Shirley: Please Pray

We are so excited to see the VBS team this week! We pray the Lord will grant all of you a safe journey here.

For those partnering with us in prayer, please continue to pray for protection for the team. We just had another knifing incident at a JR train station yesterday in Hiratsuka (down in the Yokohama area). A young woman, 32, slashed six men in the station before she was apprehended by police. She said she had a difficult home life, wanted to die, hoping to take down others with her.

We are all in need of a Savior, these days more than ever. We covet your prayers. Please know they are heard by our loving Father, and are felt tangibly by ALL the saints who are doing His will.

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 4:13-16

Ev: Four More Days to Go!

With only 4 more days to go, I am making felt pieces to use for the Bridge illustration in presenting the gospel in Japan for both teams. Please pray that whoever uses these felt pieces in sharing the gospel whether during VBS, before parents in ESL, in social gatherings, to the elderly in a nursing home, or to anyone that God brings to us will be given the words he/she needs and that the Holy Spirit will make it clear to the hearer. Pray that people will accept Jesus as Savior or at least come closer to making that decision.

"It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new convenant." II Corinthians 3:5-6

Bob Yokobe - July 26th

Wow, I'm a blog rookie so getting this far was amazing. The day is almost here when we head off to Japan. I'm excited to see what God has planned for us. This trip is all about God and glorifying him. I just have to remember he's leading and I'm following. Please pray that our team stays safe and healthy and that we all have the strength and courage to do what God asks of us. If we do, only good things will happen.

Al: Weather Forecasts

Here's the weather forcast while we are in Japan.
This is the extended forecast for Yokosuka. Looks like it is going to be very hot and humid. The thing that I remember from last year is that the nights are hot too. I recall trying to sleep and waiting for it to cool off which it never did. At least in the Seattle area, if it gets hot like in the 90's, the nights were in the 50's.

Pray that we can sleep well in spite of the very warm nights. It is really hard to function when you can't sleep well. Also pray that we can adjust quickly to tatami's.

Thursday, Jul 31
Clouds, a thunderstorm
High:86°F(Realfeel®:105°F) Low:77°F

Friday, Aug 1
Mostly cloudy and very humid
High:85°F (Realfeel®:100°F) Low:76°F

Saturday, Aug 2
Partly sunny and very humid
High:85°F (Realfeel®:102°F) Low:75°F

Sunday, Aug 3
Humid with clouds and sun
High:86°F (Realfeel®:98°F) Low:74°F

Monday, Aug 4
Mostly cloudy and very humid
High:85°F (Realfeel®:98°F) Low:74°F

Tuesday, Aug 5
Humid with clouds and sun
High:84°F (Realfeel®:102°F) Low:74°F

Wednesday, Aug 6
Very humid with some sun
High:84°F (Realfeel®:104°F) Low:75°F

Thursday, Aug 7
Partly sunny and very humid
High:82°F (Realfeel®:99°F) Low:74°F

Friday, Aug 8
Very humid with some sun
High:84°F (Realfeel®:97°F) Low:76°F

Saturday, Aug 9
Humid with clouds and sun
High:87°F (Realfeel®:102°F) Low:77°F

Sunday, Aug 10
Mostly sunny and humid
High:86°F (Realfeel®:101°F) Low:74°F

Al: Calendar for the Nokendai Team

7/30 9:45a Arrive SEA/TAC
12:41 pm Flt. 875 departs for Narita, Japan
Please pray for team unity and good health while in Japan. Also pray for renewed energy as we will fatigue easily due to Japan’s warm weather.

7/31 Arrive Tokyo @ 2:55p
Upon arrival, Nokendai team will forward luggage to Yokosuka.
Everyone will go to Tokorozawa/SEND for orientation.
Pray that we would acclimate quickly to the weather and environment

8/1 Team orientation at the SEND Center in Tokorozawa
After orientation, Nokendai team travels by train to Yokosuka (3 hrs)
Evening dinner at Nokendail orientation
Pray that we may we work in harmony with our hosts, Kohichi & Shirley Tamura

8/2 Day excursion to Yokohama
Please pray that we would be observant of the lifestyle & culture so that we can better pray for the unchurched.


8/3 Worship at Yokosuka Grace Bible Church in the morning
Worship @ Nokendai at 3:00pm; teach Mary/Martha story in SS
Please be in prayer for these congregations that they would grow and that the leadership would be encouraged.

8/4 9am set-up for VBS
10 -12:30 VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE TO BELIEVE
Bible Story: The Blind Man(John 9)
ESL class 7-8pm
Please pray for a smooth first day of VBS and that the children would understand the truth of His Word.

8/5 10:00-12:30pm VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE TO ACT
Bible Story: The 10 Sick Men (Luke 17:11-19)
Nursing home visit - prepare a 1 hr. program
ESL class 7-8pm
Pray that our lights would shine brightly as we extend God’s love to those from all walks of life.

8/6 10:00-12:30pm VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE FORGIVENESS
Bible Story: The Paralyzed Man (Mark 2: 1-12)
Pizza lunch after VBS to meet & fellowship w/families; Bridge Illus. w/ invitation
ESL class 7-8pm
Please pray that those who meet us will ask about the source of joy in our hearts.

8/7 10:00-12:30pm VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE TO OBEY
Bible Story:The Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18-27)
Visit Kanazawa Bunko library/museum
ESL class 7-8pm
Pray for refreshment & energy as we are in the home stretch.

8/8 10:00-12:30pm VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE JESUS
Bible Story: The Blind Man (John 9)
Optional 6:00pm ministry at Lighthouse (US service men’s center)
We want to continue showing God’s grace and love through all of our activities. Please also pray that many families will attend upcoming Sunday worship service.

8/9 Whiffle ball at Umi no Koen Park in Yokosuka

8/10 10am debriefing with Tamura’s and exit mtg.
3:00 Nokendai Bible Fellowship worship; teach Lazarus story
* Closing Program during worship; Costco potluck after service

8/11 Send luggage to NRT; pack overnight bag
Tokyo tour day
Nokendai team stays w/ Nakamura’s @ Kashiwa

8/12 4:55 pm depart NRT Flt 876
9:34 am Arrive SEA
Pray for safety and good rest so that we won’t be jet-lagged .

Al: Calendar for Tokorozawa Team

7/30 9:45a Arrive SEA/TAC
12:41 pm Flt. 875 departs for Narita, Japan
Please pray for a smooth check-in, security clearance & safe flight.

7/31 Arrive Tokyo @ 2:55p
Nokendai team will forward luggage to Yokosuka.
Everyone will go to Tokorozawa for orientation

8/1 2 hr team orientation at the SEND & trip to Shinjuku
Rendezvous w/ Tamura’s @ Shinagawa stn; Nokendai team to Yokosuka
TMK team packs for 3 days @ Richard’s home - Kashiwa

8/2 Prayer walking through neighborhoods & sight-seeing Tokyo
Spend 2nd night @ Nakamura’s

8/3 Prayer walking through neighborhoods & sight-seeing Tokyo
Spend 3rd night @ Nakamura’s

8/4 Return to Tokorozawa and
prepare for VBS
Please pray for Sharon & Vincy as they lead the music and bridge the communication barrier.

8/5 10:00-12:30pm VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE TO BELIEVE
Bible Story: The Blind Man (John 9)
Kawagoe sightseeing
Please pray that Elaine and Kelly as Park Guides will build relationships w/ students.

8/6 10:00-12:30pm VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE TO ACT
Bible Story: The 10 Sick Men (Luke 17:11-19)
Tentative: sightseeing to Kogane Park & Outdoor Museum
Please pray for Bible story-teller’s clear communication

8/7 10:00-12:30pm VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE FORGIVENESS
Bible Story: Paralyzed Man (Mark 2: 1-12)
Tentative: trip to main Tokorozawa shopping area
Please pray for craft & rec leaders to connect w/students

8/8 10:00-12:30pm VBS
Today’s theme: CHOOSE JESUS
Bible Story: Blind Man (John 9)
Parents invited to possible BBQ; kids’ presentation
Pray that humor from skits will be understandable

8/9 Imperial Palace prayer walk

8/10 Pack overnight bag for travel to Yokosuka
AM Worship @ TMK
Afternoon trip to Nokendai arrive in time for dinner w/ Nokendai team

8/11 Everyone tours Tokyo
Tokyo tour day

8/12 Arrive @ NRT by 2;00pm
4:55 pm depart NRT Flt 876
9:34 am Arrive SEA
Pray for safety and good rest so that we won’t be jet-lagged .

Amy: Music Videos

The music videos were created this week and they have been posted on YouTube. The videos turned out great! Thanks to Vincy and Matt for putting so much enthusiasm in the actions and for allowing themselves to be put on camera! :D

Ten Men:


I Will Hasten:


Choose Jesus:


Ride of your Life :


Captain's Call:

Patti: God Always Provides

Our host Missionary in Japan for the Tokorozawa team has confirmed that this team will be staying at the Christian Academy in Japan. I thank God for his wonderful provision and am looking forward to being a part and supporting the Nakamura's and Reasoner's good work in Japan.

Praising God for each of the teams going to Japan to administer a VBS program, teach some English, support the Missionaries, and make new friends. We are becoming more and more prepared and confident in each of our roles. Only 3 weeks before we leave.

There is still much to do and so we continue to ask for prayers. Pray that God guards and protects each one on both teams from illness, injury, or feeling overwhelmed. Pray that our financial and prayer support will be in abundance. Pray for an increase in knowing each other and feeling like family as we grow and work together. Pray for the Tamura's, Reasoner's, and Nakamura's as they publicize the English VBS and that there would be a great response. Pray that the neighborhood around each of the churches would be drawn to learn more about Jesus. Pray that we would be love and grace to all the Japanese people we meet and to each other. Believing and grateful to God who is paving the way!