Week 2 in Japan 2023

The second week is the start of our time in Okinawa. Specifically we are in Naha attending language school for the remainder of the trip. We will be attending classes every morning from 8:45 am to 12:05 pm local time. It has been a great time meeting the senseis (teachers) and our classmates from around the world. Can you guess how many countries are represented in our class?

Oct 8: 

We started this day in Tokyo! The itinerary for the day was to go to the Church Awakening Tokyo in the morning. Then later in the afternoon fly to Okinawa.

We were blessed to join the Church in worshipping God. The hospitality and message were very encouraging.

On our trip to Okinawa we met multiple people and shared the gospel with them and gave cards out.

Oct 9:

Today's itinerary was some focused time in prayer and exploring the neighborhood.

During our time exploring we had a great conversation with a man from Portugal. We were able to give some encouragement on seeking the truth. He mentioned that he finds the gospel too good to be true, but is open to it.

Our place is quite close to a water channel that runs through the city.

The view of the water channel from a bridge

Oct 10:

The itinerary for the day was to pray over a shrine and tour the area more. We also did some more gospel dance practice.

While at the shrine we prayed specifically for the bad spiritual pillars to be brought down, and continue to pray for well being and abundant life for people in Japan. Praying against bad spiritual pillars was inspired from Samson's story in the Bible. This story is in Judges. Please feel free to connect with us to talk about spiritual pillars, gifting of strength, or other questions about God.

During our touring around we met a local lady and had a discussion on Jesus being the only God. We gave her a card as well.

Oct 11:

The itinerary for the day was to go to the opening ceremony for our school at a local hall.

On our way to our school’s opening ceremony! Pictured outside our apartment

While at the ceremony we had lots of opportunities to meet fellow students. We shared about our purpose to tell the good news of Jesus to the people of Japan.

In the evening we were walking along the Kokusai Dori Shopping Street (“The Street”) asking God how we can bring words of encouragement to people. We met a lady who was working at the front entrance of a club on the street. We shared with her that God loves her and gave her a card.

Oct 12:

Today we scouted out some local Christian gathering places. We decided on 2 different churches to attend at some point during our stay.

A Christian gathering place in Naha

In the evening we went to The Street and connected with some teachers and students. It all started with comments on how strong a palm tree was. We explained we were Christian to them.

Oct 13:

Today was the first day of class. It was went very well. We had the opportunity to get to know our classmates more. We did studying in the afternoon as well to further our understanding.

In the evening we were at The Street again. While there we connected with a man in the Japanese military who was a Christian and we prayed for him.

Oct 14: 

Saturdays are our Sabbath rest day. The itinerary for the day was to go to Araha Beach and American village. 

While at the beach we met some American aircraft mechanics. We had a great time connecting with them. We shared the gospel and answered some questions.

Here is a photo of the beach and sea

While in American village...... we went to a Japanese arcade...... Anyway, it was a nice experience and we played a musical rhythm game called MaiMai, which was fun.

Thanks for staying connected! We appreciate your messages and prayers.