Getting colder in Kumamoto
As the winter approaches and the temperature drops, we are preparing for our second Christmas in Kumamoto. Last year we had a small Christmas party at a local community center. This year we have joined with Obiyama Bible Church to put on a Christmas concert downtown. We are praying many of our friends will come and hear about the true meaning of Christmas.
For those who are interested in such things, we have new photos up on the family page and a link to photos on the ministry blog main page (link is off to the left). We have had a busy fall and should have taken many more photos but we don't always think about it. I (Norman) went on several bike tours with different motorcycle clubs and have made many new contacts through them. We are still praying from fruit from these contacts.
The kids are healthy , amazing since Melodie refuses to wear socks - even on our cold floors. Chloe and Cameron are enjoying school and loving having Merilee help teach them. Andrew has his bike license and is enjoying riding his motorcycle around town. Jacob is actively pursuing various relationships in various activites from soccer to rc cars. Susan is trying to keep her head above water with the kids school, keeping the house running with 2 extra guys, extra peopel for meals on a regular basis and a desire to reach out to the women she has met in our neighborhood.
Above all, we are striving to become more like Christ in our daily lives. Thanks for praying for us!
Long time no update... so sorry....
Well, we are not dead yet, it just feels that way sometimes! I have avoided the computer as much as possible for the past two months. It has been good for me but not good for getting updates and emails sent. I will be hoping to update the whole site in the next few days, providing I have the time and energy and think of it.
We have hosted two BBQ's in the past month. The first had a total of 31 attending, mostly friends and neighbors. The second was the more lively bunch, here till a little after midnight! There were 41 bikers gathered all from my contacts with various motorcycle clubs, shops and riding buddies. About a third of those who came were people we were meeting for the first time. We had brats, multiple flavors of BBQ sauce sent from the US and several salads provided by the ladies. We are praying for spiritual fruit from the relationships built through these contacts.
I have been going the the hospital about 2 times a week to visit Mr Yamano and Mr Iwahashi, both 27 years old. Mr Yamano is a motorcycle contact who was hit by a car. Mr Iwahashi was his roomate for about three weeks. I gave both of them bibles, tracts and other literature and stayed to talk for up to two hours as I had time. Mr Yamano has been released and I am hoping to contiue to build on the foundations of the relationship started in the hospital. Mr Iwahashi is still in the hospital and I am continuing to visit him and a new friend, Mr Yamamoto. Last night I had a good discussion with Mr Iwahashi and Mr Yamamoto about creation and the bible. I am hoping to talk to Mr Iwahashi about beginning a bible study when I go back to see them tommorrow. Pray for his continued interest and salvation.
Sunday nights our team is gathering at our house. For the past two weeks we have been studying worship, it has been an interesting study for me, and I hope for everyone else. We should finish this week. On Wednesdays, Andrew and Jacob are leading the discussion on mentoring/discipleship. They are doing a good job!
The kids are healthy, other than Cameron's allergies. Susan's sister Merilee is here for the year teaching English so she is also helping Susan with the kids homeschooling. Cameron is very close to learning to read, Chloe is constantly with a book in here hand, and Melodie is busy tormenting them in as many interesting ways as possible! Yea for kids!
