Equipper Conference Eve of New Years Eve

Hey guys,
We are surrounded by about 300 or more Japanese students. They are full of energy and run constantly on caffine and laughter. We are exhausted but mostly because we are juggling workshops and counseling sessions and our Kids. The Director of MHS housing and his wife have watched our kids twice now. They are a real blessing to us. Anyway, the conference is based off of the 2 Corinthians passage of chapter 4 and the "Ministry of Reconciliation. It is an amazing passage and in the mornings we have an inductive Bible study class where we are dissecting the verses. The sad part is we are getting more out the the IBS than we are out of the preaching. Lots of stories and analogies but a depravation in the word. I am being challenged in my heart to be gracious and not judge. Anyway, there are some very dear Christians here serving the Lord and there has been much fruit in the Kingdom as many have given their heart to the Lord and renewed their commitments to Him. I was able to attend my old Pastor Itsuo Ueno Sensei's class and enjoy a brief fellowship with him. His daughter was here and it was great to see her walking in the Lord. We are constantly being reaffirmed by the Lord that going to Japan is the right thing and there is a great need to have couples teaching the whole counsel of God. We have had some precious times in small groups ministering to those the Lord is allowing us to minister to. Our kids are troupers they are bored but being very patient. It is good to have them along side us ministering. There is only 6 or 7 kids in the Child care so our kids are getting a lot of attention. For the New Year we are looking forward to the Missions Conference next week. On January 26th we are attending the RJC Conference. Then after January it is truly pressing forward onto leaving for Japan. I have already been invoicing my garage door customers under my buddy's company. We are so blessed how God has put things together. My head spins when I get overwhelmed by the complexity of all the details and issues we raise but The Lord is faithful to constantly show us that nothing is an issue or complex for him. I am excited to go to Japan. I have such a desire to teaching the word. Talk to you soon.

Figing leads to timing of travel to Japan

Hey,
I have been fascinated with the fig plant in the Bible. Used for healing of sores in the Old Testament and identifying with the leadership of Israel. In Mark 11:22 Jesus has just cursed a fig tree for showing signs of promise but failing to produce the fruit (just like the leadership). The tree died and the disciples are tripping. Jesus then says "Have Faith in God". Did you see that Faith In God is an acrostic of FIG? I have looked at this passage and even studied varieties of fig trees and plants. But as I am pondering moving to Japan I am asking God for the date. He gave me Matthew 24:32; Now learn the parable from the fig tree; when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near;

I am now looking at the spring 08 for departure time. I pray that my wife and I will be in perfect agreement when to leave. Now to sell my truck, tools, bike, business, library, and rent out my house. It's all in God's hands.