感謝しています！