The Galilee

This is our final stop for the day. We made it to the Galilee where we will be staying for 3 nights. It is here where we will set up home base as we travel far North and see the upper area of Israel. For many this is their favorite place. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

Nazareth Town Village

This is the first time that I have visited this place in Nazareth. Usually we just make a quick stop and then head out. But here we are in this beautiful place that models what it was like when Jesus grew up here, really cool! This here is an olive press.

Love It!

Pastor Tom and Jeanne looking so natural and in love. It is great having them with us here on the tour. For those of you who do not know Tom he Pastor's CCWilliamsburg in Virginia. He has two wonderful grown boys; Matthew and Patrick.

Valley of Megiddo

The last battle will take place here overlooking the Valley of Megiddo. We are living in the last days. Jesus is right at the door. "Come quickly Lord Jesus"!

Pastor Quint Teaches

At Megiddo Pastor Quint is teaching us a devotion about Solomon's wisdom. Megiddo is the place where Solomon build one of his strong fortresses. It is also the place where the last battle will take place: The Battle of Armageddon.

Pastor John Bonner

John Pastor's in Peru and is the director of CCBC Peru. He is sharing in Spanish for the group that is from Peru. The group is a real blessing.

Juicing it!

This is for Pastor Travis, Rick and Bud. You guys will be able to juice it up. They are everywhere, the Israeli' love their carrot juice. Go for it bro's.

Leaving Tel Aviv

Joanna had such good time in TelAviv. I was so blessed to show her the city. We were able to relax before we kick off the tour. Now we are off to the Galilee area. But first we will travel to the Megiddo Valley, then to Nazareth, Cana and finally arrive at the Sea of Galilee.

Takako!!! Great to see her!

Takako is doing so well. She looks great! Joanna and I were so blessed to be with her and hang out. She was able to meet The Hallman's and the Bett's. Please pray for our sister. She is heading out to Swit***land for three months. She will be there for a time for the Glory of God.

TelAviv Recycle Shops (Thriift Stores)

We hit the gold mine! In TelAviv their is the "Joppa Flea Market" (antique market) Joanna scored on these cool plates! One of a kind. (I will show you later) I was haggling with this one old man vender for another type of coffee maker (thinking of you Cotton). But ultimately the price was too high. I liked it because it was so old. Streets and streets filled with antiques, cool stuff! We only had a few hours. We needed a few days.

"The City of Joppa"

The city is now modern day Jaffa. But this is the city were Jonah ran from the Lord to Tarshish. He never made it. Also, this is the place where Simon Peter met the servants from Caesarea who he will follow and the Holy Spirit will be poured out on the Gentiles. This is Simon the Tanner's house.

Dreamin of Surf

Was I dreaming or were people surfing in the Mediterranean sea? Yes they were surfing! Boy did I want to join them. It was good.

TelAviv vegetable Market

Oh the fruit!!!! We were in fruit, vegetable and bread heaven. We bought and ate some good stuff! This is where the locals buy much of their groceries. It was more expensive than in Jerusalem. But we were blessed! So much cheaper than in Japan.

A Special Gift

While we were training on the beach of Tel Aviv, Joanna found a 5 shekel coin. We went shopping and she wanted a notebook. It cost 5 shekels. God blessed Joanna with a free notebook. 5 shekels is about $1.60.

Corner of Gordon "Gordon Inn"

We made it safe to Israel. Pastor John Bonner picked us up at the airport. We are super blessed. It is almost 1am and it is time to go to bed. Only problem, it is time to wake up in Okinawa.

Packed Airport Bus

It is time to head back to HK Airport to catch our flight to Tel Aviv. It was a good short stay in Downtown HK, but time to keep moving. It is raining and cold, but it is better than sweating like we usually do when we visit. I am surprised by the cooler weather.

Look Who is Stepping Out!

picture by Tom CottonJoel is rockin the bass again! He has not used his God skills for some time now. Right on! Go for it Joel, give them Jesus! This morning Rob Wunderlich will be sharing in the message. To God be the Glory at CCGinowan.

Chicken Rice Pots

These are delicious and absolutely reasonably priced. The chicken pots cost 20 HKD, so that is about 3 dollars US. The veggies were the same; garlic spinach steamed to perfection. The chicken rice pots are made to order. Oh yeah, I forgot, I ordered the Pork rice pot, delicious! We ate outside with the rest of the locals, my wife is adventurous.

The Streets are Packed

We took a walk from Prince Edwards to Waterloo Ave. The streets were packed out! It was a lot of fun but Joanna kind of got tired of it. So we went had had something for dinner. I got just he place, the outdoor market! Let's see if we can find some chicken rice pots and veggies.

Cooler Weather

As you can see the weather is cooler here in HK. It is about 18C in Okinawa. The sky is gloomy though, no sunshine. Just traveling, just traveling.

Made it to Hong Kong

The best way to ride into town; on the bus. Free wifi into Kowloon. If is over double the price to take the MTR (subway) and since we are not in a hurry we get to see the sights. We are heading to Prince Edwards street.

The Adventure Begins!

It has been about 15 years since the last time I took Joanna to Israel. Michal was not even born. We will fly to Hong Kong and then from Hong Kong we will fly to Tel Aviv, Israel.

The New Sign is a Go!

The project is ready for print. This Wednesday they should be installing the new Koinonia Sign. As s

Matt Anderson from New Jersy

At Lectures in Ministry Matt blessed us from all the way in New Jersey by teaching our class. He is here visiting Pastor Rick and the crew. Matt did a great job! Thank you bro!

Happy Birthday Samantha and Natsuki

We again were able to celebrated some birthday's CCGinowan style. Joel backed a yummy cake and we were all blessed. Happy birthday girls!

Great Honor

I was able to visit Pastor Kuniyoshisan who is Yoshua's grandfather at his house. The honor was not only visiting him but at his house. Kuniyoshisan' house belonged to the Quizenberry'. Who are they you might ask? Well the Quizenberry' were the original missionaries who started OCSI. He built this house and later turned the ministry over to Kuniyoshisan who later turned the ministry over to his son. Wow! What an honor! The house is absolutely beautiful inside. I was honored to be there. Thank you Jesus for faithful men who have gone before us.

Chara translates for First Time

It is a blessing seeing the gals stepping out in faith. Chara is translating for Andrew tonight. This is her first time here at CCGinowan. To God be the Glory!

Coffee Siphon Machine

Tom Cotton came back with a new contraption. It is an old/new way to make coffee. The water boils, pushes up the water, when it cools down the coffee drips back. Ingenious!

Brother Keegan

His faithful service in Tohoku is over. The Tohoku crusade was such a blessing. What does God have in store for Keegan next? We don't know, but we know that God is good and He is going to lead and guide him. The Lord has great things in store for our brother.

Beautiful Picture!

Djuiji and Takako! Djuiju was one of our first semester students here in Okinawa. She is now dating a great guy; Brian Harrington (son of Mike Harrington the former director of CCBC Jerusalem). It is good to see Takako, she has a beaming smile for Jesus! We will continue to pray for both of you. Praise the Lord!

It says it all, but I will add more

The view from the Aquarium here in Okinawa. Look at Iejima out in the distant. You can see the top hat of the island from here. In just a few more weeks this place is going to be packed out! Filled with tourists from Mainland Japan. The students went on a good day, good call Joel!

Trip to Nago

Monday Joel took some of the students up to Nago. Some stayed back because they needed to do more homework. A good group of students willing to study hard. The day was beautiful in Okinawa. Clear skies and clear weather. You can see Jesus in these young people.

The Finished Job!

We complete 4 three layer bunk beds. The first one took 6 hours (planning, inventing) the last one took 1.5 hours. Praise God!

Finished the Coffee Bar

To God be the glory! We finished making and staining the coffee counter. We also built some shelves in the back ground. Tomorrow we will stain them and them we begin making the bunk beds. Thank you for your prayers.

Narita Arrival

I just arrived this morning at Narita Airport. I will be with Zach at the Bible College building a coffee bar and bunk beds. To God be the glory! It is COLD!!

Saying Goodbye to a Great Brother

Thank you Sam for blessing us these past 6 months. Time just flew by! We were blessed to have you serving along side us these past months. May the Lord, lead, guide ad direct your paths bro. Please give our love to your family and your home church. God bless you bro!

Totally Blessed!

Aya's church (Maranatha Grace Fellowship) totally blessed the students by sending all these goodies. We were overwhelmed with their kindness. Just absolutely speechless! Thank you Nagano body, we are super blessed!

Men and Women's Discipleship

This semester the men and women meet together as Tom Cotton teaches them while Tamiko Murakami translates. After the teaching they break up into discussion groups. The guys stay upstairs while the girls go down stairs. Good stuff!

Pastor Toru

At our "Lectures in Ministry" class Pastor Toru gave a good lecture on Leadership. First he gave us his testimony and then his message. He gave us good insight on Japanese leadership style, the good and the bad. We need to be humble servants of the Lord!

Semester Gang Spring 2012

The Pastor's from Korea are heading back home. It is time for them to get back to work. Thank you Pastor Mike and Cobb for blessing us with your visit. Next time you have to stay longer, there is so much to see and do. God bless you brothers.

Hurray! We are at the Newell's

Pastor Tim and Ayu have been in Nago City for a few years now and it is a blessing to see them faithfully serving the Lord up North. Can you believe it, Masaki is letting me hold him!

A Visit to the Diaz's

It was such a blessing to see Eder and Amanda. It has been a few years since Pastor Mike has seen the Diaz' so it was a good gathering. Both Eder and Amanda are looking so good. God continues to meet their needs. Please keep them in your prayers.

World Famous Pineapple Park

As it has been said "You have not been to Okinawa until you have been to Pineapple Park". So Pastor Mike and Cobb have arrived! We visited the "World Famous Pineapple Park" and we had a blast! Like always we had a good time!

Pastor Mike and Pastor Cobb here from Korea

The Pastor's from CCDaejeon are here with us in Okinawa. They have come to check out the Bible College since they will be starting CCBCKorea in Daejeon City. It is such a blessing to have Mike and Cobb with us.

Yoshua Translates for First Time

We were blown away at the gifting that God has given Yoshua to be able to understand Pastor Andrew's message and to give it in Japanese. The whole Congregation was totally blessed. It was an exciting night for the Church.

Tatsuhiko Heading back to Tokyo

We are going to miss our super brother. Tatsu has been such a blessing to all of us here in Okinawa. Thank you Pastor Santo for allowing our brother to come and serve here at CCGinowan. He was an excellent witness and a great brother in the Lord. We pray a great blessing upon him and know that God has anointed him with His Holy Spirit. We love you Tatsu and we are going to miss you.

Hopefully Good Signs Ahead

We have not seen the ye rate hit 80 in how long? This is great news! I hope it continues to climb higher, that would e a total blessing to us. Well, to the Glory of God only.

Takako in the Land of Promise

It is a blessing to see Takako in Isra*l. Here is a picture of her and the gal that she will be helping and living with while in the Holy Land. Please continue to pray for our dear sister as she continues to serve the Lord. We miss her, but are super blessed for her. "God, continue to bless our dear sister Takako".

Happy Birthday Yuko

We celebrated Yuko's birthday w2 style. Happy Birthday girl, may the Lord continue to bless you as you serve Him every day.