The last two days!
Sunday (yesterday) began early rushing out the door to Tokyo Bible Church with Joanna, Donn, and baby Naava. (Dea had not slept all night, so she stayed behind). The other two group went to other churches for ministry. During first service, I explained a drawing I did in worship and afterward, the three of us prayed for a few people who needed healing. One guy, after asking me to pray for a heart condition, requested through the translator that I pray God brings him a wife! One person had a drastic decrease in pain and many walked away in full faith despite the lack of instant-healing.
We also did a second service for the youth. Joanna talked a little bit about soaking in His presence and I explained some about how God speaks in various ways (pictures, words, impressions, etc.). We had all of the kids listen to God for themselves and even though only a few had the courage to share, when asked, no one said they hadn't heard anything. Some had some really clear visions and another girl got some freedom in identity. After the service, a few came up to share what they had heard. (We aren't such intimidating tall white Americans when one on one). That service didn't end until almost four so we did not get to the David and Maria's house until after seven (they had a barbecue in our honor that started at four) where we inhaled some food, chatted for a little bit, and took off to get back to Menamisenju. All of us girls were happy to be back by nine so we could make a run down to the bathhouse for a long, cleansing, relaxing soak. It's unanimous that the bathhouse will be the most-missed thing about Japan once we're back in the states (followed closely by the "special drinks" vending machines).
Have I told you about where we are staying? Menamisenju is supposedly the "Harlem" of Tokyo, but it's still 10x better than most cities, simply because it's safe. The area we are staying in has the highest homeless population, but even they are very organized in their habits and don't bother us at all. Ironically, the only one that has been approached by a couple of drunk homeless men is Donn (who is at least 6.5 and has blonde dreadlocks). Tokyo is such a safe-feeling place. It is not particularly friendly or easy to navigate, but the Japanese have such an isolated feel that no one really bothers anyone else and pretty much everyone does what they can to not affect anyone else's life with their own. As unhealthy as that kind of thought pattern can be, it makes for a relatively safe city.
Today was our off day! (Thank You, God!) We started out at ten (yay, sleep!) for Hirajuku and we all did a lot of shopping at the Oriental Bazaar where one can find plenty of Japanese knick-knacks. I was delighted to find an adorable Japanese teaset and a set of adorable bowls that I cannot WAIT to use at home! I also picked up a few postcards for my collection and for my sister's geography project. Afterward, Donn said we had to see the view from Tokyo tower so we went up there to see how the city literally stretches to the horizon from the north, south, east, and west! It was a nice place to take a break and eat some ice cream and then take the fancy elevator (it has constellations and blacklights built into it!) back down once we had enjoyed the view to the fullest. We walked the Hirajuku streets where there are a lot of funky Tokyo-fashion shops (I pretty much could spend one's life savings there!) and I took a series of pictures in various hats. From there, most of the group went to Shibuya to do more shopping but Naava was having a really rough day so Donn and I came back to Menamisenju. He took her back to the apartment he and Dea are at and I took some money for "dinner" and went to the grocery store. That was an experience all in its own-- this puts cafeteria "mystery meat" to shame! I couldn't read a single label. But I've done alright and once I'm finished with an email, I'm headed to go pack up so I'll be ready to head back tomorrow! Later tonight us girls may find another bathhouse to try out, too. Oh lovely Japan.
Well, happy trails to me! And I'll catch you cats on the flipside. (*ahem* stateside).
A few testimonies:
*In the youth service, our translator came up to Joanna and I to ask if we would pray for her friend. The girl was a Buddhist and it was her first time to go to church-- and she'd been totally rocked! She had an experience with God during soaking time which she didn't explain to us but she had tears streaming down her face. We prayed for more encounters!!
*Another team saw a second complete knee healing!
*There was also an increase of eyesight-- a guy had tunnel vision and his range of sight opened up significantly; he went home praying for more.
*I can't remember them all... check out our team blog for more.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Day 8: Saturday
Breakfast was a good kickstart to the rest of the day: Joanna whipped up some fabulous French toast and I even snagged a nap between breakfast and departure. We went back to the Yogen (Prophecy) Cafe and did an all day seminar of sorts. I taught in the first one on Treasure Hunts and after a break, we had a second session and I did a prophetic art piece. We had a lovely dinner of Japanese pizza (which is wayyy different than American pizza but great in its own way). One had corn and mustard on it, but somehow was delicious!!
After dinner, we went out to Shibuya (a major downtown shopping area, the place that is usually in movies filmed in/about Tokyo) and had our own treasure hunts. One of the team saw a back healing! Another ministered to a girl who was depressed because of conflict with her mother. That team also had two members that separately got the word for "red dreadlocks" (which is crazy random enough) and then found him! He got a hug and therefore a shock. (The Japanese are not a very affectionate people for the most part). Two of the girls stayed back for intercession and they found a treasure and got to pray for her connections in Tokyo; she was a believer. My team activated a few Japanese in the concept of treasure hunt and we approached four or five people in our hour of time.
Tomorrow is our last day for ministry and our team received a lot of invitations for Sunday morning. We are splitting into three groups and then will meet up for a barbecue in the afternoon with a family that is one of our main contacts. Joanna and I are stoked to go with Donna and Dea back to Tokyo Bible Church where we got to hang with the children on Wednesday. Monday will be our shopping day and then Tuesday we head out. My emotions are mixed; I very much miss home (my pillow especially) yet the thought of leaving this nation is difficult too. I just have to trust that Jesus will use my little seeds to His great purpose.
After dinner, we went out to Shibuya (a major downtown shopping area, the place that is usually in movies filmed in/about Tokyo) and had our own treasure hunts. One of the team saw a back healing! Another ministered to a girl who was depressed because of conflict with her mother. That team also had two members that separately got the word for "red dreadlocks" (which is crazy random enough) and then found him! He got a hug and therefore a shock. (The Japanese are not a very affectionate people for the most part). Two of the girls stayed back for intercession and they found a treasure and got to pray for her connections in Tokyo; she was a believer. My team activated a few Japanese in the concept of treasure hunt and we approached four or five people in our hour of time.
Tomorrow is our last day for ministry and our team received a lot of invitations for Sunday morning. We are splitting into three groups and then will meet up for a barbecue in the afternoon with a family that is one of our main contacts. Joanna and I are stoked to go with Donna and Dea back to Tokyo Bible Church where we got to hang with the children on Wednesday. Monday will be our shopping day and then Tuesday we head out. My emotions are mixed; I very much miss home (my pillow especially) yet the thought of leaving this nation is difficult too. I just have to trust that Jesus will use my little seeds to His great purpose.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Day 7: Friday
This morning the girls on the team and Donn went on a fashion tour with a to-be buyer named Masa. Yu went with us to interpret and we had an amazing time in Sunshine City and Hirajuku enjoying Tokyo's crazy sense of fashion. There is no real way to capture how truly fashionable this city is; they have their own style and everyone always looks dressed to the last accessory, men and women, young and old. We found some really amazing pieces too; I'm telling you that I found the place to buy everything "my style"-- if I had the resources... they would be spent, haha.
Right after the tour, Donn, Ally, Joanna, Kristen, and I jumped on a bus for a 1.5 hour train ride to a church where our team did a service. I did prophetic art and then after sharing a few testimonies and doing a little teaching, we did some team prophecy and gave words to the congregation. During ministry time, the presence of the Lord was really heavy and it was apparent to all who were there. It was really great to be at this particular church because the Spirit was very present and welcomed there-- we even received some refreshing at the end from them and I was given a couple prophetic words.
We missed the last bus so some very generous church members drove us all the way in to Tokyo and now-- here I am! Another memorable day in Japan, that is for sure. Hopefully I can get some really solid rest tonight... our whole team needs it! Lots of go-go-go. Without a doubt I am loving this nation and my time here, but I am ready to come home! We have a few busy days remaining, but that only means there's sufficient grace awaiting.
Fire and shalom to you!
Right after the tour, Donn, Ally, Joanna, Kristen, and I jumped on a bus for a 1.5 hour train ride to a church where our team did a service. I did prophetic art and then after sharing a few testimonies and doing a little teaching, we did some team prophecy and gave words to the congregation. During ministry time, the presence of the Lord was really heavy and it was apparent to all who were there. It was really great to be at this particular church because the Spirit was very present and welcomed there-- we even received some refreshing at the end from them and I was given a couple prophetic words.
We missed the last bus so some very generous church members drove us all the way in to Tokyo and now-- here I am! Another memorable day in Japan, that is for sure. Hopefully I can get some really solid rest tonight... our whole team needs it! Lots of go-go-go. Without a doubt I am loving this nation and my time here, but I am ready to come home! We have a few busy days remaining, but that only means there's sufficient grace awaiting.
Fire and shalom to you!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Day 6: Thursday
I had a dream last night that I actually remembered. Our team was passing Nava around from person to person taking care of her and when they handed her to me, she looked up and said (mind you, she doesn't actually speak at all in reality), "I don't know why you are so worried; you do this so naturally." And then I woke up. It really has seemed like a message for the team that we are doing well in ministry sharing it like we have and that it's really about being naturally supernatural.
Today we met with a man named Yu at the Starbucks in Sunshine City and got to hear about his vision for the entertainment industry and his life. That was really phenomenal and a lot of fun to be discussing art as ministry and then having the opportunity to prophesy and encourage him in his goals and gifts.
This afternoon we came to a church we were invited to kind of last minute and had an afternoon session where we taught on soaking in God's presence and rest. After a break for dinner, we are doing another session to activate them in prayer/healing. Three from our group went to an art cafe--I haven't heard how that went yet. My world is expanding. I would not have thought that I was so prejudiced or self-righteous as to believe that my culture was superior to another--but there it is. I never would have said so or even believed it until I realize that I have felt up to now that I was "humoring" them in imitating their customs. Instead, I realize that different really is that--different. There are reasons and/or simple patterns of habit for their ways of life the same as in my life. I thank the Lord for this revelation and know that it's completely to my benefit because an open mind carries wisdom while a closed mind stagnates.
I have no idea if I am even making sense because I am so tired. I apologize if I am rambling or not making any sense. Good night, once again, friends.
Today we met with a man named Yu at the Starbucks in Sunshine City and got to hear about his vision for the entertainment industry and his life. That was really phenomenal and a lot of fun to be discussing art as ministry and then having the opportunity to prophesy and encourage him in his goals and gifts.
This afternoon we came to a church we were invited to kind of last minute and had an afternoon session where we taught on soaking in God's presence and rest. After a break for dinner, we are doing another session to activate them in prayer/healing. Three from our group went to an art cafe--I haven't heard how that went yet. My world is expanding. I would not have thought that I was so prejudiced or self-righteous as to believe that my culture was superior to another--but there it is. I never would have said so or even believed it until I realize that I have felt up to now that I was "humoring" them in imitating their customs. Instead, I realize that different really is that--different. There are reasons and/or simple patterns of habit for their ways of life the same as in my life. I thank the Lord for this revelation and know that it's completely to my benefit because an open mind carries wisdom while a closed mind stagnates.
I have no idea if I am even making sense because I am so tired. I apologize if I am rambling or not making any sense. Good night, once again, friends.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Day 5: Wednesday
'Twas an early morning today... a quick breakfast and we launched out the door to go to Tokyo Bible School where we enjoyed worship with them (in Japanese!) and then led a service. I taught on how God speaks to us (prophesy) and then we had a fire tunnel and a prophesied over the new students. That was probably my favorite time so far, getting to enjoy the children's heart for God, share in their fun, and love on them and be loved back. They are some of the most beautiful people.
We spent the afternoon grabbing a lovely Japanese lunch and then enjoyed people-watching at Starbucks from our second-story vantage. The intersection in front of the train station is crazy! The cars will be going crazy, stopping only for their red-lights when suddenly every one has had a turn, all the lights go red, and the pedestrians cross in a human tsunami! People flood the street and all you can see is business suits and plenty of snazzy Tokyo fashion.
In the late afternoon, Donn, Joanna, and I met up with some ladies at Waseda University to pass out flyers for their weekly Bible study and then shared some stories from school, a few testimonies, and heard about what called them to their respective ministries. We snagged a bit to eat at a little eatery where I tried mincemeat and ginger in (obviously) rice. The women we met were such warriors and I was truly humbled to be able to join them. It was really cool to feel like I was taking an intercessory stand for the education mountain of influence that I am called to.
Now, I'm showered and happy (I just talked to my family!!) so I think I'm gonna grab some much needed sleep. Pray for refreshment and energy... we still have five solid days! Over halfway through and still enjoying this captivating country.
We spent the afternoon grabbing a lovely Japanese lunch and then enjoyed people-watching at Starbucks from our second-story vantage. The intersection in front of the train station is crazy! The cars will be going crazy, stopping only for their red-lights when suddenly every one has had a turn, all the lights go red, and the pedestrians cross in a human tsunami! People flood the street and all you can see is business suits and plenty of snazzy Tokyo fashion.
In the late afternoon, Donn, Joanna, and I met up with some ladies at Waseda University to pass out flyers for their weekly Bible study and then shared some stories from school, a few testimonies, and heard about what called them to their respective ministries. We snagged a bit to eat at a little eatery where I tried mincemeat and ginger in (obviously) rice. The women we met were such warriors and I was truly humbled to be able to join them. It was really cool to feel like I was taking an intercessory stand for the education mountain of influence that I am called to.
Now, I'm showered and happy (I just talked to my family!!) so I think I'm gonna grab some much needed sleep. Pray for refreshment and energy... we still have five solid days! Over halfway through and still enjoying this captivating country.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Day 4: Tuesday
How much can Tokyo stand? We're here to find out! =) Today was a slower day... Some got up this morning to go to the fish market at 5 am and a few of us passed in order to get some much needed revivalist-rest. We added pineapple and bananas to our team breafast and had an agenda meeting and hung out-- there was too much rain to do anything else! I am really enjoying my team; they all have such vision and unique goals. There's a lot of purpose in our power-packed group of ten.
Cultural experience of the day: the bathhouse. It is exactly what it sounds like. The girls of the team all went for a "bonding" experience. Nothing like complete exposure in a foreign setting to make you feel chummy. Enough said.
On the way to our meeting, we picked up a meal to go (there's a Japanese word for it-- I'll figure it out) and wondered around a colorful shop-strip. I got some chocolate covered almonds to satisfy my chocolate craving and we all sampled some fried potatoes that were pretty great. Nothing like lots of walking and trains to get your appetite going!
Tonight we met with the YWAM base leaders, had some phenomenal worship, a message from Donn, and then our team prophesied. It's so good to refresh those that are in the trenches fighting for Japan. There really is nothing like meeting up with brothers and sisters and recognizing them by the Jesus in their eyes.
Over and out!
Cultural experience of the day: the bathhouse. It is exactly what it sounds like. The girls of the team all went for a "bonding" experience. Nothing like complete exposure in a foreign setting to make you feel chummy. Enough said.
On the way to our meeting, we picked up a meal to go (there's a Japanese word for it-- I'll figure it out) and wondered around a colorful shop-strip. I got some chocolate covered almonds to satisfy my chocolate craving and we all sampled some fried potatoes that were pretty great. Nothing like lots of walking and trains to get your appetite going!
Tonight we met with the YWAM base leaders, had some phenomenal worship, a message from Donn, and then our team prophesied. It's so good to refresh those that are in the trenches fighting for Japan. There really is nothing like meeting up with brothers and sisters and recognizing them by the Jesus in their eyes.
Over and out!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Day 3: Monday
Testimony From Home: There was a team going down to Mexico that raised a baby from the dead. It was thrown from a car in front of them and it wasn't breathing for 6 minutes; they prayed and it started to breathe and the mom got saved!
As for Japan, the culture as a whole is just beautiful but the girls are particularly gorgeous. I'm constantly stunned by their beauty and then shocked by a blank look in their eyes. My daddy was right-- the heart for Japan came after obedience. I absolutely love these people; I've felt His heart and I can see huge potential for this nation. They have a foundation of honor-- but honor without relationship boils down to rules, just like anything else. We've prayed for a passion and an encounter-- after all, everyone is only one encounter away from a paradigm-shift!
Our time at the prophecy cafe went so well! I did prophetic art in the second session and I prayed for a lady whose vision improved and she had an experience with God, another lady's shoulders got 90% better and she went home believing for the last bit, and then I got to pray/prophecy over a mother and three kids from Chicago who were missionaries waiting for their husband/dad to move from Osaka. They were some of the most beautiful children (Madison, Matthew, and Kellen) I've ever seen! I've got pictures of them, too; they're supposed to be at the cafe again this weekend when we take everyone out on treasure hunts. There was one lady Donn and Dia prayed for whose knees got 90% better and then I joined and got to see the last 10% healed!! She was moving her leg around and kept telling us in Japanese that she hasn't moved it like that in a long time!
This week, I am really looking forward to going to a really prominent university sometime this week, I think for a prayer walk. Also, we're going to get to meet up with two people in particular-- one from the entertainment industry and another from the fashion industry. We're gonna tap into as many mountains of influence as possible! In a few hours (5:30am) we're going to the fish market, so I need to get some sleep. I'm sipping a warm Cafe au Lait that comes from a vending machine. It's a little weak on the coffee side, but not bad for a $1.50 vend.
If anyone wants to get on Skype, I'm going to try to be on tomorrow afternoon, my time... Redding is 14 hours behind and Texas is 16. I don't know what that will put you at-- probably some ungodly hour. Anyhow, have a good Monday, everyone! I fully enjoyed mine.
As for Japan, the culture as a whole is just beautiful but the girls are particularly gorgeous. I'm constantly stunned by their beauty and then shocked by a blank look in their eyes. My daddy was right-- the heart for Japan came after obedience. I absolutely love these people; I've felt His heart and I can see huge potential for this nation. They have a foundation of honor-- but honor without relationship boils down to rules, just like anything else. We've prayed for a passion and an encounter-- after all, everyone is only one encounter away from a paradigm-shift!
Our time at the prophecy cafe went so well! I did prophetic art in the second session and I prayed for a lady whose vision improved and she had an experience with God, another lady's shoulders got 90% better and she went home believing for the last bit, and then I got to pray/prophecy over a mother and three kids from Chicago who were missionaries waiting for their husband/dad to move from Osaka. They were some of the most beautiful children (Madison, Matthew, and Kellen) I've ever seen! I've got pictures of them, too; they're supposed to be at the cafe again this weekend when we take everyone out on treasure hunts. There was one lady Donn and Dia prayed for whose knees got 90% better and then I joined and got to see the last 10% healed!! She was moving her leg around and kept telling us in Japanese that she hasn't moved it like that in a long time!
This week, I am really looking forward to going to a really prominent university sometime this week, I think for a prayer walk. Also, we're going to get to meet up with two people in particular-- one from the entertainment industry and another from the fashion industry. We're gonna tap into as many mountains of influence as possible! In a few hours (5:30am) we're going to the fish market, so I need to get some sleep. I'm sipping a warm Cafe au Lait that comes from a vending machine. It's a little weak on the coffee side, but not bad for a $1.50 vend.
If anyone wants to get on Skype, I'm going to try to be on tomorrow afternoon, my time... Redding is 14 hours behind and Texas is 16. I don't know what that will put you at-- probably some ungodly hour. Anyhow, have a good Monday, everyone! I fully enjoyed mine.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Tokyo: Days 1 & 2
So we flew out of Redding at 9 am Pacific time on Saturday, April 5th and here in Japan it's now 9:20pm on Sunday, April 6th. That means I've been up for almost forty hours, minus a few power naps, ranging from 5-45 minutes. I'm about to go crash and attempt to get at least 11 hours sleep, but I had to say "konnichiwa" and Japan is amazing! We got here just before sunset and I caught a glimpse of the beautiful cherry blossoms! We're catching the tail-end of the season, but just enough to enjoy it thoroughly.
We had a couple hour layover in San Francisco so I made a few quick phone calls before we had a team-prophecy session. The plane ride was long, but I made the most of the 10.5 hours and worked on my teaching on prophecy, began reading for my next homework-book, slept some, and watched a bit of the sequel to National Treasure. Once we landed in Tokyo-Narita Airport, I got my first passport stamp, discovered bidets in the bathroom, and coddled little Nava (Donn and Dia's year-old daughter) as she gazed with her wide, sleepy blue-eyes at the foreign surroundings. I've taken a few pictures and I'll attempt to share some tomorrow (we'll see what time looks like). After an hour-and-a-half train ride, we took a ten minute walk to our hostel, dropped our stuff, and ran for a bite of food at the local YWAM base. The rice-mix was great, but I have to admit the seaweed was a bit much.
Well, I'm off for a bit of sleep!
祝福 (Blessings!)
We had a couple hour layover in San Francisco so I made a few quick phone calls before we had a team-prophecy session. The plane ride was long, but I made the most of the 10.5 hours and worked on my teaching on prophecy, began reading for my next homework-book, slept some, and watched a bit of the sequel to National Treasure. Once we landed in Tokyo-Narita Airport, I got my first passport stamp, discovered bidets in the bathroom, and coddled little Nava (Donn and Dia's year-old daughter) as she gazed with her wide, sleepy blue-eyes at the foreign surroundings. I've taken a few pictures and I'll attempt to share some tomorrow (we'll see what time looks like). After an hour-and-a-half train ride, we took a ten minute walk to our hostel, dropped our stuff, and ran for a bite of food at the local YWAM base. The rice-mix was great, but I have to admit the seaweed was a bit much.
Well, I'm off for a bit of sleep!
祝福 (Blessings!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)