Ev: Final Day of VBS and God is so good!!

It was the last day and Andrew and I were reviewing all the motions to the song. I don't know if it's just old age or what but I cannot learn as fast or remember as much any more. Tim, however, showed infinite patience and kept going over and over the motions. We weren't perfect but the kids still seem to enjoy the songs. Chieko taught the story of the lost son, and the kids were very attentive. Then we had memory verse review and the new one in Japanese and the kids sure did know them. We were in front and we could see them close their eyes and recite by memory. We did the gift boxes as the introduction to the invitation time which happened during shepherding time. Chieko and Jon gave out cards with response choices. Chieko later told us that the 3rd graders had checked that they wanted to know more about Jesus. We thank God that seeds were planted. After shepherding, we had craft and we all helped with the cards and beads. My Al is amazing. He had it organized, figured out a way to rubber all their cards together with their names on the rubberband so nothing got lost, had the coloring pages and bead craft all grouped with the cards on the table for the kids to pick up, etc. The kids loved the craft so much that we were late for lunch. Chieko and Carol Suzuki, Paul Suzuki's wife, and other mothers helped cooked a delicious yakisoba noodle lunch - 3 kinds!! Carol has been such a blessing throughout this who VBS. She was helping in every possible way, translating, cleaning up, setting up, etc. We were all amazed at all the delicious dinners Chieko made for us and this morning she is making us Swedish pancakes for breakfast. We brought some cake mixes for her and I think she used them all during VBS for Wednesday's lunch, women's tea, etc. She said that is energized by all this. Now that is the gift of hospitality! I just got tired watching her. After lunch, our fearsome threesome, Tim, Andrew and BJ, took the kids out so the mothers could have tea time. We went up to the conference room so if the kids came back early due to the heat, they could play with the parachute. Chieko had a lace table cloth on the conference table, and there were 11 altogether. She made a lemon cake and a dark chocolate rose shaped cake for the ladies. About half were non-believers.Chieko began talking about the earthquake and tsunami and asked how they felt and what were their fears. That led into my testimony. I prayed that God would use it to plant seeds and bring someone closer to understanding the love of God. I also prayed that other believers would be encouraged. The verse that came to me was 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

God allows trials in my life so I could have the opportunity to share how God carried me through them and that knowledge gives comfort to others who have their own trials. Carol later shared with me something she had to struggle with and her story gave me such encouragement. God is so good. Chieko shared with me comments other women made and she was encouraged by their openness. In fact she and I have decided to pray specifically for 3 women who seem more open that they would someday accept Jesus as their Savior. One of the women gave me her email and in a very teacher voice (she's a retired English teacher in a Japanese school) said, "I expect to see you right here in this chair next year!" I know God will reap a harvest in "the proper time, if we just keep persevering." We came downstairs and sure enough the parachute was going. At three they folded up the chute and one little boy, Kairi, begged Jon to let them stay longer to play ping pong - just 15 minutes more. We had to finally "kick" them out at 4PM. We started cleaning up and the kids ended up trying to help! We stood at the door and waved good bye, we took pictures and hugged. Then we collapsed! I got a great picture of Tim totally zonked out sitting against a wall.

We headed home so the boys could shower before going out to a Japanese restaurant with the Reasoners and Suzukis. It was a great way to celebrate the end of VBS. Carol, Chieko and I sat at one end of the table and talked and talked. It was a wonderful time of encouragement.

Tomorrow we're off to Okutama Bible Chalet to help serve in whatever way is needed. Another chance to see God work and to meet other people. I am excited. Please pray for strength to continue serving Him and those He brings us into contact with.

Thank so very much for your prayers. Nothing can be done or accomplished unless His people pray. Ev