Sleeping Beauty?

We made it safe to Shanghai, but shortly after we checked in to the hotel, Joel checked out, literally! That is ok, we were up almost 24 hours. Nighty, night!

Time to head back to Okinawa

It was a fruitful time in the States but now it is time to head back home to the place where our hearts are at; Okinawa. It is hard to explain, we love America, we love our families, but this is the place that God has called us to serve. "Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to serve you in a foreign land. Thank you for taking care of Zach and Hannah as they are away. Thank you Lord for your continual development in the lives of Michal and Asa. And thank you for my beautiful servant wife Joanna". Amen.

The Girl's Working Hard

Since Zach left for Tokyo early, it was always his job to wash the car before we brought it back to Uncle Ted and Aunt Cyndy. So the girls washed away, and boy were they grumpy. "It's too cold" they said. Well Zach always did it in the cold! Thank's girls, you did a great job!

The Crew from Livingwater

Can you believe it! The Hallman's, the Barrera's, the Bilderback's and the Witherby's, all from California, all sent from CCLivingwater. To God be the Glory!!!!!

The Barrera's

John and Company; the family are super blessed to be able to continue to serve the Lord there in Williamsburg. John is working hard at the post office and they continue to serve at the church. Hey, look how tall Destiny is: tall like her papa.

The Bilderbacks

My Niece Kristen and her family. It was such a blessing just to hang out with their family. The kids are getting older but they are so loving. A real blessed family.

Pastor Tom Hallman "Equip Radio"

Pastor Tom was on the radio with Troy Warner at CCLynchburg. Tom was able to do a little radio program with Troy speaking on the Beatitudes. Then they taped him doing a personal spot on how he got saved and how God brought him to Virginia. It was really cool!

Teaching at CCWilliamsburg

I was super blessed to be able to share in the Word on Wednesday night at CCWilliamsburg. The church body were a blessing and it was great seeing old and now new friends. God is so good! He is doing a great work through Pastor Tom Hallman and the crew. God bless you CCW.

Zach heading back to Tokyo

Tuesday afternoon Zach is heading back home. We had a blessed time in California but it is now time to get back to work. Have a safe trip home son.

Happy Birthday Zach

We celebrated Zach's 22nd Birthday on Monday night. His Grandma cooked him a good ribeye steak. His Grandma takes good care of him. Praise the Lord!

205 Wings Later

We went out to Wingstop in Norco. This is how many wings that we ordered for the clan. We were Rockin, that is a lot of chickens. The gang was chillin and doing some heavy fellowshipping.

Paul and Natsuki are Here!

The Smith's made it safely to Corona via spending time in Oxnard. It was a blessing hanging out with them at CCLivingwater for our Sunday Night Service. Afterwards we went out to get something to eat.

Pastor Mark Walsh

Mark is such a blessing, it is great to have him leading in worship during the Communion service. He has an incredible anointing by the Lord. For those of you who do not k ow him he is the director of CCBC in New Zealand.

Evangelist: Brian McDaniels

Brian has been to Okinawa a few years ago and he was a super blessing. He is totally in love with Jesus Christ. What more can be said, he is an awesome brother in Christ.

Tatsuhiko Blessed

Scott Cunningham had a guitar class for whoever wanted to attend. There were about 100 people who were there. Afterwards Tatsuhiko went and spoke with Scott. Well as they spoke Scott Cunningham invited him to dinner. So next thing you know Tatsu is sitting with Scott, his family, and the band members eating dinner. In Tatsu' own words "God is sooo goood".

Juan Domingo in Mexico

Pastor Juan shares about the work that is going on in Mexico. He is no longer in Ensenada but is now in Quietero starting a new Church. God is doing a good work, even as we see drug trafficking at its height. The Gospel is still going forth in Mexico.

Calvary Chapel Missions Conference

We had a good day at the missions conference here in Murrieta. This is the afterglow followings the evening service. A great time of prayer and worship.

Leo and Naoko

It was a blessing to see both of them at Pastor John Greenroyd's Church. They are living in the LA area and Leon is serving well with the Marines. God bless you both, we love you so much.

My New Sword

I was reminded and challenged by Henry Blackaby to "seek a new revelation from God daily". Honestly, when I read my old Bible I found myself looking over past revelations, what God did in the past and not looking for new revelation in His Word. So I purchased a new Bible. It was super hard parting with the old one. A few years ago I spent a lot of money putting on a new leather cover, but I am realizing that again the revelation from God has to be new every morning. To God be the Glory!

Christmas Sunday Morning

The gang is holding down the fort there at CCGinowan. On Christmas morning they had a wonderful breakfast for the congregation. The pancakes look yummy! Exciting, full of blessings!

Tatsu and Rie Christmas Morning

It was fun having both of them with us Christmas morning. Before heading to Church we opened presents and ate a hearty Breakfast. Good day, blessed service.

One of the best Spots in the World

It is a blessing to surf "Old Man's Beach" in San Onofre. The waves are incredible! It was a beautiful surf day. To the Glory of God!

Time to Leave Shanghai

It was a good time hangin in Shanghai for 22 hours. It seems like we saw a lot. Thank you Keisuke for taking the time to come and show us your city. Thank you for the blessings! Now it is time to fly to California. To Go be the Glory!

Breakfast with Thanh

We ate a good Shanghai breakfast in China. The hotel offered traditional Chinese dishes. Delicious!

Christmas in Shanghai

It am absolutely shocked! This is a Communist country but they celebrate Christmas more than in Japan. They don't celebrate Jesus, but more the money making aspect. The city was decorated beautifully.

Sky Pearl Tower

What's Sight! Beautiful! You cannot see it well but between the tower are balls that look like pearls glowing.

New Shanghai!

This is absolutely beautiful! The new city across the bay reminds me of Hong Kong Harbor. Awesome!

Good shot!

Old City Banks

Most of the building in the old city Bund are banks. There is a lot of money here in Shanghai.

"The Bund"

We don't know why they call this part of the city "the bund" but that is what it is called. This is a view of the old city. Across the bay is the new city, but that is the next blog.

Traditional Shanghai Dinner

Hello everyone! Meet Than, pronounced "taan". She lives and teaches on base in Okinawa. We met in the airport and noticed each other at the Hotel. We invited her to hang out with us and travel in the city. She is a great gal! We have a new friend.

Downtown China

The streets are hoppin and the people are shoppin. It is raining but the people are still out on the streets.

Joel's paradise!

The Apple Store in Shanghai. There were so many people in line. It is true, the people in China are doing better and buying more electronics. Did you know that more appliances and cars are sold in China now than in the USA?

Da Boyz

Good reflection! Travel in Shanghai. Just chillin heading into the city.

Subway travel

Transportation in Shanghai is incredible! We traveled for 1 hour on the subway and it cost us less than one American dollar! The subway was just as clean as in Tokyo. Fun way to travel.

Keisuke in Shanghai

Well of course, he lives here! We were so blessed! Keisuke met us at the airport and showed us his city. First we went to the hotel and dropped off our luggage then we went sight seeing. We traveled Shanghai style! Taxi's, subways and local cars. The city of Shanghai is beautiful.

Arrival in Shanghai

We arrived right on time. Now through immigration and then whatever comes next. Be led by the Spirit.

Death of a Dictator

It is interesting that the Chinese Newspaper writes on the front page "A Friend's Departure". The sad thing is that the people of North Korea have suffered by the hands of a cruel dictator. The people in South Korea live in plenty with an abundance of food and a healthy lifestyle. In the North the people are frail and small in stature because of lack of nutrition just because of this Man's arrogance. Interesting; South Korea is a nation that honors God but the North has denied God. Please pray for Kim Jong Il' son, who has taken over. May his son come to know Jesus Christ.

Interesting Read

I like reading foreign newspapers because some of the articles are interesting. Because we are flying a Chinese Airline they give us a Chinese/English paper to read. You read some weird/good articles, like the one below. In a nutshell the students are rebelling because the school has been using "gutter oil". That is the school has been cooking lunches using oil that is scrapped from the gutters and back doors of restaurants. This is a popular thing to do (go figure). Some of the students have been getting sick (of course)!

Getting Ready to Board

We made it through immigration wit no problems. We are now just waiting for the first leg of the trip. Please join us in prayer for safe travels.

Joel!

Anna our head cook and discipler won't be in Okinawa for the Holidays! It is ok, Naoko will be there to hold down the fort with you. Have a blessed time in the States bro.

Tatsuhiko heading to America

Today we dropped him off at the airport as Tatsu will be joining us for a time in California. He will be visiting some churches and attending the Missions Conference in Murrieta. Pray that his English gets much better.

Keegan heading back Home

Our brother is heading back to California for the winter break. Please pray for the Keegster to have a blessed time. He also will be entertaining some guests. Guess who?

Ruiz Family Heading to Shanghai

Our first leg of the trip takes us via China. We have a 22 hour layover so we will be meeting up with Keiske and then staying the night at a small hotel. We will arrive in LA on Wednesday morning. Please keep us in your prayers.

Urgent, Urgent Prayer

Please pray for the people in the Philippines. They are being hit with a large tropical storm and many people have died, at least 200 people. Pray that they find the many who are missing. This is heavy duty, there are many brothers and sisters in the Lord over there.

The Journey Begins!

The Lord has the building! The owners accepted the offer. We begin renting the building on January 14th. The new journey begins with CCBC Tokyo. Will you join with us in deep prayer. Prayer for the new students, prayer for the instructors, prayer for the interns. And most importantly; prayer for the Japanese people.

The Blessed Couple

Japanese weddings are beautiful! During the wedding she wears the traditional Wedding Dress but then she changes for reception. Mami looks beautiful!

The Beatle's in "64"

That is what they reminded me of as they were singing. But they are Rockin for Jesus Christ. There is only one problem; the Beatles added a girl. Amanda, you rock!

Twins

This is my first picture of Tamiko and her mom; Yoshimi. Tamiko's mom is a school nurse here in Okinawa and will soon be serving in Ishigaki island. It was great to see them together.

Paul is Back!

It is a blessing to see Paul and Natsuki back together. Paul has been deployed for the last 8 months. We missed our brother, but now he is back.