Wednesday Nights

We have a Wednesday night bible study. Currently we are going through the Gospel of John.

It has been interesting for me (Dan), as although I have read, studied and taught through John before, I am continually learning new things. God's Word truly is amazing!

I often will learn something and soon after have someone ask me a question that directly relates to what God just taught me. Surprising? No, it is just God, the Master Coordinator arranging things.








It has been a blessing to have the Bible College students come up on Wednesdays. Here Rob is entertaining our kids with finger puppets.

BIOS

Today we went to BIOS.








This is a cool park near where we live.



There were a lot of flowers and trees and other things to look at.








The kids enjoyed the "park" section, which consisted of a lot of natural climbing things, slides, see-saw, etc.





We even walked a goat!









It was nice to have a day off and spend it together.

Boy's Day

May 5th is Boy's Day in Japan.

Well, officially it is "Children's Day", but since March 3 is Girl's Day, most people think of today as Boy's Day, still.


It is common to see koinobori, or carp streamers.


Carp are symbolic of the hope parents have for their sons: "Be strong"; perhaps even "Swim against the current", wishing for strength in any environment.

They are often displayed on people's homes and also in public places.


Well, happy Boy's Day everyone.

When the cats away...

Well the Pastors (Tom and Tim) are away, so we had some different faces leading in church today.


Dan got to speak Sunday morning, while Natsuki translated. Also, Kayo led us in worship.



It is nice that God has blessed our church with enough willing workers -- church does not "stop" when the Pastors are away.

Former Student

We were at a going away party for some friends, when someone called out "Mr. Daniel?" I turned to look at a young man.


As my mind raced to figure out where I knew him from or what his name might be, he answered my question: "You were my English teacher 4 years ago!" And that is how I got reacquainted with Akira.


4 years ago I was teaching in Elementary schools in Naha and Akira was in my 6th grade class. Now he is a high school student at Okisho. He had come with his current English teacher (some guy from Canada)


Anyway, I am sure that God brought me and Trevor into Akira's life for a reason. I was happy to meet him again and now can pray that he can meet my other friend: Jesus Christ!

Trash Beach?

Well we set out today to find "Trash Beach."

We tried to imagine what it must look like to be named "Trash", although we had heard it was a nice beach.




Well, it turned out to be a really nice beach!











Emi playing in the Soccer nets.






It happened that this was the first day of Beach Season, so we were in time to see a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.


No, it is not a brand new beach; this ceremony is to offer a prayer to the Sea-god in the hopes of having a safe swimming season.




Buddhist Priest praying and giving an offering of Sake to the Sea-god.




The US Military also made an appearance with the "III MEF Band."

By the way, the real name is "Uken Beach", not Trash.

And the next time, we want to check out the caves!

New Beginnings

April is the time for new beginnings.
A new school year, fiscal year, a good time to start a new hobby, whatever.







This is Princess Aiko on her first day of Kindergarten.









At my Junior High School, the students have moved to a the next grade and the 1st year students (7th graders) have arrived. They seem to look smaller and younger each year... or maybe it's me that is getting older!

Of course, the most important new start for us is new life in Jesus.