Mini Updates from Okinawa

Prayer Request

2012-02-02T20:24:00.001+09:00

We started our series on the importance of the home is our theme for the church. A seventeen year high school girl was told by her mother that she can’t come back to church. The reason was she was coming to church too much and that we, Gushikawa Baptist Church, gave her a framed Home Rules in Japanese with our own verse support.

Pray for Izumi’s mother and step father. She said that she will turn eighteen in one year and get a job and come back to church.

Thanks

Your servants in Japan.

The Starin Family

12-25-11 Service Update

2012-01-06T06:20:00.001+09:00

Our Christmas service was a blessing. We had 38 in attendance with 10 visitors. Pray for our upcoming year as well.

Matt for the family

Here are some milestones in the yen's 140-year history:

2011-10-29T08:59:00.001+09:00

1871 - The yen becomes Japan's currency as part of the Meiji Restoration, which marked the start of Japan's modernisation and opening to the rest of the world. Japan adopts the gold standard.

1949 - After World War Two the dollar's fixed rate is set at 360 yen via the Bretton Woods system, partly to help stabilise prices in the Japanese economy.

1959 - The dollar/yen exchange rate is liberalised. The margin of fluctuation is set at 0.5 percent on either side of its dollar parity.

1963 - The margin of fluctuation is widened to 0.75 percent.

1971 - The United States abandons the gold standard. The end of the Bretton Woods system of fixed exchange rates forces a realignment of world currencies.

Dec. 1971 - The Smithsonian Agreement sets the dollar/yen exchange rate at 308 yen, and allows it to fluctuate in a wider band between 301.07 yen and 314.93 yen.

1973 - Japanese monetary authorities decide to let the yen float freely against the greenback, and it appreciates as far as 263 to the dollar.

10-16-11

2011-10-16T19:22:00.001+09:00

Good group out for services this morning. Takashi and my family did some outside power washing in preparation to our annual cleaning next month.

10-9-11 mini update

2011-10-11T11:22:00.001+09:00

Church went well yesterday. Had a good group of folks out.
Takashi will start his Bible training in November 2011 for three years. Then he will do a two year internship at our church and hopefully take the work soon after that.
Hand bell practice sounded good . . . we have ten in the group this year.
Stephanie passed her clinical last Wednesday which was a blessing.

Stephanie and Jake at PCC Fine Arts 2011

9-30-11 Mini update from Okinawa

2011-09-30T16:15:00.001+09:00

Its been a while since we have posted. God still i sending people to GBC. Our attendance have been consistent this year. We have been busy with various projects at the church. Takashi has begun a three year Bible course that he will study while in college and be overseen by a national pastor on Okinawa. God has been good to our church. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Tohoku region sees net outflow of 30,000 residents

2011-07-09T07:58:00.001+09:00

Three disaster-stricken prefectures in northeastern Japan have seen a net outflow of more than 30,000 residents between March and May after the region was struck by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.
The internal affairs ministry conducted a demographic survey for the March-to-May period based on the resident register.
The results show that a total of 32,367 people moved into Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, while 64,119 residents moved out.
This represents a net outflow of 31,752 people.
The ministry says this is the first time in 39 years that the combined net outflow of residents in these 3 prefectures has topped 30,000 for the 3-month period.

Update from Steve Canter

2011-07-06T16:53:00.001+09:00

Tuesday July 5, 2011

Asahi Newspaper 13 edition

15,529 Confirmed Deaths

7,098 Missing/condition unknown

22,627 Totals

Still in refugee centers not given

Below is the text of the PDF with out the pictures.

We have made another food delivery and are planning to go do volunteer work next week. Our special services went well with one new visitor. We have just printed another 10,000 flyers; they are generic in nature—not for a special service.

This relief trip was a special trip, because we had special bags for the children in the temporary housing. A long time family friend had been sending a copy of our updates to one of her friends. Her friend has a 6 year old daughter who gave all of her savings to us to help with the Japanese relief efforts. We made 6 packages for the children with her gift. The children were very happy.

Pray for the three families at the small hinanjo between Kesennuma and Rikuzentakada.

Pray for the Chiba’s too, they are the new family that we met on the last trip with only the second floor of their house remaining.

Across the road from them are the Nakamura’s. I met the Nakamura’s while looking for Niizuma, the “boot-man” back in April. We talked with both the Chiba’s and Nakamuras for at least 30 minuets each.

A new problem has been found while trying to relocate the cities to higher—safer elevations; the GPS benchmark survey points have moved. The report cited that over 100,000 benchmark sites had moved either in elevation or latterly. Some were as little as a few inches, others were as much as 15 feet. The benchmarks need to be relocated before property surveys can be completed; all necessary for land sales and rebuilding. The relocation of all the benchmarks is expected to take ate least 6 months

The aftershocks have now spread over the entire archipelago including Okinawa. Some are sufficient to cause damage. Tonight there was a strong one east of the Kobe area (5 on the Japanese scale).

Pray for our safety as me make more deliveries next week. Pray for our safety while helping with the clean up.

Steve and Kimiyo

6-29-11 mini report

2011-06-29T07:57:00.001+09:00

Matt is back from Pensacola and had a great trip. Stephanie did get her license and Jake will try again soon. We were able to purchase a 2005 Toyota Camry for the kids to use while in college. We will use this car in 2013 Lord willing for our furlough which will be nine months.

Matt is visiting with Takashi every Weds morning and trying to cover our city with Gospel tracts. Pray that God will reach into some hearts and folks will be saved.

Update from Steve Canter Bimi

2011-05-31T17:46:00.001+09:00

Monday May 30, 2011

Asahi Newspaper 13 edition

15,269 Confirmed Deaths

8,526 Missing/condition unknown

23,795 Totals

102,501 Still in refugee centers

The total death toll has been dropping as they find people in the confirmed death list are also listed in the missing list.

We have made more food deliveries and have found that the people want to sit and talk. We are planning to make a 2 day food run, rather than a one day trip next week. Making the trip in two days will allow time to sit and talk with the people. Pray for the building of relationships and for opportunities to share the Gospel.

NHK news reported the clean up of the farming fields and land area in the tsunami areas will take at least three years. They also reported that there are still 19,000 tsunami damaged cars in the Kesennuma area alone, mostly in the fields. They are still asking for volunteers to help with the clean up.

TEPCO the company that operates the reactors in Fukishima admitted last week that all three reactors have suffered melt-throughs, not just melt-downs—within 13 hours of the tsunami. The technical terms: melt-down simply means that the fuel rods have melted, significantly reducing cooling ability—the melted slag is still contained in the pressure vessel. Melt-through occurs after the fuel-rods have melted down and the heat generated from the slag will melt “through” the bottom of the pressure vessel. However, they insist that the slag has not melted through the containment chamber; there are experts who are questioning that assumption. Both the pressure vessel and the containment vessel are made of 6-8 inch stainless steel; the pressure vessel is located inside the containment vessel. If things go according to plan they will have the three reactors in a safe-shutdown condition in 8-9 months. Currently, TEPCO and the government report that the radiation emitting from the reactors is not a cause of concern.

Though the aftershocks had calmed down significantly, they are occurring again. This time they are over a large area directly under the islands land mass. There is concern for another 8 magnitude event happening further south than the initial 9 magnitude event. The government ordered that another nuclear plant be shutdown over fears that a tsunami could cause another Fukushima there. That will create significant power shortages this summer during the hottest months of July and August.

100 Lessons of Japanese for free

2011-04-29T08:30:00.002+09:00

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/lesson/english/textbook_english.pdf

Items being sent up to Ibaraki

2011-04-06T15:47:00.001+09:00

Sent up a box of hygiene packs to one of our staging areas up in mainland. Each zip lock bag contains toothpaste, tooth brushes, combs, dental floss, two bars of soap. The Japanese post office is allowing shipments ant where in Japan up to 30Kg for 1,700 yen about $21.00.

78 bodies found in Japan-US search

2011-04-05T05:23:00.001+09:00

A 3-day operation by Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the US military to search for the missing after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami has found 78 bodies.
The operation that ended on Sunday involved about 25,000 troops, more than 60 vessels and 120 aircraft. It covered Pacific coastal areas of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures. The Japan Coast Guard and police also took part in the operation.
Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, lists more than 2,700 people as missing. In Kamaya district of Ishinomaki City, about 50 Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force troops searched in waist-high water.
Three weeks after the disaster, more than 15,000 people are still missing.

Monday, April 04, 2011 01:01 +0900 (JST)

Monday Evening April 3 (Steve Canter email)

2011-04-05T04:32:00.001+09:00

Asahi Newspaper morning 13 edition

12,087 Confirmed Deaths

18,119 Missing/condition unknown

30,206 Totals

There is a shortage of nori. Nori is dried processed seaweed in paper like form. The shortage is predominantly for two reasons. Seaweed has a high content of iodine. Coupled with that knowledge and radiation fears; nori has had brisk sales. According to some research it takes months of daily consumption to offer a small amount of protections. Other researchers say no; using nori in place of iodine pills is inconclusive. Secondly, a large area of coastline has been destroyed along with nori farms aggravating the shortage.

April 1 is the start of the Japanese fiscal year. Typically that is the time companies transfer workers. This year there will be additional transfers as companies scramble to make up for lost business and to cope with the disaster.

Schools and colleges have their share of the problems. Many teachers are missing or killed in the tsunami, creating a vacuum. Many schools and colleges will start late if at all. The University of Tsukuba is one that is struggling with the damage. Most of their classrooms are unusable.

Packed the van with food, water, rice, tools, and fuel 600kilograms or so, Most of the weight is in the front/middle so it is balanced well, just heavy. I will not have internet access till I'm home Saturday. I will send an update then.

NHK World update 4/4/11

2011-04-04T07:52:00.001+09:00

4-3-11 mini report from Okinawa Japan

2011-04-03T15:07:00.002+09:00

Takashi taught high school boys class – three boys

Mrs. Itsuko Shimabukuro started an adult ladies class that had eight for Sunday school.
Mr. Miyagi was in for the services from Ishigaki island taking an exam on the New Testament which was a part of BMM’s college. Brother Oshiro monitored his test after the worship service. He was going to fly back home this afternoon.
Sunday school classes went to lunch and Forrest Adventure with their teachers after church.
Took an offering for Tsunami Earthquake and the people gave 53,500 yen. We will be sending it using postal savings to our missions relief fund.
Family packed some things that Matt will send up to Miyagi prefecture.

Had a great service this morning. had twenty-four adults. Preached on Let’s get everyone Involved from Eph. 4:1-6

Saturday Evening April 2 update from Steve Canter–BIMI

2011-04-03T05:47:00.001+09:00

Asahi Newspaper 13 edition

11,734 Confirmed Deaths
18,152 Missing/condition unknown
29,886 Totals

Researchers at Tohoku University's Research Center for the Prediction of Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions found that the tsunami was cause by an upheaval of the ocean bed near the epicenter. The upheaval ranged in height of 5 to 8 meters for an approximate distance of 450 kilometers roughly parallel to the coast.

NHK TV had a news spot of a large 2-3 meter tall stone idol being found in the tsunami debris near the harbor of Kesennuma. The town’s people were carefully digging it out of the gravel and mud then standing it up. They than placed their palms together in prayer and joined each other to pray to a god that could not save the town, let alone itself from the tsunami.

Workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant found the source of the radiation leaking into the sea. It is coming from a crack in the wall of a concrete pit. They were making preparations to seal it with special concrete.

01-30-11 Worship Report

2011-01-31T07:41:00.003+09:00

Sunday started with a message from Hebrews 12:15-16 On How to defeat Bitterness.
Then the girls sang a special.
We then had the Lords supper, ate soba together, then we had our annual meeting for the year.
We voted to make a minor adjustment to our constitution.
Our theme verse for the year comes from 1st John 2:28 to Abide in Christ.

10/31/10 Worship report

2010-10-31T16:09:00.001+09:00

Had a good spirit in the service.
Preached out of Matthew Chapter 5 on What is true Happiness?
Had two visitors in the church services.
Church partook in the Lords Supper after the morning service.
Please pray for Mr. Shimabukuro to get baptized.
Thankful for our church members being sensitive to other church member needs.
Thankful for a sincere testimony that touched hearts after the service as well.
Praise the Lord for allowing us to serve Him here on Okinawa.

Worship Report - 10/24/10

2010-10-24T15:58:00.000+09:00

We had a good group of folks out for the services. Matt preached out of Matthew chapter 4 on How to overcome temptation. Hard message, some opposition, eyes seemed not to be working great . . . maybe glasses soon.
At the conclusion of the service we celebrated some birthdays and fellowshipped for a while. No first time visitors but some previous folks who have visited the church who are seeking Christ.

October Birthdays

2010-10-24T15:31:00.001+09:00

10月うまれの方々は、スタリン・レベッカ（２０日）、ハンナ（２４日）、雛世志子姉（２８日）です。祝福を祈りましょう。

Finished Sign

2010-10-24T15:25:00.001+09:00

The rain let up and the folks at Sign box came out and put up the new letters and the cross. Still have some touch up paint to do but overall pretty happy.

Happy Birthday Girls

2010-10-23T07:41:00.001+09:00

Daddy's Girls eating their favorite foods Pizza and Ice-cream

New sign post #1

2010-10-20T08:47:00.001+09:00

Yesterday sign box, a Japanese sign company, came to the church and removed the old letters from our building and will be painting the church sign area and then installing new Gushikawa Baptist Church (具志川バプテスト教会). Then there will be a red cross put above the lettering as well.

We are in the process of making flags with our church name to be posted in front of the church and markers at the corners of all avenues of approach to the church. Will post pictures when complete.

10-17-10 Worship Report

2010-10-17T14:43:00.002+09:00

The message was, 逃げずに、神に向かって行きなさい from the book of Genesis 16. We had nineteen adults in our worship service. Hannah was home taking care of Rebekah who has a fever and strep throat. Pray that she can get better before school on Monday.

Mrs.. Nishino made our flower arrangement for our worship services.

Co Labors in Christ

2010-10-15T04:20:00.001+09:00

On Tuesday a friend, Chad Brandenburg, helped at Gushikawa Baptist Church with various maintenance projects. We were able to paint various walls under our church which look allot better. I enjoyed the fellowship and praise the Lord for his genuine willingness to labor for Christ.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Co 10:31

Rain rain go away

2010-10-09T07:27:00.000+09:00

Well we were supposed to put a second layer of paint on a wall at the church. Last night Mr. Shimabukuro, a man in my church who painted the wall, called and suggested we postpone for the day. 95% of heavy rain all day.

Stephanie in her nursing Uniform

2010-10-08T09:30:00.001+09:00

So proud of our future nurse. May God give her strength as she works so hard at school.

Mom is home from the hospital

2010-10-08T06:33:00.001+09:00

My mother just came home from the hospital. from heart surgery Thank you to all those who have prayed, wrote, and asked about the last couple days.

Pray for Matts Mothers Surgery

2010-10-05T08:23:00.002+09:00

On October 5th my mother will be having heart surgery. Please pray for her recovery and that God would get a hold of her heart and Trust Christ as her Saviour.

09-26-10 Sunday

2010-09-26T14:33:00.001+09:00

We had a good service this morning. We had twenty adults in the church service this morning. Matt preached on the The East Gate from Nehemiah 3:29.

Soon we Will be have Pastor Wakimasu preach a two day meeting on Nov 19-20.

Respect for the Aged Day – Sept 20, 2010

2010-09-19T20:17:00.000+09:00

(敬老の日 Keirō no hi is a Japanese holiday celebrated annually to honor elderly citizens.A national holiday since 1966. We at Gushikawa Baptist Church celebrate this day with our seniors by having lunch together and honoring them in our services with a small gift as well.

08-15-10 Update

2010-08-16T07:47:00.001+09:00

God continues to give us strength as we serve here in Okinawa. Yesterday I had a stomach virus with fever but the Lord allowed me to preach His Word. Also, Brother Oshiro while working on a project in his home fellow off a ladder and bruised his wrist and twisted his ankle in the process. I visited him for about and hour yesterday afternoon. The kids are a week from starting a new year at MBA. Please be in prayer for my mother as she has a blockage in one of her main arteries in her neck and may need surgery.

04-11-10

2010-04-11T13:23:00.001+09:00

God blessed our service with twenty adults in our services this week.
The message was from Hebrews 13 verse 5, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Packing and closing up last minute details before I leave for the Spring meeting.

Gushikawa Junior Orchestra Concert 2010

2010-03-29T07:44:00.001+09:00

View Full Album

2009-12-15T09:21:00.000+09:00

Gushikawa Baptist Church new entrance of the church sign.

2009-12-06T12:48:00.000+09:00

Mrs. Rieako Shimabukuro teacing an elementery sunday school class on 12-06-09

Back in the pulpit again　2009年１０月１１日

2009-10-11T06:18:00.001+09:00

On October 11th Matt will preach at the church. This will be the first time since the surgery. The knee is doing OK. I was up on it allot on Saturday and their was some bruising. The message will be Our help, The Holy Sprit. （私たちのたすけ主ー聖霊様）

Pray for Stephanie

2009-10-08T06:37:00.001+09:00

Just got an email from Stephanie that she is not feeling well. Appreciate your prayers for her.

Upcoming Surgery

2009-10-02T06:29:00.001+09:00

Matt will have knee surgery on Monday at Urasoe General Hospital here in Okinawa. Please pray that things will go well.

West Coast Baptist College Team

2009-09-30T17:27:00.001+09:00

What a blessing the ladies trio were as they sang from their hearts and our people absolutely loved them. Brother Jon Guy preached an excellent message and accompanied them as well on the piano.

Pastor Seito Preaching at GBC

2009-09-30T17:20:00.001+09:00

I would like to tank Pastor Seito for filling the pulpit at GBC while Matt was in the United States for a month. The people were challenged by the Word of God.

School picture Day 2009

2009-09-26T09:28:00.001+09:00

Jake Rebekah and Hannah

Safe arrival in Birmingham, AL

2009-08-31T06:11:00.001+09:00

We arrived yesterday after a ninety-five mile drive to the south. We are staying at the very comfortable mission’s home of Mountain View Baptist Church of Birmingham, AL.

Matt taught Sunday school, and at the conclusion of the service he shared a brief testimony. Pastor Rouse preached a great message this morning in the A. M. service. It was wonderful to be encouraged by some Christ honoring music as well. Stephanie met a few young ladies who graduated from Pensacola's Nursing program or they are still in it right now. We will be leaving in the morning for PCC. The drive is a 4 1/2 hour drive.

Back on the Road

2009-08-29T20:42:00.001+09:00

We leave this morning for Southern AL. It has been a good rest and time of fellowship with other Christians. Pray as we arrive at PCC on Monday.

Driving in the Southeast

2009-08-28T19:33:00.001+09:00

We have been to Charleston, SC for a meeting since our last post. After two days there we drove towards Decatur AL with a stop at a hotel in Conyers, GA. We arrived here in Alabama on Tuesday afternoon and are staying at a comfortable Missions Home. We reported to Fairview Baptist Church on Wednesday night and met with our Mission home office and had lunch with them as well. We sure appreciate all their hard work.

We will leave Saturday morning on our way to our next Sunday morning meeting in Birmingham, AL. Monday we will depart for Pensacola, FL.

Thursday night arrival in Kings Mountain NC

2009-08-21T19:35:00.001+09:00

The chapel and service went well in Farmington, NM. We woke up Thursday morning at 3:30 AM. At 4:45 Mr. Austin, our host family, took us to the Municipal Airport. Great Lakes Aviation took us on a nineteen seat dual propeller to Denver CO, then to Baltimore, then onto our final destination to CLT.

On arrival we picked up our rental car and drove to Shelby, NC to meet our home church Pastor Dr. Surrett and Jim Ogle, our youth pastor, and their wives for dinner. We are staying at WWNTBM prophet chamber in Kings Mountain through late Saturday morning.

Its Friday morning and have a busy day ahead of us . . . .

A quick note from Denver Colorado

2009-08-21T19:25:00.001+09:00

We got here on time and are now waiting for our crop duster plane to leave. Stephanie and I had just had lunch. It is become a long day because of the 4:30 AM wakeup call. The next leg of our flight is 1:20 minutes long. On Wednesday night we will be reporting at GBC of Farmington, NM. Will write more later

Too much food . . . . . . . . . .

2009-08-18T21:58:00.001+09:00

Monday took us to the Warf sightseeing. We had the Sugimoto children and Jeff and Jason Hanaoka as our tour guides. We got there around lunch so we ate the famous sour dough clam chowder bowels.

Then later in the afternoon we visited Ghirardelli Chocolate square and Jeff insisted we eat ice cream. Then we ended up going for dinner at Jon & Kris Sugimoto’s home and had Japanese dinner with a “light desert”. So we definitely returned home “fed up”. It will be a very light eating day Tuesday as we travel to our next meeting. Have a great day.

Monday a day at the Fisherman's Wharf of SF

2009-08-18T01:38:00.001+09:00

The fog rolled into the city in the morning. Matt woke up early and did some things around the mission apartment. Stephanie was tired so I let her sleep in to 9:30 AM. At 11:00 we are supposed to go sightseeing with Jeff & Jason Ohana who are members of CBC. They were in Okinawa a month ago when they visited Japan for a month. We are going to the Fisherman's Wharf see picture below

Tonight we are having dinner at their sisters home and will be packing for our departure to New Mexico. Keep us in prayer as we travel . . . thanks

CBC – SF Saturday / Sunday

2009-08-16T22:31:00.001+09:00

Good morning . . .early walk for Dad in the city. . . little Quaker Oatmeal, OJ and vitamins, and some Java than it was laundry, I let Stephanie sleep to 10AM.

It was Stephanie's plan to take her graduation money and buy a Mac book Pro in which we finally did. It came with some promotion things that she did not feel she needed so we went back to the mall and returned a few things. I praise the Lord for a daughter who is as wise as her mother when it comes to financial matters.While there I have been having allot of problems with my lower left leg, and while at the mall Matt had someone look at his leg. After about thirty minutes of therapy it really feels better. Stephanie patiently waited, then she bought two pair of glasses with her own money (2 for $25.00 not a bad deal). Last night we had dinner for two in the apartment (Ravioli, Italian Bread and then went out to pick up a few things . . . we decided to try a California specialty Stonecold ice cream. It was good but really sweet . . . .

Its Sunday morning and I must report during the Sunday morning service, show our presentation, the Stephanie and I will have lunch with the pastor and his family in their home, and then will preach in the evening service. This prophets chamber is such a blessing and are grateful to Pastor Mike Allen and the dear folks of Calvary Baptist Church San Francisco California.

The Usa Mall experience . . . good friends

2009-08-16T00:33:00.001+09:00

Friday , August 14, started with a day of reading. Met a few members of CBC and had a chance to get reacquainted with some that we knew seven years ago. Jon Sugimoto checked our PowerPoint presentation and helped me publish the files, then we burned five copies of the presentation.

In the afternoon I went to a few store and did some needed shopping. Late afternoon I had the chance to go with the pastor and finish a work project. Wow . . . . USA stores are so big, and have so many things, to choose from it is almost overwhelming.

Stephanie came home at 10 PM last night and it was good to talk with Sydney and saw the girls again. Stephanie was pretty tired after be with her best friend for a few days . . . it is wonderful to have good Christian friends. We eagerly await the opportunity to share with the church in what God is doing on Okinawa.

Thursday

2009-08-14T09:50:00.000+09:00

I woke up at 2:00 am because of the time difference. Worked a while then went to the gym from 2-4 AM and then showered, packed, ate breakfast. At 8 AM took a power nap to 11:00 AM. Checked out of the hotel and went to the prophets chamber at CBC. Did laundry, went and helped the pastor and his staff work for a few hours.

It was good to sleep through the whole night. I look forward in Stephanie coming back tomorrow afternoon.

Safe arrival in the USA

2009-08-11T22:00:00.000+09:00

Stephanie and I wanted to thank all that prayed for trip. We arrived Tuesday evening at 7:50 PM. It was a good trip with Step sleeping almost all the way. We are currently at Calvary Baptist Church of San Francisco CA. Mike Allen is the pastor and we sure appreciate their graciousness to our family over the years.

The Reyes family met us at the airport with a welcome sign banner and some goodies. Stephanie is spending a few days with them before they go their separate ways to college. They have to head back to 29 Palms Saturday. Jet lag is still lingering around my head, it’s like a cloud that will not go away. I hope to get over that before I present our work in Sunday School and preach the Sunday evening service. Will write soon . . . . .

Congratulations Class of 2009

2009-05-30T16:52:00.000+09:00

Jojo Higa, Evan Drain,

Stephanie Starin & Kirk Noble

05-03-09

2009-05-04T09:44:00.005+09:00

Takashi led Sunday Schhol for the elementry children for the first time. Jake taught the weekly Bible memorization verse.

Rebekah's New Friend

2009-04-12T15:37:00.003+09:00

This is a picture of Rebekah's new friend Yuuri from Sunday school. She is also ten years old who is very cheerful, comes faithful, and always memorizes her weekly Bible Verse.

Stephanie & Jake Junior Orchastra Concert

2009-04-07T20:17:00.000+09:00

The Brockways Visit from South Korea

2009-03-17T04:54:00.004+09:00

What a blessing it was to see The Brockway family, who are missionary's to South Korea, Mark & Song came to be ordained and sent out from Maranatha Baptist Church here on Okinawa Japan. What a blessing it was to have Mark give Matt a helping hand on Tuesday move all our heavy items to the house we just moved into here on Okinawa. We enjoyed the time of fellowship. Please pray that God would bless Emmanuel Baptist Church in South Korea.

Special Meetings March 6th ~8th with Tajima Sensei

2009-03-17T04:52:00.004+09:00

Pastor Tajima was a blessing to our church family with great messages from the word of God. Our folks made some great decisions and the fellowship was sweet.

We had the chance to sit down and learn much about churches here in Japan and what we need to do in the future for Gushikawa Baptist Church.

New Sign at Church

2009-02-28T11:32:00.002+09:00

New Chairs at the Church

2009-02-21T11:00:00.000+09:00

Mrs. Higa gave a moneatry gift for the purchase of thirty-five previously owned chairs at a dicounted price. The gift was given in memory of Aoi Shimabukuro.

Another opportunity to witness

2009-02-10T11:30:00.000+09:00

On February 10th four classmates of the young lady who passed away in December came to the church. We sang a hymn, Amazing Grace, then we shared the Gospel with them. Sachiyo shared her testimony. We had coffee, a small desert, and invited them to our upcoming special meeting in March. Needless to say it was a great opportunity to minister to them. Please pray for their salvation.

Mr. Shimabukuro's Salvation - Aoi's father

2009-01-08T17:00:00.004+09:00

Yesterday the Lord allowed Matt to have lunch with Tsutomu Shimabukuro, this was Aoi's father, and recently he has been coming to the church after the funeral.

After lunch, he shared some personal things that he was struglling with and I told him that many of these things could be taken care of by God. I asked him if he wanted to go to Heaven and would allow me to share the Gospel with him. He later went on and prayed and received Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord . . .

12-21-08 Christmas Mini Update

2008-12-21T21:30:00.008+09:00

Merry Christmas . . .

Today we had thirty-seven people in our worship service with four first time visitor's. One vistor was a Sinday school girl's mother. The other vistor is one of our believers co- workers.We had two children's hand bell specials, Mrs. Nishino sang. The sermon was The Silence of Christmas (静かなクリスマス）Then we shared a special meal together, and to finish things up we had white elephant 100 yen Christmas present game which is always exciting and enjoyable. The Shimabukuro family was in church again with Aoi's grandmother in the service as well. Overall we had a great day. Thanks for your your prayers.

12/14/08 Mini Update from Okinawa

2008-12-14T18:00:00.002+09:00

Today we had over thirty in service. Matt spoke on how to help the grieving. Mr. Shimabukuro and his daughter Wakana were in church with Aoi's mother. In addition, Mrs. Asayto has returned from the United States after a month from seeing her sister and niece and had many stories from the airport in Dallas Texas and how difficult it was to get her ideas, and points across in English. She went on to say how she knows how I feel when I want to express myself and can not in Japanese. Thanks gain for your prayers.

12-13-08 Visited the Home of the Shimabukuro's

2008-12-14T05:47:00.003+09:00

Sachiyo and I visited the family around dinner time last night. Sachiyo made them a meal and desert for the family which they really appreciated. They seemed to being doing pretty good. We spoke for a while then they asked if Matt would pray in Aoi's room where their daughter passed on to be with her Lord. We joined hands and had prayer. The whole family is supposed to be in church this morning. I am planning to preach a message entitled "How to help the grieving".

12-11-08 How the funeral went?

2008-12-12T09:21:00.008+09:00

Funeral Update

The funeral went as well as one can exspect. There were 450 people who attended. At the funeral the father Mr. Shimabukuro said " that through this tragedy that Aoi always wanted him. who is not saved, to come to church and Wakana, her older sister, who has been away from the Lord, to come back to church. He went on to say that he hopes to see his daughter Aoi in Heaven".

12/10/08 Aoi Shimabukuro's death

2008-12-12T09:18:00.005+09:00

We're sadden to inform you that Aoi, just twenty-three, who has been sick for a while died in the early hours of December 10th. Please pray for strength to do do this funeral today . . . its going to be hard for all.

11/23/08 Ladies Retreat 2008 (GBC Fujinkai)

2008-12-01T11:02:00.005+09:00

Here is a group of our ladies that went after church November 23-24 and stayed at resort together. They had a chance to get to know one another a liitle better. The meals, time of fellowship, and the recreation was a real blessing.

Nov 16, 2008

2008-11-16T12:39:00.002+09:00

God gave us a good service with fourteen in our children's Sunday school with twenty-seven in our worship service. Pray for the Miagi girls as their mother has said they could not come back to Sunday school which has broken Mrs. Kishimoto's heart. Sachiyo and the girls Sunday school teacher visited the girls yesterday afternoon. Pray for Mrs. Higa's daughters in Yokohama to be saved.

The message was from the book of Acts chapter 17:1-9 It takes courage to serve God.

Nov 9, 2008 "Mini Update from Okinawa"

2008-11-09T14:42:00.003+09:00

Greetings from Okinawa,

With heavy rains in the area the last twenty-four hours we are thankful that God has sent the rain. Sunday school was a blessing as our visitor from last week returned again. We had a total of eleven children. There were four teens and seven in our elementary class.

Today's sermon from Acts 16 was What must I do to be saved. After the service we had a workers meeting planning our various activities the next two months. While in the meeting, Mrs. Asayto, who left yesterday to visit her sister in the USA, called to let us know she made it there OK.

Also, we praise the Lord for Mrs. Hina's willingness to serve the Lord. She continues to stamp tracts and make that her special ministry in the church. Have a great week and thanks for your prayers and faithful support.

November 2, 2008 - GBC

2008-11-03T10:18:00.002+09:00

Sunday school started with a new vistor that the Miyagi sisters brought. Her name is Hiromi and in fourth grade. She enjoyed the Sunday school lesson that Mrs. Shimabokoro taught the elementry class.

During the worship servie Matt preached out of Acts 15:1-35, on Priciples of Church Unity. Please pray for for Mrs. Asayto who will be traveling back to the United States later this week to vist here sister who was a vital part in her sisters salvation.

Senior Fund Raiser

2008-11-03T10:08:00.004+09:00

On Friday during MBC's fall festival the seniors had a fund raiser selling hotdogs, chips, brownie and drink during the fun night. They were able to earn over $400.00 for their Senior trip to Tokyo Disneyland during Spring of 2009.

October 26th GBC Update

2008-10-27T07:13:00.002+09:00

Yesterday, Saturday October 25th, Sachiyo and I and Mrs. Jackson visited Mrs. Yamaguchi, who is dying of liver cancer, at Heart Life Hospital. Her health is deteriorating quickly. We had the chance to share the Gospel and she accepted Christ as her Saviour. We parise the Lord for opening her heart. Please pray for her husband and daughter for Salvation.

God gave us a good Worship service. The message was God Opens Doors from Acts 14. Nine ladies have sighed up for our upcoming ladies retreat on November 23-24th. Our young people are practicing each week for a Christmas hand bell specials. And God continues to send new people to the church.

October 19th GBC News

2008-10-19T14:16:00.007+09:00

God gave us a good Sunday school and Worship service. The Message, from Acts 13 and Romans 12 was "Light to a dying world"(死にゆく政界の光)

After the service, we celebrated those who were born in October. We had cake and coffee. Hannah and Rebekah turn twelve and ten this week. Mrs. Higa, who just returned from Hokkaido, to vist family and Mrs. Hina, our latest convert, make us this picture.

October 5, 2008 GBC News

2008-10-05T15:04:00.003+09:00

We Praise the Lord for our weekly attendance continuing being over thirty. It was a blessing to see the Miyagi sisters bring their older brother to church. Naochika, a sixteen year old, came to church for the first time. The message Matt preached was Jacob Returns Home, from Genesis 31. We gave him a DVD to watch on Creation because he has allot of questions in that area.

After church we invited our Sunday school teachers, their families, and some of the kids over for lunch. After lunch we had two of the teachers give their salvation testimony's. Thank you for your prayers for the work at Gushikawa Baptist Church.

Sept 23 "Midori Machi Tract Blitz"

2008-09-24T12:35:00.006+09:00

With our believers off on a holiday we scheduled a tract outing of Midori Machi here in Uruma City on Okinawa. There were eleven that came out and we put about 1600 tracts out in less then two hours. Pray that God's Word will work on hearts here in Okinawa.

"Happy Birthday" Dad

2008-09-20T15:20:00.006+09:00

It is a tradition in our home that when it is a family members bithday we go to their or the families favorite resturant. Last night we enjoyed the food at Sams Cafe here in Okinawa Japan. We all left "fed" up. I guess that's the reason/conviction for riding the electronic bike last night before we went, and an early morning jog .

敬老の日　(Grandparents Day)

2008-09-14T18:01:00.005+09:00

Today we were able to honor eight members of the church that are at least seventy years old. After our worship services a small gift was given to each and we took them out for lunch for a meal and a time of fellowship. It was a real blessing. Sachiyo and I are thankful for this group of believers.

New young people at GBC

2008-09-14T17:56:00.005+09:00

Let us introduce Himeno and Izumi Miyagi who have been coming to church for the last three Sunday services. Mrs. Kishimoto, one of our ladies at the church, has been picking them up and bringing them to church.

These young girls mom has a severe case of depression and they do the shopping, cleaning and cooking while keeping a great attitude while doing good in school.

Maranatha Baptist Church 40th Anniversery

2008-09-14T17:54:00.005+09:00

It was a blessing to see so many friends that we knew from the past.

Rebekah's Violin Solo

2008-08-03T15:39:00.005+09:00

During the offering Sunday Rebekah played Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus in her debut solo at Gushikawa Baptist Church. She was a blessing.

Goodbye . . . Reyes Family

2008-08-01T15:32:00.004+09:00

The Reyes family has been such a blessing to so many. Always willing to serve. It was a great time to reflect and sad to say goodbye. This was hard for our family because of the friendships within our families. Pray for them as they move to California and that God would use their family as they minster and serve our country.

Sunday School Picnic 2008

2008-07-23T09:36:00.006+09:00

On Monday, nineteen from the church, went to a local athletic park had some games for the children and adults. Also we ate and relaxed and fellowshiped.

Aoi palying the Piano

2008-07-20T13:55:00.003+09:00

Many of you have prayed for Aoi Shimabukoro for some time. She has been helping out at the church recently. Sachiyo Stephanie and Aoi made some new Sunday school songs yesterday. She plays the pinao well and played for Sunday school this morning. I asked her if she is feeling well to try to play at least once a month.

A new visitor - Kiyoi

2008-07-20T13:51:00.003+09:00

A few weeks ago Takashi brought a friend of his to church and she has been faithfully coming to Sunday School and the worship service. Kiyoi's parents go to a church but pray that we will be able to work with this young lady.

Happy 87! Pastor Roy Oshiro

2008-07-20T13:43:00.006+09:00

For his eighty seventh birthday pastor Oshiro asked if he could preach the Sunday worship service. After the service we had fellowship, choclate cake, and the church gave him a love gift.

Kinoshita Familily - Missionarys to Tokyo

2008-07-17T07:15:00.007+09:00

It was a blessing to finally meet the Kinoshita family. They presented the opportunity of a lifetime to take the Gospel into one of the biggest cities of the World, Tokyo, and plant a Independent Baptist Church.

We enjoyed special music from their family and our church was challenged by the message. Please pray for the church as we seek Gods will on supporting this family.

Mrs. Hina the latest member of GBC

2008-07-13T19:29:00.004+09:00

After the worship service today Mrs. Hina joined the church. We rejoice with her as it is her desire to serve the Lord at Gushikawa Baptist Church. Please pray for her unsaved family members will come to Christ.

Mrs. Hina's Baptism

2008-07-06T15:04:00.007+09:00

After our worship service Mrs. Hina followed the Lord In believers Baptism. This former Seven Day Adventist is now born again and has assurance of her salvation. It is her desire to join Gushikawa Baptist Church and serve her King.

Mini Building Project

2008-07-01T07:34:00.004+09:00

It is July 1st and a project will begin at the church this morning. One of our members Mrs. Moriyama 's husband's company will be putting up a structure that will cover our steps. This will keep the direct sunlight off the building, rain off the people, and a shelter for those who have to wait during a wedding, funeral ect.

Please pray that Minoru Moriyama and his co workers will get saved over the next few weeks. We could of chose many different companies to do the work but we wanted to introduce her husband to the church, to Christians, and more importantly have a good testimony.

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-15T16:24:00.006+09:00

Today at the conclusion of our services we recognized our fathers in our church. From left to right we have Toshiaki Shimabukoro, Roy Oshiro, Seiko Oshiro, and Matt Starin.

The church gave each men a gift certificate as well to thank them on their special day.

Mrs. Higa's Hubands Funeral

2008-03-02T15:01:00.005+09:00

Please Pray for Mrs. Higa whose husband died in their home early Friday evening while taking a bath. The wife found her husband. He was unsaved and never received Christ as His Saviour. Mrs. Higa asked if the church would do a Christian style Funeral Monday at the church in which we did. The message was one to the living not the dead. There were sixty-three in attendance, we sang three hymns' read Psalm 103, and then Matt preached a Gospel message to a group that would never come to church. The service was about 30 minutes. Many cried, many listened intensely, and one lady took a New Testament that we offered to anyone that wanted one.

Okinawa funerals are always so cold, with no hope, but we tried to honor the Lord Jesus Christ and also be an encouragement from the Word of God. In Okinawa they wear black to all funerals.

Takashi's future Bible training . . .

2008-02-11T07:05:00.002+09:00

Takashi has a desire someday to train in the United States. Pray for his English conversation skills to improve while he finishes his education here in Okinawa. Takashi will graduate in March 2009 from High School. To honor his father Takashi will first go to a four year college here on Okinawa and get his teaching degree. After he graduates he will go to Bible College in Japan or the United States.

Vending machines

2008-01-29T16:42:00.002+09:00

Estimates suggest there are 5.6 million vending machines, which works out to be one for every 20 people in Japan!

If you are hungry, for a few coins in a slot, you have a choice of quite a range of hot food, like hamburgers, French fries, dumplings, hot dogs and several varieties of noodles.
Are you in a rush to get to work or school? How about having some soup from a Cup-a-Noodle machine on the way? In less than three minutes you get piping hot soup.
What about a bag of fresh hot popcorn from a machine using a microwave oven to pop the corn in seconds?
If you are thirsty, the drink machines commonly have a wide range of both hot and cold drinks; so take your choice.
Reverse vending machines are useful and deter littering. In other words, this is a recycling machine. Recycle your can or cup and you even get some money back!
If you like rice like the Japanese do, you might visit the rice dispensing machines. You can purchase ten kilo bags of rice in eight different varieties!
An egg machine features farm fresh eggs.
The umbrella vending machines are popular when it rains.
On another, you can even print your own name cards.
There are machines where you can recharge cell phone batteries. Power cords for all common cell phone types dangle from the machine. Just hook up your phone, set a combo to lock up your phone and insert a coin. Your phone can charge while you shop. Just hope you don't get a call while it's locked up!
Photo printing machines will take virtually any media as input. They accept smart media, memory stick, compact flash, zip, CD, CD-RW, MO and of course floppy disks. You can also get your pictures superimposed on a scenic background.
Fishing anyone? Fishing line, fish hooks and even bait can be purchased by vending machine.
Even toilet paper is available by inserting a coin in a machine.
We often use automated waitresses in Japan. Just make your meal selection from the machine at the restaurant. Feed your money into the machine then you'll get a ticket which you hand to the cook behind the counter inside.
Need to get flowers on the way home? No worries as this flower machine can give you quite a good choice.
For parking, a bar that rises up under the car prevents the owner from removing the car until the parking meter is paid at the machine at the gate.
In some places the entire building is a parking machine. Just drive your car into the bay. Each bay rotates through the building to maximize usage of space. Your parking ticket will retrieve your car back to the bottom bay. You back out your car onto the rotating circle. It will also turn your car so you can drive out straight!
Rhinoceros beetles are popular pets to some children in Japan, who purchase the beetles at roadside vending machines in some areas.
Vending machines that sell kerosene are all around Japan. Much of the home heating comes from kerosene space heaters, so you can take your own containers and fill them here.
Many supermarkets have machines that dispense dry ice to help keep your frozen goods cold until you get home!

"New" Visitors and Takashi's new responsabilties

2008-01-20T20:37:00.001+09:00

The Lord sent a family to visit the church this morning. The man is originally from Uruguay and is married to an Okinawa lady and they have two children. It was good seeing one of our believers who sister has been out of church for a while. Takashi and I had a meeting before church and he will be starting to help lead parts of the services starting next Sunday.

Mrs Nishino's Father Salvation

2008-01-07T16:18:00.001+09:00

We rejoiced to hear Dec 28, 2007 that her father was led to Christ by her younger sisters Japanese pastor of another Baptist Church here on Okinawa. Praise The Lord! One week later he died and went off into eternity. Some sow, some water, and God gives the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Christmas Worship Service

2008-01-03T20:03:00.002+09:00

God allowed thirty-four people to come to our worship service. The Sunday school classes did two Christmas songs with bells, our ladies sang as well. Then we had a meal, an Christmas gift exchange, and fellowshiped into the afternoon. God sent two first time visitors. Praise the Lord. . .

Dec 22 "Budo No Ki" Christmas meeting at GBC

2008-01-03T20:01:00.002+09:00

This has been an annual event at the church with over fifty people to come and see their children, grandchildren in a Christmas program at the church. I had the privilege to share a ten minute Japanese challenge on what is Christmas.

Mini Updates from Okinawa

Prayer Request

12-25-11 Service Update

Here are some milestones in the yen's 140-year history:

10-16-11

10-9-11 mini update

9-30-11 Mini update from Okinawa

Tohoku region sees net outflow of 30,000 residents

Update from Steve Canter

6-29-11 mini report

Update from Steve Canter Bimi

100 Lessons of Japanese for free

Items being sent up to Ibaraki

78 bodies found in Japan-US search

Monday Evening April 3 (Steve Canter email)

NHK World update 4/4/11

4-3-11 mini report from Okinawa Japan

Saturday Evening April 2 update from Steve Canter–BIMI

01-30-11 Worship Report

10/31/10 Worship report

Worship Report - 10/24/10

October Birthdays

Finished Sign

Happy Birthday Girls

New sign post #1

10-17-10 Worship Report

Co Labors in Christ

Rain rain go away

Stephanie in her nursing Uniform

Mom is home from the hospital

Pray for Matts Mothers Surgery

09-26-10 Sunday

Respect for the Aged Day – Sept 20, 2010

08-15-10 Update

04-11-10

Gushikawa Junior Orchestra Concert 2010

Back in the pulpit again 2009年１０月１１日

Pray for Stephanie

Upcoming Surgery

West Coast Baptist College Team

Pastor Seito Preaching at GBC

School picture Day 2009

Safe arrival in Birmingham, AL

Back on the Road

Driving in the Southeast

Thursday night arrival in Kings Mountain NC

A quick note from Denver Colorado

Too much food . . . . . . . . . .

Monday a day at the Fisherman's Wharf of SF

CBC – SF Saturday / Sunday

The Usa Mall experience . . . good friends

Thursday

Safe arrival in the USA

Congratulations Class of 2009

05-03-09

Rebekah's New Friend

Stephanie & Jake Junior Orchastra Concert

The Brockways Visit from South Korea

Special Meetings March 6th ~8th with Tajima Sensei

New Sign at Church

New Chairs at the Church

Another opportunity to witness

Mr. Shimabukuro's Salvation - Aoi's father

12-21-08 Christmas Mini Update

12/14/08 Mini Update from Okinawa

12-13-08 Visited the Home of the Shimabukuro's

12-11-08 How the funeral went?

12/10/08 Aoi Shimabukuro's death

11/23/08 Ladies Retreat 2008 (GBC Fujinkai)

Nov 16, 2008

Nov 9, 2008 "Mini Update from Okinawa"

November 2, 2008 - GBC

Senior Fund Raiser

October 26th GBC Update

October 19th GBC News

October 5, 2008 GBC News

Sept 23 "Midori Machi Tract Blitz"

"Happy Birthday" Dad

敬老の日 (Grandparents Day)

New young people at GBC

Back in the pulpit again　2009年１０月１１日

敬老の日　(Grandparents Day)