CMA Japan 2008 - Update #7

Day 9 & 10:
July 20-21, 2008

Dear Friends,

Minamata church service

Sunday morning we woke up and started getting ready for our hour long performance / testimonies during the church service that day. We knew the Lord had big plans for that morning, as they told us about the many unbelievers that would be coming that day. There were people who had met us in English class, the principal's son from the pre-school where we danced earlier this week, and many other unbelievers who had met us or heard about our coming.

That morning I was putting away our futons (bedding that we sleep on) and I really hurt my back. I have had back injuries in the past that causes it to be weaker, but I haven't had any problem with it for years. I hoped the pain was momentary and that it would quickly subside, but it did not. It felt like the times I have thrown my back out, at least that's the way it started out. My mind went quickly to that morning and the dances I was scheduled to dance in, and the awesome opportunity to spread the gospel. I had to take my thoughts captive and not give in to panic or worry. I just started to pray and quote scripture to myself, I knew the Lord could give me all I needed. But I was unsure as to what would happen. Hannah worked on my back a bit (she is a massage therapist) I kept heat on it and took some medicine. By the time we were on to dance just a few hours later, my back was already feeling relief from pain. Praise my incredible heavenly Father!! I was able to dance with only a tiny bit of pain. As I was dancing I thought about the tiny bit of pain that was still there and how it was left as a reminder to me of how God's grace is sufficient and His power if made perfect in our weakness. I was so excited that whole day (I still am!), because I was able to SEE the Lord visibly at work in my body that day. Such an incredible reminder of His strength and power. He truly is all we need.

Everything went really well that morning. Aika's tambourine group opened the morning with a dance. We were all so proud of Aika and the wonderful job she is doing teaching the children at her church. During worship we did a follow along with Aika, it was so wonderful to worship with her, here at her own church. We then did our hour long performance with dance and Naomi, Katrina and Shannon sharing their stories. The message through the testimonies and songs was so strong. By the time we did the last song, "My Savior, My God", we felt so filled with the joy of the Lord and so passionate about telling of His life! Shannon, who has seen this dance many times, said that watching it this time brought her to tears. Glory to God for the way He chooses to use us!

Volleyball in Minamata

That afternoon was "sports day" for the church. We went to a gym near by and played volley ball. It was so fun to be on teams with church members, and some people who are not Christians (yet). I'll tell you, a lot of bonding happens when you try to win as a team. There was a LOT of HOT and sweat (yuck) and laughs and fun. And let me tell you CMA girls are NOT very good at this game! We will not be going professional! :)

That night we participated in English classes again with Robert (the missionary) leading them. The last class was all people from their church, so Robert asked them to pray for our team. It was such an incredible "God time" as they lifted us up, and encouraged us. Praying for our families, our travel, our ministry and praying that the Lord would continue to break our hearts for the people of Japan.

Today is our last full day here in Minamata. It is a holiday in Japan, "Ocean Day", to be exact! They took us on a grand adventure to Kumamoto Castle, about 2 hours drive from here. It was so beautiful and fun. Many, many pictures were taken! We are quite the tourist site, with seven girls and all our cameras! Because of the holiday there were many people there, and as we walked around we prayed for the people around us. Asking the Lord to put Christians in their lives, their work, their schools and that the Lord would draw their hearts to His.

We did some shopping, some eating and then home to a beautiful sunset over the ocean near the church. (Where more pictures were taken!) The glorious sunset, another reminder of Christ's power and greatness.

We will be leaving tomorrow morning by train, to Fukuoka, for our next leg of the trip. Please pray the the Lord will richly bless the pastors and staff here at Minamata. They have been so much fun to fellowship with and their joy and passion for the Lord has been a blessing to us.

Also continue to pray for my back as it is not completely healed yet. Katrina's back is on the mend, but also not back to pain free yet. Please pray that the Lord would continue to strengthen us day by day and that we would rely on Him alone.

Blessings from Japan,
(Shukuhukuga arimasu yoni - Naomi's new favorite phrase, meaning "blessings to you!")

and CMA Company

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