Guess who?

If you can guess who this is I will send you something. Only certain folks will recognize the coconut. But who is behind the nut?

Corona Del Mar Tide Pools

One of our favorite places to visit in California is the Corona Del Mar Tide Pools. It is a great place to walk among the rocks and see the sea life in the tide pools. Mihoko's parents and her cousin Yurika came with us and we had fun. I think my father-in-law killed a few creatures with his stick but he won't admitt it. I am pleased to announce that this time I didn't fall in getting my cell phone wet like I did a few years ago. The weather was in the 70's on this day and it was beautiful. This kind of a day made it hard to come back to cold wintery Japan.

He is 13 years old

Our oldest son Caleb 1997-2000 turned 13 on January 31st. As a family we took a last look at his head stone in the pacific view memorial park in New Port Beach. We sure miss him a lot but we know that we will join him in time and spend eternity together fellowshipping with the Lord. I love the head stone as it is fun and not just another typical marker. It was beautiful weather that from the hillside we could see the Ocean and make out the outline of Catalina. It was a great place to bury him in.

The Calvary Dove 2

From its blueprint to it's foot print the Calvary Dove is everywhere on campus. It was fun with the kids to look for all the doves. I didn't get the pict of the railings on stage where the mounting plates are steel doves that bolt the hand rails of the steps to the wall. My kids found the one in the water fountain cool eh?

Scott Cunningham's daughter Madison -- WOW

Scott Cunningham is an awesome muscian and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has a daughter Madison who has excelled also in music writing. I love this song. We were privlidged to hear it at the Saturday night service when we were there. Pray for God to use this young lady for glorifying himself. Great song and wonderful family. Love you Scott you are welcomed to come to Japan anytime you want. God bless.

Pastor Chuck Smith

Every Century since the beginning of the Church there has been those men that God has chosen to put his favor upon. Pastor Chuck will tell you himself he is not worthy of the things that has happened. God has just chosen to be gracious. Yet I also can testify to the integrity and dedication to the purity of the Word that Pastor Chuck has had for more than 44 years at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. The first time I heard Chuck was when I was in Jr. High (79) and attending a Friday Night Concert with the Sweet Comfort Band. I was raised Baptist and my parents were not particularly happy my sisters would play this loud rock music by Love Song. Still my Mom did say it was better than the world and the Beatles. So I was able to see Darrell Mansfield, Parable, Keith Green, and even Undercover an 80's Christian Punk band that was shocking to the rest of Christianity at that time. We sure have come a long way in the church. Pastor Chuck has had the priviledge of standing on the helm of ship directed by the power of the Holy Spirit in its sails and the Bible as its ruder steering through dangerous waters. Some may feel in the later years the Ship has become a Love Boat with a lot of pleasure seeking on deck. I can tell you there is an element that is enjoying the ride. But I also can tell you there is an Army of rock solid soldiers for Christ on the lower decks unseen keeping the ship in order and running in peak performance ready for battle.

The Captain of the Ship Pastor Chuck took a physical hit with a small stroke back in Dec. His mind not affected and he has been on a fast track to recovery. Thousands of people have been praying for Pastor Chuck. Our first Sunday there in Southern California at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa was Pastor Chuck's first Sunday back preaching in the pulpit. He preached on the Passover and the need for the Lamb and about our need to come to the Lamb for redemption and eternal life and Grace. He is a great if not one of the greater expositors on the Word of God for our time. I love him very much. He has set an example of humility before God and transparency before the people. Over the years in the School of Ministry and at the Bible College he has remained steadfast to teach the Calvary Distinctives as he challenges the students to the reason for why we exist. It is a pleasure to be able to sit under his teaching. God bless Pastor Chuck and Calvary Chapel. Pray for Him to fully recovery and able to get back to the things he loves to do...teach the Word.

Friends

We had some great time with some good friends. Love you guys. Thank you for your love.

Sisters

My daughters are the best. I just love them so much. Especially the innocence of playing dress-up. They were having a private moment at Grandma's house and I just stuck the camera in the door and snapped a few. I am thankful they love each other so much.

California Mountains---beautiful

After all the rain we had in CA last week has planted a lot of snow on our California Mountains. It is beautiful. The day after the rain with no smog was even better than these picts. Yet Still God makes such beautiful scenery.

Moving day

Off to the garage sale. 20 years of stuff. Wow are we pack rats? Lots of blessed memories. Jane had to get a last ride on her bike.

Palm Trees

We love the way Palm trees line the streets in many places in California. It is a significant landmark that you take for granted when you live here but now that we are back we really missed them. They have palms in Japan but they are not as organized.

Received a gift card to Chilies Restaurant. What a blessing, need I say more?

FOOTBALL makes it hard to talk to my wife

It is the playoffs and what exciting games. I haven't been following football at all in Japan it is too distracting but here I am at Chilies Restaurant and making my wife perturbed at how easily distracted I am with watching football and ignoring her. Blast those big screen TVs.

Home Fellowship

When we left a year and a half ago for Japan. I left our old home fellowship in the hands of the Lord and he has chosen to keep it going. It was encouraging to hear the guys are still meeting weekly and hearing the teaching of the word. Some of the guys enrolled into the Bible College and are pursuing a deeper life in the Lord. It was just so exciting to hear the testimonies of love and grace and just God at work in every ones life. I got a call from John McBade who is a missionary from Japan here on a break. He is sent by Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara and is ministering to the body at Grace Christian Fellowship in Ome. He came out to lead us in some worship songs. It was awesome and such a blessing. I shared from the word some things God laid on my heart and it was so refreshing to just be in the word with folks I love dearly and to see the Spirit stirring hearts for the things of God. Praise the Lord.

Mihoko's twin Felice was there. They are blessed with similar fashion tastes and we always laugh when they show up at conferences or meetings or church wearing the similar outfits. God bless you Felice.

Views of a Dove

We visited Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa this week and while I was in the office I noticed the many different places the dove of Calvary appears. I will take some more and post them later but the dove is hidden all over the campus like a where's waldo wonder land. I will be fun to try and see how many different doves we can find. I like the small endtable stand. Someone made that out of stainless steel. Most of the doves are crafted and donated to the church by others some are made in various places by guys working on items and adding their trademark in the wall or walkway or railing they worked on.

I always wondered why they call it Riverside

Mihoko's Parents Live in Riverside California. There isn't a big river here so I have always wondered why they called this Riverside. Well after the heavy rains this week I learned perhaps one reason why. When it rains hard the place fills with water very fast. Yet it seems that maybe Lakeside would have been a more appropriate name as the water didn't move downstream well but just sat there. We didn't have to row our boat but we did have to drive very carefully navigating the hubcap deep water in many places. It was an adventure the kids will remember.

Inventory Reduction...YES!

With the closing of a wonderful restaurant there is the issue of inventory reduction. What do you do with all the sashimi left over from the restaurant? You eat it. It was good stuff. The kids are happy to see the G-parents and all. The rain is not fun but the rainbows are awesome.

Awesome rain

There was some fantastic weather here in California. With El Nino type conditions it hailed on us driving out to Riverside with lots of lightening and thundering. Wow what a storm. Lot's of accidents out there. Everyone drive safe and slow down. My goodness after being in Japan for over a year, they drive slow, Here it is way too fast. Crazy

A Long day of Travel

Taking Korean Air meant a early flight out. We had to catch a bus at 7:30 am to make our 2:40pm flight. So a 2 hour bus ride, a 4 hour terminal wait, a 8 1/2 hour flight. Makes for a long day. The time in the terminal found some interesting pictures my kids were taking with the camera. But we made it to LAX an hour earlier. The Korean Air was a really nice flight. It had a soiled reputation in my mind from some prior experiences but today my hat is off to the crew that flew and got us through.

Going back to the States

I seems surreal but it has been a full year and a half since we all have been back to the states. The kids are outrageously excited and so are we. I just want to let you know we are having a get together at the Fujikura's home on the 22nd to have a potluck and Fellowship time. We will share what God is doing and have a dynamic slide show. If you're in the area and would like to attend email me and I'll give you the address in Irvine on Fireside circle. Email is danbolinger@calvarychapel.com

potluck begins at 6pm Friday night the 22nd and the sharing begins at 7:30pm
Hope to see you all there.

Rachel's Ear Drum Surgery

Thank all of your for praying The procedure went really well and She is going to be fine. They told us the fluid and pressure was too great for her to fly home next week so we were thinking we'd have to cancel our trip back to the US. Now there is no problem we think? Although we now have to protect her ears and I hope there isn't too much pain.

See some of you in a week on Tuesday we fly in and Friday we are having a potluck get together at the Fujikura's. Email me if you'd like to come and hang out. danbolinger@calvarychapel.com

Pray for Britt Hume and Tiger interesting stuff

I am impressed when a man can stand up and declare his faith confidently. Britt Hume a very prominent news caster has done just that. We are being brow beaten by other faiths and even the non-Christian "EnviroMENTALism"is outright attacking the Christian faith. Pray for more to be stronger and shine brighter in these last days for Jesus. Japan has a new religion Called ECO ism. It is this huge campaign that corporations are scrambling to propagate for profit and yet not adhere truly to the tenements. Take Toyota, They have a small car that is not "Eco" friendly because of its class, weight, and size. There are no discounts when buying the standard model. Ah! Here is the catch. If you bump the weight by adding custom seats and some other things the car enters a new category earning the right to be called ECO friendly and they can falsely advertise the standard car as able to receive the discounts the government has given. Jesus pointed this out in the faith of the Pharisees in Luke 11:44 "...For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on." A Lawyer says, "Wow we take offense in that and you have hurt us in what you said." Jesus responds in Luke 11:46 "Yes I have" and then Jesus goes off on these guys. I sense some cultural tension here and Jesus loosing patience with these guys. I can't believe he's having lunch with them. Although it was a free lunch do you think he got to eat much?

A Sign to the nations

Jesus says in Luke 12 29-32 Jesus tells the people they are evil and seek for a sign. The only sign he says the people will get is the sign of Jonah. Looking at Jonah I see a rebellious prophet of the Lord running away from his duty and then while on the ship he is in the midst of a raging storm in life and what is he doing? Sleeping! Wow can this be a picture of the US? The pagans are rowing the boat and trying to stay alive they are fighting the evil storm coming against them and the servant of God is sleeping not praying. Dr. Richard Bennett in a message he preached a few years ago said, "You can't pray when your disobedient." A disobedient servants prayers are routine and smug and very self-centered. The men in the boat are asking why are we in this storm? It is easy for the follower of God to qwip, "Oh it's the pagan people, the pagan's are bringing the wrath of God." When in reality it is a disobediant servant of the Lord that is in the boat. Could the problems we are facing in reality be as a result or lack of our inactivity and disobedience?

Jesus Says look at the sign of Jonah. So when we look at the sign what happened? The Men didn't know what to do with Jonah..Jo said throw me overboard. The men said what are you talking about? You need some rest and take a sabbatical and we'll get you help. The world's solution is not God's solution and the storm got worse. If you seek the worlds answers to your problems chances are your storms will get worse. So they launch Jo over the bow. What happens to a servant of God reputation when they go overboard? The Rep goes with him. What about his stuff? It goes too. When we serve Christ we are not to be worried about what others will think we are to be obedient. That is what Jesus our real example did. The Bible says, "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Phil 2:7. Jesus became lower than the angels to love a sinful humanity back to God. To the evil generation of Jesus day he pointed himself to identify with the prophet that went overboard and died to all that he represented.
The Sign over his life was I am a Hebrew and the list went on. He could tell them of all his accomplishments and yet when he went overboard that didn't matter. Jonah was a reputable prophet in the Bible 2Kings 14:25. They too lived under wicked leadership and political problems on every side. Yet it says in Kings v26 that no helper was found. In this evil time Jonah hears clearly to "Go to that great city of Nineveh and cry against it." A city more evil than his own. He wants God's wrath to fall on them. So Jonah get pickled in the belly of a Whale for his disobedience. Maybe your in a pickle and can's see a way out. What did Jonah do? He prayed. Not just any prayer but the words he used you can find every one in the Psalms. Psalm 120, 86, 42, 16, 18 all have the words Jonah used. He had the words in his head. But when he finally came to that place of surrender while in the storm; while in the sea; while in the belly of a stinky fish did the word of God finally get into his heart and he appropriated it for himself. It is easy to give others their medicine. It is easy to tell others what to do but for the majority of Christianity it is very hard to assimilate it for ourselves.

So Jesus points to Jonah to identify with as the sign to the evil generation. The sign is the 3 days an nights in the belly of the whale. That is what Jesus is known most for his death, burial, and resurrection. The sign was death to the flesh life. I look at Jonah and wonder what kind of sign am I to this generation? Am I dead to the world? Am I dead to my reputation (as if I have one)? Am I letting go of my possessions as I go overboard for Jesus? There are many signs that we look at each day some serious some funny some warn, some inform. What sign are you? I don't mean your astrological sign either. The sign Jesus identifies with is a man though he was disobedient went overboard for God and got the word of God into his heart and then obeyed. Can Jesus Identify with my signage? Hmm, I must admit I need to be thrown overboard.

Girls cut their hair

As I say this blog isn't just for ministry but it is also for family to hang out and see everyday life. This week the girls, Rachel and Jane, had the opportunity ie Coupon to get their hair cut prior to going to the the US on the 19th. Aren't they just cute. In the South they may say..."Well, don’t you look prettier than a glob of butter melting on a stack of wheat cakes!" Or something like that.

Midnight at the Temple Evangelism

Some may not agree some may get mad some may say right on. Such is the life of trusting in Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Mark Bedow is a great friend and encouragement to me and he invited me to come along for a midnight romp in a local Buddhist temple. Hundreds gather at midnight to ring a bell and receive a blessing for the new year. Mark goes right up to the stairs of the temple and starts preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Mark lives with a conviction from God to impart the good news of Jesus into the ears of who so ever will. He mostly spends his mornings at the train station preaching to the masses that commute to Tokyo. In fact, at the temple one observer noticed Mark as we walked by the line of people and said to the person next to them, "Hey look it's that guy who preaches at the train station!"

I was personally uneasy with going into the temple grounds but I was there to encourage and pray for Mark. The people were very nice and didn't seem to mind some even thanked him. There was one person who had unkind words. But Mark nodded and kept preaching until all the line was gone. The highlight was a young boy who came up and shook Marks hand and introduced himself and ask him what he was saying. Mark spoke kind and explained to the young boy how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The boy thanked him and rejoined his parents in line. I pray that he will listen to the truth.

If there were persons of another religion coming into our worship service I would be upset so I do think we should respect others. I can see standing outside and handing out tracks and conversing with people. Yet I am not being critical of Mark but as my first time out this was a great experience to see first hand what the Japanese people traditionally do on New Years. They line up to pull a rope that rings some small bells and they give an offering and say a prayer then they receive from the priest a wooden plaque with a fortune or blessing written on it. There was a bon fire at the entrance of the temple for the people to burn last years good luck charms and last years blessings.

I felt like Peter as I warmed myself by the fire. It was -2 Celsius and need I say more. After an hour I was ready for a hot coffee. That is what we did at Jonathan's coffee shop. It was great to bring in the New Year in a new way with new understanding of the culture here in Japan. Most people at the temple were filled with the spirits of what they had been drinking all evening. It was humorous to watch some ring a big bell as they left the temple. But I am ashamed to laugh at a great bunch of folks who are without Christ and don't know really what all the things mean nor why they do them. It is just tradition. May God break their traditions and usher in a new era of men and women falling in love with Jesus and yielding their lives to the living God and Creator of Heaven and Earth. May God bless Mark this year and may there be much fruit abounding to the Kingdom of God.

Happy New Year

Hello Everyone and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

It has been one of the most memorable years for us all around. We have been in Japan now for more than a year and a half. We left so much back home in California but yet we have gained double here spiritually than we had. God is so gracious and loving and has shown us his favor. In this last year we have been blessed to start an ESL class with 8 kids. They are great kids and we have sown the seeds of the gospel many times now. It is a blessing to have this opportunity to love on them. The parents too have heard the good news and our Christmas party had 20 kids and 8 mom's come which was a real surprise for us. We had been attending church at the wonderful Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa with Pastor Travis Takamiya and Dawn his wife. They gave us much grace while we went through much adjusting and changing and our not communicating. In June of this year we were re-informed of a church facility that was available. There is still a small church body there. The Ai no Kyoukai family are wonderful Christians that love Jesus. The church property of 5 buildings was built in the 60's and 70's by an independent missionary couple. God used them to establish a school of coorespondence for discipling young Christians. They also had a preschool on the premises. The founder went to be with the Lord 11 years ago and the church struggled under different leadership. They were going to close the church down 3 years ago and actually shut the doors for a time. The 5 board members then were very sad and heart broken. They had been praying for God to revive the church. They were praying not for mans solution but for God to do a new work. The facility had gone into decay and was destroyed with overgrowth and garbage. We prayed about coming to visit this place we had not yet seen. When we arrived it was overwhelming. We too were heart broken. We didn't care if we were to plant a church in Iruma or not; we just wanted to see this church to once again look beautiful. It was a shame that the house of the Lord was in such a shambles. So we were given permission to go ahead and start cleaning the facility. We prayed for a car and the Lord provided one. In a few weeks things were taking shape. We then asked permission to have an afternoon service as Calvary Chapel in their sanctuary facility. They said, great go for it. So August 2nd we began services as Calvary Chapel Iruma. In September, we asked if we could fix up one of their unused buildings in the back of the property to use as one of our own. They said sure. So we began to clean and scrape and patch and paint and glue and create the chapel. We officially had an dedication ceremony on November 28th. It is beautiful. God is good. In December, we were asked if we'd like some chairs for our chapel. So we have received 44 stackable chairs. Now we have a place and everything is ready we are now turning to do more outreach in the community and getting the word out about the Chapel. We still have much to clean and construct and the grounds are always growing back so the work is endless. We are praying that God would work our the details. I am continuing to perform worship. I say perform because it is not natural for me to lead worship. I do it because I have to and I enjoy it but I find it to be an area of ministry I am willing to let go as soon as someone steps up for the challenge. Many of you know that one Sunday I was singing a song that had a long drawn out word Hosanna and I was trying my best to match the notes. I was hearing something funny down in front from my kids. They were singing the song of the vendor in our neighborhood selling gyoza. If your from Japan or know this it is really funny but I wasn't laughing as it was a worship service and my kids were mocking my singing. (Pray for me) Lately, we have been singing the old hymns in Japanese and it is a blessing for everyone. We are wanting to after the new year begin classes in the ESL school on site. They made an ESL classroom and it was used for many years and the teacher moved on. We are wanting to use it again. Pray we can get new kids and adults. There is a Women's University nearby and we'd like to offer ESL at the Church and at the school.

As we look on into next year we find many new challenges coming ahead. Mihoko's Mom and Dad moved to the US in 1993 and started a Sushi Teppan Restaurant which has done really well in previous years. They sad news is difficult times have resulted in the restaurant being shut down. The Hori's are going to move back to Japan and maybe fully retire finally at 72. We are praying.

The kids are being home schooled by us and they are doing well. We struggle like everyone..."are the reading enough?" "Are they getting the concepts?" "Do they really care or are they just acting to get me off their back?" We find the basics have a tendency to vanish into thin air if they are not daily reviewed. Times tables, spelling rules, grammar jingles, writing tips, don't read lying down, sit up straight, and the constant staring out the window and those questions about how a ladybug who is a male of the species gets black spots on red shells when they should be finding the area of a square; are what we struggle with. Yet we have fun at least I am.

Nathan is growing into a pretween. His voice cracks at 11 soon to be 12 in April. He wants a facebook account for his birthday. I say why do you want to poison your mind with the constant dribble that you read. He quickly reminds me of my addiction to post weird stuff on Japan. Nathan proceeds to amaze us with his eye for drawing. he sees things that we don't see and he can recreate scenery with amazing detail. Rachel is our lady who loves fashion. We have to keep our eye on her and what she wears out of the house. I have totally been possessed with the values of my parents and then some. I thought I'd be a really cool dad but alas I am one of those dads who tell their daughters what they can and cannot wear out side. I know we will fight about it. Right now at 8 she protests my strictness but is compliant. Her health is a constant battle as a post-transplant life can be, God has been very gracious and we have not had any real sickness or complications. Thank you for praying for her health. Jane (5) is our love bug. She still is the hug monster and we gladly welcome her very big warm hugs. She had mastered the Japanese language and performed in her school Christmas pageant and did well. She is studying both English and Japanese together. So far she is very adept in both languages. She loves to do school work like Nathan and Rachel so we haven't told her it is yucky homework yet. She still thinks it is fun activities.

Japan is a wonderful place to live. There are contradictions It's that way in the US too. Most I talk to claim to be very happy. Not all are happy people though for a 12th straight year Japan topped 30 thousands suicides. See the link http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/suicides-in-japan-top-30000-in-2009-for-12th-consecutive-year. I (my opinion injected here) just see a people and a culture still needing to be convinced through love and grace and the straight forward teaching of the Word of God that Jesus is the true God for them. Nothing hinders the gospel here and is quite well received. I am surprised that whom ever I share with will listen. On a couple occasions we were asked what Christianity was all about. Only the foreigners here respond with negativity mostly because of past misrepresentation of the Lord or false teaching that they believe. God is good to continually provide opportunities to share the gospel.

Pray for my (Dan) language acquisition capabilities. I am over 40 and I try to memorize vocabulary and bible scriptures and it is a most challenging activity to say the least. I must endeavor to work at it as I work at worship with practice it does become more natural but it is really mortifying to have to ask your 5 year old what someone just said. Jane just giggles with pleasure to help me out but then makes that comment, "Oh daddy, your really need to learn Japanese why don't you come to school with me it's real easy." I want to cry. I was able to visit a temple on New Years eve with my evangelist friend Mark. He walks up to the bottom of the stairs that people climb to pull a rope with a bell, throw and offering and say a prayer, and receive a wooden good luck plack; and he preaches the gospel open air. About 200 maybe more folks were lined up at midnight to do this act of worship. The people are so lost. Most of them don't know why they do it. More than half were drunk. They are so lost and blind to the god of this world. Pray for their salvation. Pray for God to awaken this land to the true reality of the living God who loves them so very much.

I'll end with a note to say we were blessed in December to afford plane tickets to come back home for a couple of weeks. The best prices landed us a January 19th date as the cheapest day to come back. We will be having a get together on Friday January 22nd at 6pm for dinner and a time of sharing. If your interested in coming please email or call me and we will give you the address of the Fujikura's where we will host it. We love and miss all of you. God bless.

Dan and Mihoko, Nathan, Rachel, and Jane,
CC Iruma, Japan

PRAYER: For wisdom in clean up and allocating resources to the most important projects first. Pray for the women's Bible study Mihoko is leading it is a blessing to see the ladies fellowship together in the word. Pray for some outreaches in January through a friend offering opportunities to share our testimony in a few different places. Pray for wisdom for Homeschooling and the facilitating a learning environment. Dan's language acquisition. Pray for Rachel's hand as she got nipped by a dog while it was eating and it drew blood. She is fine and the doctor said it is okay. The dog had all it's shots. Pray for a few people who have come to church and are not yet saved. There are couple of mom's and a gentleman who have been coming. The man in particular is very close to salvation but at many invites continues to not yield his heart to Jesus. Pray he will surrender. Pray for new students. ESL remains one of the most effective tools for ministry to see souls come to Christ. Pray for young Christian men to want to commit to some classes for the beginning of a School of Ministry. Pray for one man's back that is constantly going out. Pray for Kato san who has medical issues. Pray for Fujita san who keeps saying he is going to die soon pray he gets his eyes on Jesus and glorifies him no matter how many days he has. Pray for the plumber helping us at the church to receive Christ he and his wife who also has come to church a few times. Pray for our time with the Lord to be protected from all the busy issues of the day. We need like Mary to sit at his feet and receive for ourselves and appropriate the word into our hearts and not just our heads. Pray for our safe travel to American and back. Thank you for praying.

Ai no Kyoukai Christmas Party

Sunday was a great day as Noda Sensei and I split the message and loved on the people. It was so much fun as Noda Sensei is a good guitarist and he travels around performing music. I was able to hit a cajon while he played guitar and Sachiko played the Piano. We shared the Christmas Story from Luke and it was a wonderful time worshiping and glorifying Jesus. We then had a great time of fellowship afterward with a great meal and a gift exchange. Sachiko invited some of the neighborhood kids to come and participate. It was so much fun. Nathan wasn't happy to receive some flash cards to learn the Japanese writing. He didn't like getting homework for Christmas. He was cool with it and we will enjoy using the cards. It will be good for me too. Coming up later this week is our ESL Christmas Party. We are looking forward to that. God bless you all.

Flower Arranging and Testimony

One of the blessings of our small Chapel is we have a new lady who has been coming with her son Tomo San. Tomo is a special person and is an adult. Mrs Kikuchi loves to share Jesus with many people. Mihoko was asked to come to a Flower arranging(ikebana) tea party and to share Rachel's testimony. It was a powerful time and many ladies were blessed. They were also able to arrange some flowers. Mihoko made a lovely arrangement. She was very happy the way her flowers turned out. She has been asked to share at a couple of other meetings as well. May God bring those who hear into his Kingdom.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in Japanese I think?

It's Sunday night and we are messing around on the computer. Here is one for the Grandparents to see Jane adapting to Japanese language very well. I am actually jealous as her little sponge brain has absorbed the Japanese language in less than a year. Pray for me to listen to Jesus' teaching and become like a child to learn the language. I have been at it for 20 years and I am all over the place grammatically. I feel like I ride a bike with loose handle bars and it turns every which way and pops out altogether sometimes. Jane's Rendition of the song has some cute enunciation slips as certain sounds are similar but the intonation can mean something different. I guess the content of the song will be only for those who can speak Japanese. Merry Christmas Grandma and Grandpa.

More Chairs

What a blessing we now have 44 chairs in the Chapel. Lord please fill those chairs. Amen

Fabio and Sakurako

We were blessed to be invited by Fabio and Sakurako to come and dine with them in their new place. God has blessed this family. They attend Grace Christian Fellowship and we are trying to steel them away. NOT! But they are great people and we loved the fellowship with them. Fabio is from Brazil lived in the US in Boston and then Married Sakurako and came back to Japan. They have 2 Kids Sorae and William and love Jesus. It was a blessing. Gochisosamadeshita. God bless you guys.

How do you like the RED shirt my Mom got me? She likes to see be stand out. It's not enough for me to be fat and blond and foreign she has to get me this blaring flag of he look at me. I am so glad I am not a missionary in Spain cause those bulls would love me.

The Big Sandwich WOW

I was in Tokyo today and we decided to get a Big Sandwich for lunch. The packaging is appealing and looks delicious. When I opened up the sandwich to inspect the goods we found there weren't any goods. This was absolutely shocking to me. I spent about 225 yen or $2.50 for somthing that was supposed to be a Big Sandwich. It is a big surprise sandwich as to there being nothing on it. I miss TOGO's and the little green pickle. They have Subway in Japan but it not the same.

Sachiko's Birthday

From the picture below you might think Sachiko is one year old, but I think she is giving the one way symbol,or how many blows it will take to blow out all the candles. At any rate, She had a great time of fellwoship and invited many of her friends from work and church. It was a good time to share with them the love of God and to just get to know the ladies who are not saved. One lady asked Mihoko how to find a decent church to attend? Mihoko thought it was a trick question at first but just answered sincerely and she later indicated she might come to Church on Sunday so pray for God to add to his church daily as He leads.

You know it’s cold when

I am stealing material from the Brother-In-Laws website I got a good laugh out of the last one. enjoy.

You know it’s cold when
Posted December 4, 2009


What happens at these Fahrenheit temperatures:

+65 – Hawaiians declare a two-blanket night.

+60 – Californians put on sweaters (if they can find one).

+50 – Miami residents turn on the heat.

+45 – Vermont residents go to outdoor concerts.

+40 – You can see your breath. Californians shiver uncontrollably. Minnesotans go swimming.

+35 – Italian cars don’t start.

+32 – Water freezes.

+30 – You plan your vacation to Australia.

+25 – Ohio water freezes. Californians weep. Minnesotans eat ice cream. Canadians go swimming.

+20 – Politicians begin to talk about the homeless. New York City water freezes. Miami residents plan vacation farther South.

+15 – French cars don’t start. Cat insists on sleeping in your bed with you.

+10 – You need jumper cables to get the car going.

+ 5 – American cars don’t start.

0 – Alaskans put on T-shirts.

-10 – German cars don’t start. Eyes freeze shut when you blink.

-15 – You can cut your breath and use it to build an igloo. Arkansans stick tongue on metal objects. Miami residents cease to exist.

-20 – Cat insists on sleeping in pajamas with you. Politicians actually do something about the homeless. Minnesotans shovel snow off roof. Japanese cars don’t start.

-25 – Too cold to think. You need jumper cables to get the driver going.

-30 – You plan a two-week hot bath. Swedish cars don’t start.

-40 – Californians disappear. Minnesotans button top button. Canadians put on sweaters. Your car helps you plan your trip south.

-50 – Congressional hot air freezes. Alaskans close the bathroom window.

-80 – Hell freezes over. Polar bears move south. Green Bay Packer fans order hot cocoa at the game.

-90 – Lawyers put their hands in their own pockets.

(from The Daily Dilly) cited in an email newsletter from PreachingNOW [PreachingNOW@preachingmagazine-info.com]

Jane's Christmas Pageant

Lot's of Mommies and Daddies and grand parents filled a large auditorium in our city. Hundreds of kids 3 to 5 years of age are running around the place. Jane has for a long time been practicing dance steps and singing Christmas songs in Japanese. She has been tired of all the rehearsals. Then as we climbed the stairs and she sees all the people and realizes she is going to be on stage performing for them all in just a moment there is a look of fear that was priceless. She had some cold feet but after a few friends reassured her it cool she went back stage and when the curtain went up she gave the performance of her life. We are so proud of Jane and all the hard work she put into getting everything just right. It was a wonderful Christmas Pageant that had nothing to do with Christmas. Her theme was a safari tribute. Why I am not sure? We just enjoyed the day and had great time. Good job Jane your doing wonderful. We love you.

Can you pick her out of the crowd? She is on the top row.

Grace and Thanksgiving

After Pastor Phil delivered a great sermon at Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa in the morning and then at Calvary Chapel Iruma in the afternoon; we went to Grace Christian fellowship in the evening and had a thanksgiving dinner and message with them. The family of God is so wonderful and such a blessing. We had a great day and are so filled both spiritually and physically. Praise God.

I'm Stumped

Nathan prior to the dedication service decided to tackle the largest stump in our yard and for two days he whacked and cut and chopped on this thing. I was quite surprised at his endurance and veracity with staying the course and knocking this thing out. He was so excited to defeat the rooted monster and we both rejoiced at the victory. It also was a teachable moment about sin in our lives that can get rooted deep down and to try and pull it up as he was attempting to do doesn't work. He learned when your stumped about sin to cut the roots and sever the ties and throw it out of the hole and get rid of it. If things are left sometimes they grow back. Also Nathan learned we can leave a hole but we have to fill it with good soil and sow the seeds of the word of God to be reassured that the monster won't grow back. Job 14:7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

Now if I can get him to dig up the 15 other stumps in our church place...

Dedication service

It was such a blessing I can't begin to describe it. It is now a blur and we are still savoring the fellowship we had with the other Calvary folks that came out to bless. The Ai no Kyoukai folks were overwhelmed and filled with Joy to see God's grace being manifested. It was shocking to for them to see Pastor Phil vacuuming the chapel prior to the service and they wanted to provide him a resting station as most Japanese Sensei require but we told them that God blesses through us serving one another. The pastor is not above the people and is first and foremost a servant of Jesus Christ and then the people and then their own needs. The weather was perfect and sunny and clean. Pastor Phil delivered an awesome message on dedication of ourselves to the service of the Lord. It was beautiful. God bless all who came and continue to pray with us as the ministry work moves forward.

Pastor Phil in Calvary Chapel Kokobunji

Calvary Chapel Kokobunji with Pastor Chizuo Sakurai. It was so cool to hook up with him and see the Lord's blessings upon his family and the church the Lord has belssed him with. We went out to a traditional Japanese restaurant and sat on a floor and ate things I can't tell you what they are as I have no idea. I discovered I might be aclimating to the Japanese culture because I actually enjoyed all the food. 4 years ago at a similar place in Shinjuku I almost lost everything when I got to a dish called chawamushi. I thought it was a sweet flan pudding but it was a tofu clam pudding and it was all I could to do to not launch it at my hosts. But today was a victory because I knew what was coming and it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the chawamushi and my mom would be proud as I ate everything. Pastor Phil enjoyed it more than me. He is quite the adventurous sort to eat everything first time out. Anyway, we went to CC Kokobunji and we had such fun that I forgot to take pictures. We were even serenaded by Pastor Chizuo and his daughter Hanna as they played the song "Hallelujah Jesus" in Japanese for me. I love this song and want to play it in Japanese. God bless you Chizuo May God continue to pour out his love through the Holy Spirit into your ministry and family.

Pastor Phil day 2 Roses are in bloom

The weather could not be more perfect for the dedication ceremony. Today, we discovered some Roses had bloomed early and Pastor Phil was taking picts but more importantly is Sachiko was so blessed to receive Phil and be prayed for. She met Phil at the missions conference in Hong Kong and it was surreal for her to see him here blessing us. After a tour of the place off to Kokobunji.

Guess Who is Here?????? IT's Pastor Phil Twente

We are having our Chapel Dedication service/potluck on Saturday at 11 and the Lord put it on Pastor Phil's heart to come on out and bless us. He is so encouraging and such a blessing. We returned from the airport kind of late and instead of running home and having a thankgiving dinner we decided to have Thanksgiving KURA KURA SUSHIiiiiiiiiii. Pastor Phil is even able to navigate the chop-sticks without flipping food everywhere. I still do that once in a while. Tomorrow we head out to CC Kokobunji with Pastor Chizuo Sakurai.

We are ready I think? No wait...Okay yea...

Well it has taken a lot of work and creativity. God has blessed us and Saturday is the dedication Ceremony. We are not ready completely and will have to use the Ai no Kyoukai sanctuary for our service until the electricity can be turned on. The Meter box was removed a few years ago and they have to order a new one. It takes two to three weeks. So we are still going ahead with the ceremony on Saturday. The potluck will be in the new chapel and we will just eat and fellowship in there. The heat can't be hooked up until we have the electricity. Wow, who knew? (God did) We didn't turn the electricity on until the last minute to cut back on our expenses. We just didn't expect to have to order a meter.

Don't forget Christ in the Christmas season

This was forwarded on to me in the email. I liked the clever play on words and the message that Christ is the reason for the season.

Twas the Month before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away

The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.


Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,


not Happy Holiday !

Please, wish everyone you meet

MERRY CHRISTMAS


Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!

God of Wonders is awesome

See the whole thing here: http://www.hischannel.com/streambird/9000/9002/hdtv.html

Trip to Aunt Emikos Home in Gotemba near Fuji San

Mihoko's Aunt Emiko invited us months ago to go to their home in Gotemba. Go what bah? Well, we didn't know what all the fuss was about until we were obliged to follow through on a promise. I must admit I have a full plate of to-do's but God had other plans. Aunt Emiko, she made the arrangements and we had to go. I went moping...grumbling. God we have so much to do...Gotemba now? Okay I'll go. WOW this place rocked. Gotemba is a community at the foot of Mount Fuji that many famous people in Japan live and play. There is so much to do here. We went to a monkey show, saw caves, went to a wild animal park and the hippo smiled for the picutre, we went to an open air Coed (Swimsuit required) Hot Springs (Onsen). It was fun and the best part is that this time of the year is excellent for clear weather and seeing Mount Fuji. A lot of the time it is covered in clouds but our two days was beautiful and picture perfect. God gave us a time to relax and not stress about the ministry and just kick back. Aunt Emi was treating us to many blessings. Thank you Aunt Emi God bless you. We are praying that you will believe in Jesus.

Children's Outreach

We had an outreach to some neighborhood kids. Sachiko contacted some of the former students of the Ai no Kyokai Kindergarten who are now grown up a little. It was a great time to share the gospel not only with the kids but also their mom's. We were able to play with the kids and build a relationship. One child and his mom want to take English classes with us. So keep praying that we can further love them into the kingdom. It was a fun day.

Little projects

There are many projects simultaneously happening depending on the weather and my body I do that for the time being. I was able to carve our some fun in making a dove and a pulpit. We still have to cut the last bit of carpet and I am needing to buy some glue for the second room. We have two mirrored rooms one will be the chapel and the other multipurpose. The multipurpose room still needs glue and a few other items. Pray we can get these things out of the way as well.

Deka Boko not good when painting a floor

We have an entry that has a deka boko floor. It is bumpy. The glue from the previous linoleum has left us with a surface that won't allow paint to stick to the concrete. Our Grace Family came out to help us in scraping the floor. They worked a long time. It was hard but it is getting better. We still have a lot to do. We took breaks and enjoyed the last fruit of the season on our persimmon tree. God bless you guys for blessing us with your help.

Visit of some friends

It was a pleasure to have a visit from some Costa Mesa friends. Actually friend. Hayako Ohtsubo came to visit us with her friend Midori form Chiba. They came to the service and had a great time. It was a busy Sunday and I had just preached twice that morning at Grace Christian Fellowship and then at Calvary Iruma at 2pm. They came to see the chapel work in progress and were such a blessing and encouragement to us. Thank you for coming and God bless you.

DOG WASH? Yup only in Japan

I wonder if I could wash my kids in there? Would that be offensive to the dogs? Are there that many dogs to wash to make it profitable? 40 minutes for 11 to 12 dollars US. I don't know about you but every time I washed a dog it was no longer than 5 minutes. This thing even has hot water. What happened to just a garden hose or a river? I am worrying about things that I don't need to be. Back to work.

Sapporo Help Arrives

What a great week as Steve and Michiyo Lorincz (Victoria too) came down from Sapporo Hokkaido. It is such a blur as so much was accomplished. I was stalled on a few projects and they were dynamic in pushing us over the top. We were able to glue down one room of carpet after much scrapping of old linoleum flooring and then we installed our sound stuff. God really blessed us in many ways.



It was Awesome to get to know the Lorincz family but there is more to them than meets the ear. They are professional musicians and are extremely talented. Michiyo is an Opera Singer in Hungary where Steve and Michiyo come from and Steve is a Jazz pianist. He played 15 years in Hotels and on Cruise ships. The Lord led Steve to start church services on the cruise ships and 4 of the churches are still in operation. Praise God. We got a bargain deal on a Yamaha Clavinova Piano that was overpriced and talked the manager down (Learned that from Tommy in Okinawa). Steve was trying it out in the church and his wife came in and began to sing. We all thought someone had put in a CD. Her voice was so powerful and beautiful. Mario and Sachiko said we have to have a concert. So we had an impromptu concert the next night and God blessed as the Lorincz family rocked the house.

Pray for these wonderful people as they are working on planting a Calvary Chapel in Sapporo. May God richly bless them and use them for His glory.

Our visit to the Hori's in Nagano

Takemichi Hori san Mihoko's Uncle asked us to come up for a visit. So we did and it was a blessing. They are such wonderful people. They loved us so much. They took us to see some lovely sights and fall trees and we went to a real onsen in the mountains they had an outside bath over looking the Nagano valley. It was weird for me as I was insecure about this. I felt like Adam and was looking for a fig leaf. The men are on one side and the ladies are on the other divided by a wall. Yet we could hear them. ANYWAY...Mr Hori lost his leg in a freak accident two years ago. He was a Taxi driver and was waiting for a call at the train station and standing between two cars talking to another taxi driver. The car before his got a call and the sleepy driver jumped up and accidentally jamb the car into reverse and crushed Hori Sans leg. He was in the Hospital for many days and they leg got an infection. They took it off from above the knee. He is adjusting and having much time now retired. He has been reading a lot. He is mostly studying Buddhism but is also reading about Christianity. So at night when kids were asleep and we were warming ourselves in the Kotatsu sipping coffee and eating yummy snacks. Hori san asked us what is Christianity all about. We talked past midnight in a God ordained appointment of educating a man searching for meaning and purpose. I wish I could tell you he received Jesus but he is confused because of his dedication to his countries roots. He know now how to ask and receive salvation. It is now a matter of time and God's faithfulness to grow the seeds of faith placed into his mind. I pray they will settle into his heart and sprout an eternal work of God. Let's pray and water the seeds for his faith to grow. Pray for truth to be manifested and for the lies of the devil and false religion to be crushed. Pray for his wife and two daughters. They are such wonderful people. My heart was deeply touched by their love and kindness. Oh how I wish to be with them in heaven for all eternity.






We had some fun at a restaurant. When all attempts at speaking the language fail then you make faces. Although, Hori san tried to mimic me he wasn't that successful. But it was funny to say the least.

I liked this and thought you might too

http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?filter=app_2309869772#/video/video.php?v=1137213956210&ref=nf Are you ready?

Global climb of Taxes

Climate Chains from Climate Chains on Vimeo.

The World is primed and ready for the coming world leader. Are you ready? Jesus will rapture the church before the tribulation and it is coming fast.

Lieutenant Pastor Steve Brown

Hey my buddy Pastor Steve Brown who has been heading up the Armor of Light ministry at Camp Pendleton California has been deployed. He is on Ship with his new commission as a Lieutenant. He had his first Sunday services this week and 65 attended and it was a blessing to see such a turn out. Steve and I went to School of Ministry together it was a blast and we had some awesome prayer times together. It is great to see that God has used all of that to direct us to his perfect will. Praise God and where he leads us. Just a note of information Steve is one of the few the proud the Calvary Chapel Marine Chaplains. He is on the cutting edge of ministry as Calvary's have grown so much the military has recognized the need to commission Pastors of the Calvary style and allow ministry to bless the troops.

Also Pray for his wife and kids all 4 of them. They are home in California really missing him a lot. Steve and Dawn are a true team as they tag team the kids in loving on them. Without Steve it can be such a trial. Pray for the Brown family and all the other Men in the military whose families are left to fend for themselves.

Now and Then

The Ai no Kyokai folks are having a memorial service and I have been making a slide show for them. I found in the church some photos from the mid 90's and then compared them to now. kind of fun. This is one of those you have to be here to see it and say oh wow. Things are going great here I'll post more later

Taking Steps backwards

We are making a lot of progress here at Calvary Chapel Iruma but some days we find we have to stop our plans and take a step backwards. I was ready to tear up some more linolium flooring and finish painting the Chapel when Nohato and Mario came in saying they won't take the carpet at the dump. What? Why? It is too big? Oh so we have to cut it smaller and like roll it up and tie it? No. We have to cut it into 20cm X 20cm square swaths or smaller. What we just took out over 2000sq ft of carpet and padding and it all has to be cut that small? Yep. Come and help us please.
So I drop what I am doing and go out to cut the rug literally. We worked for hours and the carpet was the moldy stuff what was still wet from the typhoon we had last week. Needless to say I was at first grumbling and complaining how strict the Japanese are in these recycling rules. You can go to some other cities and the rules are different. Iruma is strict. So as a Christian/missionary I submit to authorities and do what they say. Once I do it for Jesus and not the city then the work is light and we just had a pleasant time working together. I got to know Nohato san more and Mario went crazy and made a Halloween mask. He is one fuuny guy. It was gross work as the carpet was yucky but it got done. We still have half the padding but the carpet was completely cut. Praise God.

Bible Charades

When I was a kid we had family devotions. They were sometimes very fun sometimes not so fun. Mom and Dad were sure to try and make sure we were listening and comprehending the stories of the Bible. So every once in a while we'd have a Bible Charades night. It was more like after a week of learning then we kids put on a play for Mom and Dad. Well I am keeping with the family tradition. We do many nights read our Bibles together yet at least once a week we do Bible Motions or Charades. The kids put on skit of their favorite Bible stories and then Mom and I try to guess what they are doing. Sometimes we get into the act ourselves and just have fun. I hope you don't mind us being in our jammies. It's cool with us. If you have a thing about seeing someone in their sleepwear quick close your eyes. See if you can tell what Bible Stories we were acting out?

Police Box redefined

In Japan they have the Koban or police box where a police field office holds one or two policemen. I have seen some Koban hold 5 or 6 for a meeting. While we were in Tokyo near Tokyo Tower I saw this police guy sitting in this metal box near an intersection. Now that is a police box but he is not directing traffic and he is not really doing anything that we could see of reconnaissance type work. He was just pleasantly watching cars go by. So he is really the police in a box. He looked very happy in his box. I wonder how long he stays there and can he nibble snacks while in there. What if a car hits the box? Does he have an escape route procedure to follow? I wonder if there was a phone and TV in there? Where does he go to the bathroom? There are vents in the bottom for gas to escape I guess. My kids wanted to visit the box because it was cute. This is just one of those posts that just informs my family of what I am seeing here in Japan and experiencing. God bless

Spiritual Abuse by Holland Davis

One of my friends Holland Davis posted this on Facebook. We have some friends here who have been dealing with Spiritual Abuse from church leadership which happened years ago at some denominational type ministry; and it still affects their relationships today. I thought I'd post this for others to watch for warning signs. Pray for your leaders and love them. The enemy wants us to attack leadership and beat them up but we have to see things from God's perspective.

Ten Signs Of The Presence Of Spiritual Abuse
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Today at 9:10am
Ten signs of the presence of spiritual abuse, manipulation, domination, or intimidation. Spiritual Abuse (which is always expressed in varying degrees) is occurring when a pastor, leader, or even a friend:

1. “Hears” God for you. God apparently “goes through” him/her to speak to you. (This requires a sense of superiority – from him or her and is often framed as being “more mature,” and a sense of being “less” from you.)

2. Alienates (shuns, ignores) you if you do not adhere to his/her guidance, leadership, or authority. (This is usually VERY subtle – so it is easy to deny.)

3. Suggests that rejection of his/her “higher understanding” is done so at your spiritual or even physical peril. (You will hear things like, “Be careful. You will move yourself from the covering and protection of God.”)

4. Rewards your obedience with inclusion, and punishes your questioning or resistance with withdrawal. (Compliance gets stroked, resistance gets struck!)

5. Demands “cathartic” honesty. Unless you spew out every detail of your life you must be hiding or withholding something (and that “something” will, of course, impede your spiritual development).

6. Lavishes you with praise, acceptance, and understanding when you are “good” and “pushes” you away when you are “bad.”

7. Is apparently fixated on the use of titles like reverend, pastor, elder and cannot appear to relax in the company of “ordinary” mortals. The issue is not in the use of legitimate titles (or robes or religious garb) – it is that identity seems impossible without the titles or the trappings.

8. Leaves a trail of cut-off relationships. Usually in the trail are those who refuse to bow, to submit, to stand in awe of, to be thoroughly entranced by, the will of the pastor, the leader or the friend. Always regard with suspicion or caution leaders who are cut off or alienated from members of their family, especially their parents.

9. Lives from a “for me/or against me,” “black/white,” “all/or nothing” platform of “relationships.”

10. Genuinely sees God’s Call so zealously, so fervently that any signs of resistance are seen as the expressions of The Enemy or an enemy – thus, relationships are expedient (disposable) in the light of getting on with God’s work.