Monday, August 5th - Some Last Thoughts

Dear Friends - It's been 4 days since returning from Japan and I'm still easing back in to the routines of everyday life. Part of it is the change of time zones, but I think part of it is wanting to hang on to some of the customs of Japan. On Sunday, some people who went to Baja the week of July 21st shared their experiences and thoughts with our church members. There are striking differences in the two mission trips, Baja and Utsunomiya. The 37 Crossway members were part of a team of close to 100 people who built 4 homes, added on to an existing church, and provided medical care to scores of people. The results of their mission are very tangible and life-changing. Our mission's results in Japan might be seen as less productive for the funds it takes to send six people to Utsunomiya. 14 children came to the EEC program for three days; 30 people came to the English Conversation classes we presented; we presented the main message and testimonies at 2 worship services; and we went to Utsunomiya University and spoke with a few people in the student cafeteria. These are modest results when considering the time, prayer, and financial support given for this mission. Our time serving the Kawanos at Chino Christ Church started out in a similar fashion in 2007. About 20 children showed up for EEC that year and the church had lukewarm support for the mission when they first showed up. In the nine years we served there, until 2015, a lot of progress was made. Each year the EEC grew in size and there were about 80 children in attendance by 2015. More and more church members supported the camp as food preparers and volunteers working with the children. In the last couple of years of EEC, former campers returned to volunteer as helpers in the program. Chino sent out at least 2 missionaries to serve in Sendai in a similar program to the one in Chino. And very importantly, church members have taken on greater roles in the leadership of the church. These are the things we can see and testify to - but what about the things that are not seen? How many lives have been given over to Jesus Christ because of the work at the Chino church and by the Chino Christ Church members? What will be the impact on the Chino church because of the vision and hard work of the Kawanos? What will be the impact on the Chino community?
It is easy to envision the same progress and victories taking place in Utsunomiya. When we visited Utsunomiya University, I was introduced to and had conversations with 2 missionaries who work with students at the university. One is from England and the other from Korea, with both giving support to Christian students and reaching out to the unsaved on campus. Kawano-sensei seems to have a very good relationship with these men and one of them volunteered during EEC and led one of the small groups. Another volunteer at EEC is a local pastor, who I shared about in an earlier blog. His church is similar in size and makeup to Utsunomiya Kyokai - and he and Kawano-sensei seem to have a strong bond and working relationship. Chihoyo-sensei was in contact with a local orphanage about sending their children to attend EEC this year. Perhaps this is something that might occur in the future. The Kawanos worked hard in publicizing the EEC and English Conversation Classes - including notices in the newspaper and notices given to students at the local public schools.
Kawano-sensei replaced a pastor who had been with the church for 23 years. That is a rough position to be in for any type of organization. People were very comfortable with this wonderful man and his family - we got to meet them at the worship services and Ishikawa-sensei even volunteered at the EEC program. So for Kawano-sensei to ask for support in bringing a mission team to their church, and using church funds to support us was a huge request. Their congregation is small and their resources are probably limited. I trust and pray that their thoughts about the mission team changed over the course of our ten days at their church. They gave us a welcome and farewell luncheon after two worship services we shared with them. At each of the luncheons, everyone in attendance stands and shares some thoughts about the mission, mission team, and anything else they wish to say. It seems like the comments at the farewell luncheon expressed a lot of positive feelings for the mission team and the activities we shared with them. Mason had put together a video for the parents at the end of EEC. The same video was shown at the worship service to the church members. I think it touched many hearts to see what took place in their church and hopefully will encourage them to do more outreach in the future. Perhaps it will be beneficial for the Kawanos, for the church members to see the fruits of their work and preparation - to have greater confidence in their vision and plans for the Utsunomiya church.
I would ask you to pray for the Kawanos as they adjust to a new church family and to a new location. I'm sure it's difficult for the whole family, but I think it must be especially tough for Chi-chan, she is at her third school since 2015. Pray for the Utsunomiya church, that they might see their membership grow - bringing in younger families who will be the future of this wonderful church family. Pray for boldness and love that this church congregation will reach out to family members and the community in sharing the salvation and love of Jesus Christ - the same challenges facing our own church members of Crossway Church. Thanks to all of you who have kept up with our mission team through this blog; thanks to all of you for your financial support that makes these mission trips possible; and thank you. especially for your prayer support for the mission team, the team members, and the people of Utsunomiya and Japan. With the deepest gratitude, and with love, Don