Mark on a less busy train in Tokyo 

Psalm 90

Mt Fuji!!! Psalm 90:1-2 " Lord, you have been our refuge in every generation. Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, YOU ARE GOD!"

PRAISES

Last night Mark and I drove to Tokushima to attend the English service they have at a church there twice a month. It was a really great time of fellowship and singing praises along with a humble message from a local guy who teaches English. The most amazing part was that there were people there from all over the world that are christians and moved to Japan to teach English. The countries represented included: England, Austrailia, Canada, Hawaii (US), and of course Japanese believers. Most of the people there were 20-30 year old singles with the exception of a few couples and two ladies in their 50's. It was an awesome time as we shared prayer requests, lifted up the tsunami victims, etc. and read the Word. It encouraged me to see how many people God is bringing to Japan to spread His gospel...even outside of missionaries...really awesome! We loved hearing all the different accents! While driving home from Tokushima last night (which is 2 hours from here) we spotted it! Or should I say I, Jennifer spotted it! A Pepsi machine with MOUNTAIN DEW!!! We were so excited as all we have been able to find is Coke and most of you know my LOVE for yellow drinks! God is GOOD!!! Today we ate at our favorite restaraunt yet..right near our home on the ocean. The view is unbelievable and the food was AWESOME! Not too expensive either! We spent the day with Leki (Reki), whom you have been praying for, and his friend Hiro..another local pro surfer. It was a great day as God is continuing to build relationships here! Pray that the Lord's Spirit will draw these people to Himself, that they would surrender to Him in a realtionship with Jesus Christ! "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." 2 Peter 4:7

"My precious"..ok so it is not Sun-Drop but a HUGE blessing either way!  

Mark and I at a beautiful place between two HUGE rocks!!! 

MOM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!! LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!

Verse from Ligon--AWESOME!!!

"I took you from the ends of the earth. from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "you are my servant"; I have chosen you and have not rejected you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9-10

Us at Yasu and Fumiko's home. The other girl in the photo is Kazani and her boyfriend below her with hand signal is Sashi. Yasu on the left made a silly face due to intoxication...Drinking is a nightly thing for the Japanese men. The couple on the far righ is married as well. His name is Oshi and we have not learned her name yet. 

Dinner with friends...from left..Oshi, Yasu, Fumiko, Leki, Me, and Mark 

Pictures of locals

Here is a picture of locals that you are praying for each day as you lift up the Japanese that they would come to know the love of Jesus Christ!

Gods Love

Well, January 7th marked one month here in Japan. Today as I did a devotion called "Living the Life" God so convicted me. I realize that many times in my walk with Him, I go through the motions or obey Him simply because I am supposed to. Although obedience is always a good thing...if it is not out of a pure heart devotion to Him, then how real is it. I was convicted of the lack of Love in my heart for my own Savior and was able to repent and ask that He would show me how to love Him with all of my heart, soul, mind,and strength. I believe out of this kind of love for Him, pure obedience follows. Anyways, just wanted to share what was on my heart and ask you to pray that I would never take His forgievness and grace for granted. Please pray with us that we get back to the basics of being totally in love with our Savior. Only then can His love flow through us to these He has called us to. Thank for your prayers, we love you all! Jennifer

More local men...maybe not too happy I took their picture! 

Mark said this reminded him of Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us..." He says the rocks around me are my cloud....another scripture says that is we refuse to praise Him even the rocks will cry out!!  

Our food after the long hike. Had no idea what we were ordering. Little scary. 

Little friend we found at the falls. She is very cute and spoke no English. 

More nature shots! 

Trip to Todoroki Falls! Climbed a mountain to see the MANY waterfalls! Took 2 hours to climb up. Was beautiful..reminded us som eof the Goonies. They have several shrines and temples on the mountain and we saw many Japanese doing their prayers there. They clap to wake the gods up. So glad to know we have a Savior who never sleeps! Gods beauty surrounds us and we pray that He will use His nature to draw the Japanese to Him. 

Breakfast of pancakes with Yu and Shige..our neighbors. Shared the gospel with them and gave each a Japanese Bible. They are leaving town for Bali for 3 months Pleas pray that God will continue to reveal Himself to them and lead them to His word. 

More beautiful scenery! The water is crystal clear as well and NO sharks!! 

Our ride while in Japn. I already wrecked it once! OOPS!! (jennifer) 

Our neighbors...YU, Shi-ge and Mark going surfing! Please pray for them as we share with them! 

Here is a lovely $60.00 T-SHIRT!!! Pizza Hut pizza was $60.00 for 2 larges...INSANE!! 

Small shrine tyoe thing you see all over the place. We hear they are to appease the gods....hmmmm 

Local kids hanging out on the beach! Very cute! 

My favorite part...the monkeys!!! Love them! They live about 10 minutes from our home...they just hang out on the side of the road and up in the trees! 

A picture of Ikumi Beach, 5 minutes from our home! Very beautiful. This seems to be the local surf hangout most of the time. There is a hot dog shop right near by! BONUS for sure. Of course the hot dog is $3.00 and is like a long slim jim. But hey that works for me! 

Bedroom with stuff from home to make it nice and so we can think of all you guys!! MISS YOU!! 

Living room in apartment!! Very cozy and cute! 

Sunrise in Japan out of our bedroom window! BEAUTIFUL place!!