It has been awesome getting to know the other people involved in the organization and the people that support it. They have been warm and friendly and have made my transition to the giant city of Los Angeles smoother than expected. Paul Gizzi, the director of the Seahorse organization who grew up in Japan, has been fundamental in this. A church friend of Paul’s has allowed me to stay in a room they have in their house which I will share with two more players come May when the PDL soccer season starts up.
March also allowed me to reconnect with friends and family in the area and spend time with my girlfriend who flew out from her native Hawaii to visit! I have also had the opportunity to go to Santa Barbara a few times to work for a friend to supplement my income. I have taken advantage of these quick trips to see (old?) college friends who have decided to live close to our alma mater (Westmont College).
You have encouraged me tremendously by your response and have made it possible for me to contribute to this awesome ministry. I am truly blessed by your friendship and generosity through your prayers, financial support and your encouragement! I can’t thank you enough!
The ministry highlight of the month of March was definitely the visit of the Japanese girls’ soccer team. It was a different experience for me because all of the mission trips I have been a part of, I am always a translator. In this case though, my Español did not get me very far with my entertaining attempts at Japanese.
Paul Gizzi did a great job in recapping the week they spent with us in LA:
“ Vickie & I had the privilege (and hard work) of hosting what I call a “reverse outreach tour” for the Shizuoka Sangyo University Soccer women’s team. It was a unique venture in that Pastor Hasui (our partnering host in Japan) & Ken-chan, a sports minister that came to Christ on a Seahorse outreach 10 years ago came along with 27 girls and coaches. Three of the Seahorse staff (Aaron, Mike & Nathan) were 24/7- “Chaufers” & refs. Besides 4 games against Biola, Vanguard, APU, & Troy HS in 6 days, a BBQ at our home, a tennis experience, visits to Santa Monica Pier, and the Shopping Mall, we were able to bring them to another American cultural experience, “CHURCH & Sunday School”.
Jim Jeffers, a former Biola professor prepared a talk on the Olympics & using Phil. 3: 12-16 presented a wonderful challenge to all of us. The coach was impressed that we would take the time to PRAY for each other’s needs. He was also impressed at the message Jim presented in Sunday School. We were able to present Japanese/English bilingual bibles to each girl so they could follow along with the message. They were quite thankful for this gift.
On the last night we had a “Sayonara Party” where each girl & coach was asked to share a bit about their impressions of California & the USA. What stood out was the expected, “Everything is so BIG, and people are so kind”, but several other things surfaced that were unique. Jim Joseph (himself a missionary kid from Japan) was able to share a dynamic testimony of why we are not just “typical” Americans but how the indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes us different.
The most notable impression was how “open” we are. They did not expect that. Please be praying that the impressions created in these young women’s hearts will lead them to continued pursuit of Christ through Pastor Hasui right there in their home town. The formerly “guarded doors” of their hearts have been flung wide open in this relationship. PTL”
I hope you had a blessed and happy Easter!
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