Blessings come in the most remarkable ways as I spent the weekend of September 15-17 up in the San Francisco east bay area. It was a much overdue visit to the San Lorenzo Japanese Christian Church, combined with a re-entry and reintegration training session with returned JEMS summer workers.
The weekend began with the much appreciated support of my friend, Dave, who offered to ride shotgun with me on the long trip. He actually ended up driving 95% of the way. Thanks man!
We were able to visit some longtime friends whom I hadn't seen in probably twenty years. The Chinens (pictured) were kind enough to offer their home as a homestay. I've known Troy's dad and mom for years, and I met his Brazilian Nikkei wife, Milka during an English camp in Brazil. My buddy, Dave is also pictured with the family. (Daughter was too shy to take a group photo. haha)
Saturday was our training day as discussion focused on the pluses and minuses of the mission trip, together with an opportunity for the workers to describe how JEMS might improve their pre-mission training. Of course, one of the challenges is the reality that at least 50% of any mission trip is about expecting the unexpected. The by-word of JEMS South America missions is "flexibility." Those who cannot be flexible find themselves frustrated and challenged. But again, this is part and parcel of the South American culture. It seems that many folks want to know more than is available: "when will it happen, where will it happen, why are we doing this, how should we approach it." The reality is that many of those questions are unanswerable until we arrive on the field.
Our 2017 JEMS San Francisco State mission team
Sunday morning was a mixture of reunions with former JEMS alumni, encounters with longtime friends and supporters and the opportunity to share missions vision with the San Lorenzo Japanese Christian Church family. It was a blessing to reconnect with a church that has been so faithful in their prayer support.
PJ sharing missions vision and opportunity
Friends, alumni and supporters
I'm so appreciative of the kindness of so many who made this trip possible. Please continue to pray for this ministry and for the upcoming November mission survey of Brazil and Argentina with Pastor Jon Liu of AACF. Thank you!
