Almost Time To Go

Yesterday at church, we held the commissioning for the mission team to Utsunomiya and the team going to Baja Mexico.  There are six of us going to Japan and thirty-three going to Baja.  The team going to Baja will be joining people from other churches and there will be over ninety people overall.  They will be building homes for some families; offering training and support for lay people called to be ministers; and giving medical aid and assistance to others.  The thirty-nine of us going on the missions stood before the congregation and they came up and laid their hands upon us and prayed for us.  It is very encouraging to see nearly a quarter of our members involved in missions this summer.  This week our church will also be presenting a VBS program (Vacation Bible School).  There are at least as many people involved in the VBS as there are going on the missions in the next three weeks.  So at least half the church is involved in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ during this time.  It is humbling and exciting to see the commitment and growth of our church members and their desire to share the blessings they've received through a life dedicated to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  
This is a photo of the design for the t-shirts the children and adults will wear at EEC (English Experience Camp).  Our theme is "The Greatest Hero" and we will have decorations showing various superhero characters.  On the first day of camp, the team members will have simple costumes of various "heroes".  I have a Batman t-shirt and mask - I haven't seen anyone else's costume, yet.  The theme of superheroes is fun for the children and we use it for some of the arts and crafts - but more importantly it gives us the opportunity to share who our "Greatest Hero" is - Jesus Christ.

It's hard to believe that we will be on our way to Japan in two days.  We want to extend our deep appreciation to all who have supported this mission with your prayers, financial support and words of encouragement.  Until the next entry, God be with you and bless you richly.     

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