ICS Final Report - Debriefing

(from Bev)

If one must 'suffer for the Lord,' Hawaii is the place to do so!  For those who think that we did nothing but play you should have listened as we wrestled with tough questions and reentry issues with Pastor Scott Custer.  We spent 12 hours answering questions like "What did you learn about God this trip?  About yourself?"  We practiced short responses to the question '"How was your trip?" and learned why we need them.  The students had a closed session on conflict resolution.  Every session was based on scripture and even this veteran of many Impact trips was challenged. But oh did we play as well!  Many students tried surfing, enjoyed walks along the beach, climbed a mountain, spent a day at the Polynesian Culture Center and more.

(From Josh)

Although our trip has come to an end, our future has just begun. Please be praying for our process in transitioning back into our homes. Please be praying for our futures. Please be praying for the decisions we will be making in the future.  And please be praying for the countries we have been to and the people we've met.

(From Liz)

After two months of constant boarding planes and entering host homes, camps, and a variety of hotels our time of travel has come to an end. Thank you to each of the supporters who donated and helped during this trip; thank you to each of the hosts that helped in each different location the team visited. The blessing that has been attached to this once in a life time trip will remain in each member of the team throughout the time of our ministry.

(From Heidi)

I believe God called me on this trip to restore my love and relationship toward Asia. China was great because I saw the need and the Christians’ eagerness to serve the Lord no matter what, it was also very precious to me because I was able to visit the country of my mother’s roots. In Thailand, I was able to experience being an English teacher and building closer relationships with the locals. In Japan, where I grew up, I was able to see the need of true hope in the people, and how the churches are struggling due to very few congregations. I was also able to meet my dear father and brother! All these experiences are just a small portion of all.  I cannot put in words how much I learned about myself, my friends, and most importantly my wonderful Savior. I will always cherish this wonderful experience and use it to expand God’s Kingdom!

Hawaii was not only an awesome time to reflect on the past two-months of internship, but a much needed time of rest, relaxation and recreation! We had the chance to go on hikes, go swimming/surfing, play various games, have extended time to spend alone with God as well as simply enjoy the beautiful creation. I’m so grateful to be refreshed in the Lord through our time of debriefing. I am also grateful to be able to have time to reflect on the past two months spent in three different countries and to learn about al God did in us and through us. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers.

(From Sarah)

Thank you all for your prayers and support.  The trip was challenging and wonderful all at the same time.  We were brought out of our comfort zone through serving in three different cultures.  We saw the Lord work through being our strength and joy when teaching English or visiting churches got tiring.  Overall the trip taught me so much about God and His deep love for His people.

(from Bev)

Thanks to all who covered us with prayer support these past 8 ½ weeks.  We’ve grown closer to our gracious God and to each other as we’ve served and investigated God’s work in Asia.  Each of us will be eager to share stories because we’ve learned so much.

(from Dr. E)

Every time I have taken a trip like this one, my first goal is to bring back the students as healthy as possible and with both changed hearts and a love for bringing the message of Jesus with others who have not yet heard.  After 27 trips, I am always amazed at God way of working through prayer in little and big things.  The undertaking to putting together a two-month internship with many details is amazing, yet God has been with us.  China was challenging - presenting a challenge to make a difference with future leaders by teaching English in various universities.  Thailand continued in this trend but the opportunities are limitless.  Japan included a stay in the Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture where no one comes to visit.  The churches are small and struggling but powerful in prayerful dependence. Finally, the debriefing in Camp Homelani in Waialua, Oahu was perfect, especially with the leadership of Scot Custer, pastor of International Church in Honolulu.  Thank you for your prayers and support.

   

More Pix from Japan

Camp Zion 

Christmas Cast at English Club

Two Thoughtful Sheep

Singing at Grace Garden

Shabu, Shabu:  A fun way to cook your own food.

Black Gospel Concert in Sendai

Leading Games at Grace Garden

Submitted by Sarah, December 9th

It was such a refreshing time to be away from huge cities and connecting with the team again.

Grace Gardens Church was passionate in worship and very welcoming.

Japan!

  Fun with Young Adult English Club at Grace Gardens

Japanese Castle

On the Bus...again

Beautiful Scenery

Good Friends

More Good Friends

Japanese Style

Japan!

Submitted by Jesse, December 8^th

Japan is an incredibly beautiful country. The countryside, the mountains, and the rivers we saw during our visit in Koriyama and Sendai were amazing to see. It was great being able to spend time with the Japanese people. The Japanese are so smart and fun to be around!

As a team we had the opportunity to visit two churches. Half of the group went to “Koriyama Bible Baptist church” and the other half went to “Grace Gardens.” It was great having the opportunity to sing a few choir songs for them as well as a few of us being able to share our testimonies.

We were greatly encouraged to see the Japanese Christians thriving at Grace Gardens. The Koriyama Bible Baptist church was much smaller but had wonderful members who were committed to Christ. We were humbled by the reality of how few believers there are in Japan. My heart goes out for assistant pastor Ken there who has a deep passion to see people in his community be transformed by the Love and Hope of Jesus. On Sunday, eight of us ICS trip members outnumbered the Japanese that came that morning for the service!

 It was great being able to be used by God to be of some encouragement to the Senior Pastor Tatz, Ken and other members of that church. I hope our presence reminded them that God is there with them and cares for them greatly. Please be in prayer for this church as well as for the community it is trying to reach out to. My team and I had the opportunity to pass out flyers around different neighborhoods in the community inviting them to a “Candlelit Christmas Service” that will take place on December 23^rd. Please pray that many will come to the service and that God uses it greatly to spread his love and forgiveness. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers for us on this trip.

Submitted by Ali, December 8^th

Japan took me by surprise. Most people conjure Japan in slim towers and bustling streets. Yet we found ourselves in what we would consider a small town cradled in mountains and frigid air. These past days have been soothing to a team exhausted with (albeit rewarding) acclimation to a variety of urban cultures.

Although we had little time to get to know the culture of Japan, we were blessed with the chance to join with a piece of our Church and encourage our Christian brothers and sisters through real, raw fellowship. Here, we experienced the reality of a church both struggling and thriving in Japan. Through worshiping God as a choir, we recalled the joy of using our skills to worship God. We shared tea and Japanese snacks with believers and those who had never met Christ. I recognized that, in a country where churches occupy every town, I take Christian fellowship for granted. It humbles me to see the way we were able to minister to a church that doesn’t have the opportunity to network with other believers. I pray that God will continue to provide Christians from all over the world who can refresh the hearts of their Japanese brothers and sisters.

Throughout our stay, one thought reoccurred to me: the Christians we met are like the mountains. These mountains were gracious, encompassing us so we felt welcomed and refreshed, rising with strength to the heavens, beautiful and firm. But winter is coming in Japan, and those mountains endure storms and the frigid world around them. The church in Japan faces many challenges, and I now understand the need for us to open our hearts to hurt for our brothers and sisters fighting to bring Jesus to a country that doesn’t yet know that it yearns for Him.

Submitted by Bekka, Dec. 8 ^th

Japan felt like home and quickly made its way into my heart. We slept on traditional Japanese mats on the floor of a quaint Christian camp facility called Camp Zion, which provided rest and encouragement to our team. We were thankful to all be back together after having been scattered across Bangkok the whole month of November.  Although we only stayed in Japan for one week, my eyes were opened to many new things!

While visiting the Koriyama Bible Baptist, which averages around 3-4 non-staff attendees per week, I was struck by Pastor Ken’s hope in the Lord’s plan and goodness. He trusts that God will bring more people from the area to his church. I found myself discouraged for him and the struggling congregation.  It reminded me that we do not operate in our timing or will, but that we are a part of God’s plan and purpose. All the Lord asks of us while we wait and journey along the path he has set before us is our obedience and trust. Most times things don’t pan out the way we dream or expect them to, but after a season of trusting and pleading, we are able to look back and see how beautifully the Lord orchestrated every little detail for His kingdom and glory. We must remember to entrust each and every trial to Him and His sovereignty no matter how daunting or discouraging the situation seems.

Japan is a country in need of hope and the message of grace. Although the church small and seems to be seeing little fruit, I believe the Christians are relying on God with all they are, and that is a beautiful and powerful testimony to believers all over the world!

Submitted by Bev

Saturday we had the privilege of sharing the Christmas story, complete with a simple narrative and costumes, for the Koryamo church’s Children’s English Club.  It was very moving to attempt to convey this most important story in simple enough words and actions to some who have never heard.

Tuesday night we traveled to another city to be part of a Black Gospel Workshop and Choir.  Ever since the movie Sister Act, Japanese people have been obsessed with this style.  It has become a very effective evangelistic tool as people are attracted to being part of this type of choir. There are 70 choirs that meet in 60 churches around the country. Can you imagine?   As they sing these lyrics again and again they are exposed to the gospel message and some become believers.  AND they pay dues for the privilege!