Yesterday was another great day.  We were on the streets from 11:30am till past 12:00pm.  This day was the national day of music.  Anyone can play music on the streets without a license.  Therefore, we had to get to our spot early…1pm and reserve it.  We set up and were going to do some sound checks on the streets and as we were playing a large group of people formed around us.  It was absolutely amazing.  A sound check turned into a performance:)  We played four 40 minute shows.  So many people came through our area.  The missionary was trying to keep a head count.  He feels like 1,000 people heard us today.

Now for the God part, from what I understand the French are very reserved about going up and asking for something or sharing about their spiritual beliefs.  The Claremont Baptist Church was partnering with us this night.  They were passing out material for their church and giving information out about our big show on Thursday night.  The missionary said usually the person with the flyers would have to go to the person to ask if they wanted one…but people were swarming the church members for this information.  The Claremont Christians had many spiritual conversations with the people in the audience.  I praise the Lord for that.

We were really excited tonight.  The crowd was great.  The environment was good for a show.  Comments were made that out of all the groups they had heard, which were many, they thought we had the best sound.

We have gotten some more feedback from the concert the night before and the Lord continues to bless.  The house church that meets in that community was so encouraged.  The Catholic priest had a conversation with them today and told them how much the Spirit moved through the music.  So many doors are opening up for our evangelical brothers and sisters here to work in the lives of the French.

The team feels so blessed to be apart of this work.  They cannot understand the words we sing, but seeds are being planted and lives are being changed.  Thank you Living Hope for sending us.

Please be in prayer that we will have energy.  We have been to bed every night somewhere between 2 and 3 am.  We meet every day around 11:30am to go to our next performance.  Our voices are strained. We have jet lag.  And we are exhausted.  Pray that we continue to be open to sharing God’s Word through music and have the energy to complete the task with excellence.  We have two more concerts this week.  Start praying now for the big evangelist concert on Thursday.

Hello Everyone!

Thanks to all your prayers and support I’ve been here in Japan for 2 weeks!  I’m writing to you to update you on the work I’ve been doing here with IMB.

I’m staying in the IMB building in Shibuya Tokyo, and it is like living in the eye of the storm.  If you haven’t heard of it, you’ve probably seen videos or pictures of the huge scramble crossing in Hachiko square.  Every day thousands of people pass through that crosswalk shopping, going to work, going to school.  The feeling as you walk through this crosswalk is one I didn’t experience last summer, never having been to Shibuya.  The feeling is like being on a battlefield as others are pushing through trying to force their way through the crowded walk, all going in different directions.  And while you navigate the rush of human traffic, huge screens and projections high up on the buildings around you run advertisements for snacks, ice cream, cell phones and new music releases.  On the street beside you walk the most fashionable girls and the most wealthy businessmen in Japan.  In Shibuya more than any other part of Tokyo you feel like a number, you’re bombarded my images that tell you what you should look light, what you should buy, and what you should eat.  And around you everyone seems to be fighting for their value afraid of being drowned in the waves of countless faces rushing towards something that they must consider very important based on their tense movement and set expression.

Most of the Japanese I talk to say they don’t like Shibuya.  “Too many people” they say.  But there’s more to that statement.  There’s something about that place that challenges your value, and your sense of individuality.  This is where the IMB building is based, not 10 minutes walk from Hachiko Square.  Here you can feel the palpable need of the Japanese to find what it is that they can put their faith in, find their value in.  And it’s mostly here that Keri, my partner, and I will work to share God’s love with the Japanese.

We’ve been working to meet and cultivate friendships with Japanese in the area through various activities, such as free English practice and playing in Yoyogi park, where most people spend their Saturdays off.  We’ve made several friends that we are meeting with to talk to and spend time with in the hopes that we can share God’s love with them.

We are also going to Yoyogi park every week to help feed the homeless living there.  It’s remarkable that a mere 20 minutes walk from one of the wealthiest living areas on Japan is a park full of people living under bridges and on benches with nothing but tarps to protect them and their few possessions from the elements.  Every Saturday morning we wake up early with hundreds of rolls, muffins and other kind of bread to pack up and hand out to the homeless gathered there.  There are many new homeless now, as the economy continues to worsen and businesses go down.  The Tsunami and earthquake is also having a ripple effect that is only just now working it’s way through the Japanese society.  Alongside those who’ve lived in these conditions for years there are formerly successful businessmen forced by hardship to live a life they’ve never known.  Some are staying in capsule hotels for around 20 dollars a night finding a new kind of community with the other homeless forced to live in unusual conditions.  But even last weekend we saw how God can change people’s circumstances.

A couple who were formerly homeless decided to believe in Christ during one of the homeless ministry services in the park.  They later were able to find work and are now able to volunteer with the ministry that once fed them.  They now feed their friends still living in Yoyogi park.

In addition to the homeless ministry I’m also actually volunteering to help some business students in Yokohama National University practice English.  Keri and I meet with them twice a week.  The remarkable thing is that many of them are actually not Japanese but Chinese.  So in the course of our conversations together they have shown a remarkable interest to talk about spiritual things, because they were prohibited from those subjects while living in China.  As we discuss all kinds of subjects from television, to international student experiences to Religion and faith in America the group is beginning to get closer and become a sort of international family.  Please pray that the students will become more and more open and that we can share Christ’s love with these students.

This week we will also have a special opportunity to minister to those in the Tokyo area who are suffering from the earthquakes.  In Chiba the earthquake was particularly bad as there was much reclaimed ground in the area that sank several feet.  The sewage and water systems were severely damaged and many people in these areas are living in near third world conditions.  Only recently have they even been able to flush the toilet.  But as the adults are working on rebuilding and cleaning up, the children are suffering.  They’re simple heart needs are often overlooked as all the energy is focused on the reconstruction.  So we’re going to be doing some children’s programs this weekend.  There will be music and games and fun.  But most of all we’ll be focusing on the children and making ourselves available to them.  We call it “Kokoro no CARE” or “Heart Care.”   Please pray for these children who’ve been traumatized by the earthquake, and pray that we can bring some light and joy to them as we love on them, this weekend.

In fact Kokoro no Care is the best way to explain much of what we’re doing here.  Japan is in a transitional state.  Things have only just gotten back to a state of normalcy here in Shibuya, but the effect of the disaster can still be seen inside people.  I’m praying that God will show me how best to serve the people God is putting in my life here from the homeless to the college students.  I’m praying that the bruised hearts of the Japanese here will be open to God’s healing and that this tragedy will make room for God to come into the lives of the Japanese and show them that even when all else is washed away, God will always be there, and his strength is more powerful than any tsunami or earthquake.

Thank you again for being a part of this ministry, there have been a few bumps along the way.  Keri, my partner didn’t get here for several days due to weather conditions in America.  One day that our apartment was open while they were doing work on our air conditioning, 30000 yen went missing from my things.  That’s over 350 dollars.  But I don’t want you to worry, God is providing for my needs amply.  At this point I don’t feel any financial strain in spite of the loss.  Rather God showed me that I was leaning to much on my financial security here.  Please continue to pray for the work we’re doing here.  I’m praying that I can simply be open and of use in whatever way is necessary while here.  I know this is a VERY long update.  If you managed to get this far kudos.  ^_^  In any event  I’ll try to keep you posted.  Thank you for your support!

Hannah Weakly

Picking up from the rushed email pertaining to getting to the airport…our team left the hotel to rush to the airport.  Jon and Blake dropped us off and went to return the rental cars.  It took longer than expected and we had to wait to check-in as a team until they got back.  While we were waiting, per advice from the Delta agent, Ceann and Kent went to the baggage office to talk about our unknown luggage.  The lady there was great.  She went through the system and inputed every destination onto our luggage.

Luggage accounted for..check.  Jon and Blake back..check. Here comes the stress.  Most things are automated…supervised by an employee.  We started to check in…and for some reason the system wouldn’t accept Judy or Ceann…grrrr.  The lady did it 20 plus times and no luck.  Every time I would would say…”why don’t you go take it to your supervisor.”  But she would respond…”no, one more time.” She did it so many times.  Well it got down to one hour before take off and she took it to her supervisor.  The rest of the team left to get to the plane while Ceann, Judy, and myself waited.  Fifteen minutes later…it got done.  As Ceann and Judy were walking to work through security…Jon came back saying they won’t let me through.  He didn’t have a destination on his ticket…which is a nogo for TSA.  I looked down and saw I didn’t either.  NOOOOOO.  So, we gave our tickets to the agent.  She worked and worked and no luck.  T-minus 30 minutes until the plane took off or we were in NYC again.  I looked up and saw the agent running to us with around 20 tickets???  She said lets go and off we ran to security.  She walked us through.  By the time Jon and I got there it was finishing up boarding.  We got on. WOW.Praise the Lord.

All the other flights were great.  We went through Copenhagen, Denmark…then Paris…then Lyon.  Getting luggage at Lyon and BOOM…we were missing two pieces.  One of which was Jon’s which had all our direct boxes and cables in it:(  They filled out the paperwork and the airline said it would be sent to our hotel.  We got on the van and started traveling.  After a great warm meal…and lots of driving…we got in bed around 3:30am. We decided we were going to meet the missionaries at 11:45am to go get lunch.

OK. no alarms worked.  Debby came to Jon and I’s room and had to wake us up at 11:38am.  Wow. crazy trip, but we got it all together and went and had some lunch.  Then half the team went to the airport to pick-up luggage…which wasn’t there…and the other half went to the church to pick up equipment.

After an hour and a half drive…we got to the church, unloaded all the gear, and had a quick run through.  We had a great meal at a members house and saw some unbelievable French country side.  Then back to the church for the concert.  From what I understand, church is not a very popular thing in France.  That being said, I was expecting about 10 people there.  I would guess there were close to 200.  The place was packed.  The concert went great. We had two encores.

After the concert a French person committed, “There is something different in the way that they sing.  You can tell it came from their hearts.  It is clear they believe what they sing.”  Wow.  We were all humbled by that comment.  25 New Testaments were taken that had contact with the missionaries in them.  We were so excited.  So after refreshments with the church staff, we loaded everything up had a very spirited ride back to the hotel.  It is 2:00 am now and I am wired.

Please be praying for sleep and energy as we go out again tomorrow.

Exciting news from Japan.  Hannah Weakley, one of our interns working with the International Mission Board, has reported that two girls are anxious about becoming apart of a Bible study.  This is so exciting!!!! Please be in prayer for the ministry that Hannah is doing.  Pray that the Lord grant her strength to communicate the Gospel boldly.  Also, pray for these two young ladies, that want to know more about our loving Savior, that they will make a decision to follow Christ.

This is the day that the Lord as made.  Today people from Living Hope will be worshiping in Bowling Green, Fargo, Niger, France, Scotland, and East Asia.  How cool is that?  Be in prayer for Pastor Jason and Jeff as they preach today.  May they bring glory to the Lords name.

Please pray for the families of those on mission trips, that they can be comforted in worship today in the absence of their family members. Pray for the France team as they lead worship today in a sister church Claremont-Ferrand.

YEAH! We got tickets for tonight.  I will post again in a few days.  I only got an hour to get ready before we leave for the airport.

Well everyone, things have not gone as planned.  We left Friday from Nashville for a 1hr and 45min flight to JFK.  Along came a storm and camped on top of JKF.  We were in the plan over 3 hours.  It was so long, we had to land in Harrodsburg, Pennsylvania.  Every flight was stopped going into JFK. You can only imagine the Chaos.  I stood in line in Harrodsburg at the Delta counter the entire time almost.  I did manage to re-book us a flight.  But the agent didn’t have time to print the tickets he handed me a old school in-house print out.  We had to get our flight orders re-issued by the FAA.  We got in the air somewhere after 10 pm last night.  By the time we got off the plan in JFK around 11:30 pm …our flight for Paris was gone:(  So you can imagine the chaos at JFK with all the missed flights.   When we got there…we went into survival mode…for our flight to Paris was not going to leave until Sunday.  Jon went to the car rental place…and his wife started looking for us a hotel.  All the hotels were booked around the airport.  What does a Kentucky team do?  Luggage…yeah, about that, it never came to the carousel.  We checked the baggage tracker and some of them said Paris on them, wow.  I went to the office for baggage issues and they said if we want the luggage…it would take 3 to 4 hours to request them…if they were there…really!!!  I was told it would meet us there. It was 3 am in the morning.  I also tried to negotiate our tickets again, but no luck.  Everyone remember, hundreds of people are in line everywhere.  So about 4 am, we have our carry-ons and some instruments and two rental cars.  The iphones and GPS were going over time to try and find a hotel.  We learned that NYC is a busy place on the weekend, and the hundreds of missed flights didn’t help.

So we drove all around NYC…let me tell you Manhatten early in the morning…scary.  The freaks come out at night.  It is also very expensive for hotels in New York.  I am used to paying $100 for an awesome hotel…here, jump up to the $200 range:(

We finally found a hotel in Westbury…an hour a way.  So 5:45 am on Saturday we finally got in bed…what a day.

Now seven hours later and with a five hour power nap…I have been on the phone with Delta for over 2 hours.  For you see they booked us a flight to Paris that had a 30 minute layover to catch our next flight.  Eight people to get baggage, go through customs, and switch terminals in an international airport, not possible.  You think they would have caught this.  So here I wait.

Everyone on our team has been troopers.  We are safe.  We did sleep.  Eating…well, that will come.  I praise the Lord for some great people he sent our way.  Diane at Viana Hotel in Westbury.  She was so kind to us.  She gave us all toothbrushes and some personal items.  Veronica at Delta…she is working hard to find us options to get there quicker.

Be praying for us strength, we got a long way to go.  Pray for health, this kind of force marching can wear a person down. Pray for us to find a cheap place to buy some clothes.

The missionary told us that Satan has been working hard to shut this trip down.  She said last time something like this happened, a team lost their luggage.  When it was delivered the missionary shared Christ with him and he accepted Christ.  That made me think…is this pain worth someone coming to Christ.  Yes it is.  May God receive the glory for this amazing adventure.

The France team should be arriving in their final destination today.  Pray for energy, for they have lost a night of sleep and have to stay awake all day.  Pray that they will be able to get on the right sleep schedules and be able to glorify the Lords name through their performances.

Pray for Pastor Jason today as he finalizes his sermon.  Also, for Pastor Jeff as he does the same for his message in France tomorrow.  Pray the Lord gives them both guidance from the Holy Spirit on the message He wants them to speak.

Also, praise the Lord…this is the 100th post on the prayer blog:)

Be in prayer for the France team as they depart today.  Pray for traveling mercies as they will be in transit for two days.  Pray for strength, peace, and encouragement for their families as they are gone.

We know the Lord is working in this area.  Pray that we see where and are able to join Him in reaching the people of Claremont-Ferrand, France.  This team is a Gospel/bluegrass team.  We will be playing and singing everyday.  Please pray for vocal and hand endurance as we glorify the Lord through music.

From Erin Bloss:

I have been spoiled today. 🙂 I’m not gonna lie, I have taken advantage of ALL of the wonderful amenities that Niamey has to offer (such as American style bathrooms–complete with REAL showers!, beef fajitas at the American embassy for lunch, A/C at the Phillips house, and indulging in some movie watching and card game playing!)

I look at today and compare it with the past couple of days that we just spent in “B”, and honestly it feels like I’m in a completely different country when I’m in Niamey! I think I have successfully adjusted to African city life, but village life?? Shoot, that’s a different story!

I feel like I could talk for hours about what life in “B” has been like over the past couple of days. It’s probably been the best and worst time of my life. God has taught me SO MUCH, but my faith has been tested in ways that I never expected…which has been hard to say the least. To keep it short, my biggest blessing has been the closeness that I’ve felt with God from having to rely on Him for EVERY SINGLE DETAIL OF MY LIFE. My biggest hardship has been the physical, emotional, and mental toll that village life takes on my body. I have had more physical problems here in the past 5 days than I have had in the past 5 years! But it’s just another thing to give over to God…that’s what I constantly have to do: give it to God and trust that He’s going to take care of me.

Awhile ago I made a blog post about how my mantra has been that God is so faithful. While God has continued to remain faithful in ways that I can’t even begin to describe, my mantra seems to have changed to: Jesus never said following Him would be easy. I think I’m finally learning what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ, and it’s a hard lesson to learn!! But I am SO CONFIDENT that it’s worth it. It’s worth the blazing heat that makes my skin feel like it’s burning off my body; it’s worth drinking the dozens of bottles of water that smell (and taste) like sulfur; it’s worth the sleepless nights and waking up to donkeys and roosters and cats and who-knows-what-else; and it’s worth the persecution that we’ve already had to face.

No matter what happens this summer…whether we see fruit from this experience or not…I know that this will not have been in vain. I think it will be easy to go through all these hardships and become discouraged if we don’t see any immediate results. But God’s teaching me to rely on Him and HIS time table. He’s the one who’s COMPLETELY in control and at the end of the day, if I’m doing work for God, I know that in the end He will be glorified. And that’s really all that matters. 🙂