Thought for the Week

Sometimes God says "No."

Have you ever wondered why it is that God sometimes answers prayer different from how you would have answered it?

In Japan, there is a car inspection every two years.
Now this is not like the U.S., where 20 or 30 bucks will get you a sticker. No, this inspection can cost $1000 or more.

We bought our old car in March, 2005, so it was time to get it inspected. However, God saw fit to have our daughter Mika be born at the same time.
Plus, Dan's job ends in March, so he was out of work for a month.

Do you see the drama building?

We did not have much money after paying out for Mika's birth.
Plus, to pass inspection we would need new tires and brakes.

So, my thought and my prayer was, "Lord, give me the money so I can fix up this old car." But God had something else in mind; He didn't give us the money.

I believe this was God's timing and by His design.

He put us in a situation where we needed to turn to Him and depend on Him. Had I the extra money, I would have fixed up that old car.

Instead, God provided for us in a different way, with a different car.
And I still do not understand why a women I never met before would not only give us her car (at no charge), but also offer to pay for the inspection ($1100).

I think that sometimes we are willing to settle for things and our prayers reflect that attitude; (Lord, fix my job/relationship/or whatever).

Perhaps God doesn't want to "fix up" the old things in our life. Sometimes, He wants to move us to another job or situation.
Sometimes He is trying to bless us with something better than a patched up old car.

Rather than settling for what we think is best, let us trust that God knows what is best for us and receive what He wants to give us.

Not only is this car "roomier", but it has A/C, just in time for the summer heat!

God is good!

Sambi Fest

We had a "Sambi Fest" tonight. "Sambi" means praise in Japanese.

Many bands led in worship songs in both English and Japanese.

It was really cool to see all the folks who came out.

What was neat was that many of these people attend a different church, yet we could all come together and worship together.

As Pastor Travis (guest speaker from Tokyo) pointed out this morning, we cannot have the attitude of "My church is better than your church". Rather, we need to realize that God will use those that are willing to be used by Him and we should work together, not against them.

Mika's Dedication

We were so blessed that Debe's dad and stepmom could come and visit us.

We thought this would be a good time to dedicate Mika. Of course, since Debe's mom lives with us she was able to attend as well.


Pastor Tom did a great job; he explained that dedicating a baby means that we, the parents are promising to raise/teach Mika in the ways of God.


While each person makes their own personal decision for Christ, the parents have the responsibility to "train up a child" in the ways of God (Proverbs 22:6) and to model a true relationship with God for their child.


This is a commitment and responsibility that we take serious and we wanted to ask everyone to help keep us accountable.

Visit

So Debe's dad, Larry and stepmom, Rebecca are here for a visit.



HE has been here before, but the last time was 17 years ago.

SHE is here for the first time.

BOTH are here mostly to see the grandkids.

Hope you both have an enjoyable time!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone!

We were not able to attend the "Son-Rise Service" and early morning baptisms.

So we went to the regular service at 10:00.
It was cool as Pastor Gil gave a great message.

It kind of capped off Passion Week, yet there was more to come as the Worship Conference was later this week.

We were also looking forward to Debe's dad and wife arriving to visit