OUR NBF TEAM

I know I have not blog in a while. I've been letting my NBF teammates do their blogging. You know first timers excitement. Also my computer gets possessed every time I come here. I started this blog 3 day ago and because circumstance, possessed computer and trying to update the VBS highlights am now almost ready to post.
It is now day 15 in VBS days only, meaning I finished my third VBS of the Summer. 25 days chronologically, 19 days in Japan. Things have really heated up spiritually in Nokendai but I will let my colleages share about it.
These are my observation of the NBF Teammates

IN HER ELEMENT
I’ve been able to observe Karen in the last few days leading up to our VBS in Nokendai. Although she has been out of teaching for many year to raise her family, Karen is so enthusiastic about teaching the children about Jesus. Making her plans, using her God given talents for creatively presenting the gospel. She is indeed in her element. She has that excitement of a new teacher, ideas just start bubbling out of her. Day 4 we had a sudden thunderstorm which wiped out PE at the Park. She pulled M&M Bingo out of her bag of tricks and kept the kids busy for an hour. She has been such a blessing to the team.
ONE TOUGH COOKIE
Katherine has been a really trooper enduring exhausting heat, tight living quarters and even tighter traveling being forceably pushed into a train and enduring an allergic reaction to peanuts. We found out how desperately we needed her her when she was unable to lead singing because the allergic reaction. I have been relying on her for the cues for the hand motions changes. She is the most competent song leader of anyone on the team. She gave testimony on Wednesday. Many were move by her trust in God when difficult things happen to her.
EVERYONES SON
Austin has been a surprise. Yes, he is a goofy teenager. He has that youthful carefree way about him. At NBF he has become somewhat of a chick magnet. (He has unceremoniously step into Matt S.'s shoes) He say it can be irritating and exhausting sometime. The big surprise for me it his level maturity while praying. His understanding, remembering all the needs and the way appropriated words flow seem to flow from his mouth. His gift may be pray. (Karli, I know he hasn't written to you but he's doing a good job and keeping everyone laughing. My first impression (back at Newport High) was not good but that another story. His standing with me is much higher now. He play the piano at the nursing home. Of course he forgot his music so he played by heart from his heart. Had some people in tears.
FATHER/SON TEAM
What a bonding experience for Randy and Garrett. Although Garrett is the age of the VBSers but he had the responsibility of JMT member. Randy is handling a large group consisting some energetic boys. (Kosei, Teru and Kaoru for those former JMTers) Garrett gave his testimony Thursday and did a great job.
OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE
Lucy, as in a previous blog saying she is "out of her comfort zone." The thing is she made herself available to God. Well, she must be channeling Ev, Karen and Sharon because she doing a great job with the little ones. (Lil' Sara, Mimi, Daiki, a new rugrat named Takumi and many others)
FIRE AND BRIMSTONE
Ev showed another side of her on Wednesday. Unknowingly on Tuesday we were told by some of the mother's that some of the children had been "disrespecting" one or more of our team members in Japanese. Wednesday she got up on her soapbox (figuratively) and told them in "no uncertain terms" that we may not know what they are saying about us but God does! (You had to be there, She reminded me of an old time fire and brimstone preacher.) She and Al work so great together. Have you notice they share the same email address, they sign for each other. One thing I am learning the power of two in ministry. A family of believers, like the Sakanashi's and Eng's, can also be a powerful witness.
(Sorry, I can't put the pictures where I want them to be so they are all at the beginning of the blog.