Japan Team Return...and Update.

We're back! We traveled close to 14,000 miles in 12 days and, surprisingly, we're all functioning quite normally. The trip, to say the least, was life-changing. The impact the entire event had on us personally and corporately cannot yet be gauged but I know it has left each of us different, more aware of suffering, and slightly more ready to serve those in need (worldwide). 

Toxic Mud. Masks were necessary.

Our trip up North to Sendai will linger in our hearts and minds for months. Seeing the devastation first-hand was powerful. The fact that water can turn cars into twisted piles of metal, uproot houses from foundations, and wash oil tankers 5 miles ashore is astounding. The smells from the town in which we worked hung heavy in the air, which was not something i had anticipated. Months-old seawater has turned putrid and toxic, leaving a stench that lingers throughout the day. We had the awesome task of removing toxic mud from gutters that lined the housing tract in a particular neighborhood, and this was truly heavy and messy work. Lifting huge concrete slabs, digging out mud, putting that mud into bags, and hauling bags away to for disposal...this work was difficult but necessary.

4 miles from shore...this washed up.

Before I stepped out of the van to begin work that morning I wondered, "are we really supposed to be here? Are we making any kind of difference?" That question was answered the moment we had Japanese locals come alongside of us, work with us, and tell us "thank you for coming." It was at this very humbling moment that I realized God brought us here to change us, personally and corporately, and to give us a chance to see real needs met on a worldwide level. 

Gutters everywhere. 

We had the privilege of working alongside Korean, Japanese, and Chinese teams, all of whom traveled long distances to do exactly what we were doing: clean gutters. Seeing our efforts help those in need multiplied by a multi-national community of helpers was truly one of those moments that will sit with me for the rest of my life. Despite the short amount of days we actually had to contribute to the work, we were blessed to have the chance to participate and we were all changed. I would tell anyone now that they should "go" and help. Go beyond sending money and prayers...go and see it for yourself. Get out and see the world and see the need with your own eyes and be changed. 

Mountains of Bags of Debris.

Our team would like to thank everyone that supported us throughout this entire endeavor. As far back as last September we felt the call and had myriad family and friends support us, stand by us, and pray with us. Thank you. We could not have done this without you. We'll be sharing our story July 31 at Calvary Baptist Church in Bishop during the morning service. Please come talk with us, listen to our story, and be challenged and encouraged! 

Relief Work...Part 1.

We traveled up North this week to begin a few days of relief work in Sendai. Despite the myriad images we've seen online and via TV the past few months, nothing could have prepared our team for the devestation and its emotional, spiritual, and physical impact upon us.

During the hour-long trip into the epicenter I was beginning to wonder "why" God would bring us 6,000 miles around the world to serve the Church and help those who are in such desperate need. Did we make a mistake coming here? Would our few days on the ground actually be worth the trip, both for those we are serving and for our team?

The minute we started shoveling out gutters, filling sandbags with toxic mud, and working alongside multiple teams from Korea and Japan for a common purpose I realized that we were here for a reason. Many reasons, probably, most of which we don't know yet. But being here has already been a life-changing experience for all of our team members.

Everyone jumped in and served, despite the head, humidity, and rain. We cleaned out gutters. We flew 6,000 miles around the world to clean out gutters! And I know I can speak for our team when I say we'd do it again, and again. At one point a Japanese man thanked me for being here to help his country. He couldn't understand why I would do it; why we would do it. That was yet one more, humbling reason to praise God for allowing us a chance to be here to serve.

Masks are a "must" given the toxicity of the area.

Sandbags...and more sandbags.

blue jumpsuits were classic.

Besides this terrible scene, seeing boats and charter ships sitting on dry land miles from the ocean...speechless.

Day 2: Language arts!

Considering Bishop schools are out for the Summer, today our students had a chance to head back to school! One of the local schools invited our kids to come out and teach conversational English for the day. The chance to interact with international students is often a challenge and always a fun experience, but experiencing the interaction on international soil? Priceless. This turned out to be the trip highlight so far.

For the remainder of our time in Tokyo we will be spending a lot of time connecting with those in our community at English Language Parties, Church services, and day-to-day friendships. Our time here in Tokyo is speeding by and our trip up North is just around the corner. This week will contrast with next week suddenly and soberly. From the wealth and "normal" life of Tokyo to the devestation and destruction of Sendai...it will certainly be an eye-opener. Pray for us and pray with us.

 These kids like the "peace" sign.

Reading, Writing...

The Japanese boys enjoyed saying "beautiful" an awful lot.

Day 1. Orientation...and cleaning up.

After 24 hours of non-stop moving (which included vans, planes, cars, buses, trams, and trains) we arrived at our destination Toshima-Ku, just West of the center of Tokyo. This city moves fast. And efficiently. Even at the height of traffic and rush-hour people are polite, thoughtful, and careful. Despite the fact that millions of poeple are packed into this city, incredibly it works well, and life flows here at a peaceful and quiet pace. A strange contrast indeed, but a welcome change from Bishop life.

Today we spent our day in orientation, getting our heads around this week's schedule, and spending our afternoon cleaning, sweeping, scrubbing floors, etc. for our local church. It's an incredible privelege to be halfway around the world and have a chance to serve our sister church in such a simple way. I'm constantly amazed at how far the little things can go to help bring help, hope, and encouragement to those in need (of any kind).

Tokyo, Sendai, and beyond...

It's almost here. Japan is just around the corner (minus the 12-hour flight). It looks like we'll be heading up North to Sendai to help in the relief efforts Monday, June 20. After 2 months of praying, talking, and debating the doors have opened up and we are officially allowed to make the trek up North to help with the relief efforts. Stay tuned.

Tickets!!!

It's official now, we finally booked our plane tickets to Japan!  Thanks for all the prayer support through this process.  Please continue to pray for the people of Japan.  Pray that they would be receptive to the Lord and that our team would be a physical representation of Him.  Also, pray for our team to be flexible and open to whatever God has in store for us! 

Hello Friends, Family, and Team!

Since the Japan earthquake and following tsunami, it has become increasingly clear why God has called our team to Japan this summer.  About 6 months ago, we began planning the trip and assembling our team.  At that time, we knew the Lord wanted us to go to Japan in June 2011, but we didn't know why.  We were simply obeying His call.  We are now altering our focus in order to meet real needs of the people of Japan.  We are in the process of raising funds in order to bless the churches in Japan and give practical support to the Japanese people.  Matthew 9:41 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."  Please join us in praying for the devastated areas of Japan, the local churches and Christians, and our team as we prepare for our trip.