Update from the Short Term Missions - Mexico Trip
Posted: 5/15/2013

They will be leaving Mexico Thursday morning, returning back to Morningstar after dark. The group has gotten a lot of work projects done. They formed a bucket brigade of six and put a concrete roof on a large room.  They have tiled a bathrrom, assembling a donated swing set/jungle jim playground equipment piece with swings, slides, and tree-house with thousands of pieces, they said. It is coming together. The Lord has helped them with answered prayer right and left, many times with just locating key pieces of equipment that were there, but lost. They are depending on Him for strength and unity on an hourly basis.

The group has gone to the Casa de Hogar (Children's Home) and they all want to take a few kids home with them. They have seen so many impossible obstacles overcome by prayer, with many of them just moved to tears when the breakthrough comes. It has been an amazing witness and all the glory goes to Jesus.

The work started the day they arrived, with ministry in the evenings to kids in a variety of venues.

They play with the kids, flew kites, had snow cones and cotton candy too, which were well received by the kids. Saturday they all went to the beach and had a blast. Sunday was a great time of worship, beautiful fellowship and teaching from God's word. Sunday evening they did it all over again.

Continue to pray for the team as they are finishing up the trip, pray for a uneventful boarder crossing, pray for a safe return back. Pray for the work that has been started with the community that many will come to know Jesus through this work.

Short Term Missions Trip- Hermosillo Mexico
Posted: 5/9/2013

Please continue to pray for the Hermosillo Short Term Missions Trip. The group has crossed the border this morning, along with all the items they brought with them, and they didn't have to pay any tax! God's hand has been upon them. The group will be working along side of our Missionary family the Roenspie's with projects such as: putting on a roof at the children's home, doing electrical work, installation of a work station in the kitchen for the church, installing tile in a bathroom, along with a few other projects. Keep them in prayer for strength and that the Lord will be able to get the projects completed.

Missionary Update from Michael & Michell Pratt in Lviv, Ukraine
Posted: 5/7/2013

Warm Weather Evangelism Plans

With winter over we are busy making plans to hit the streets of L'viv to do evangelism. We have several teams coming this year. Plus we are making plans to do prayer station outreaches, musical concerts on the main square of our city center, as well as events aimed at the college crowd. Join us in prayer as we keep the people of our city in prayer.

Our Church is Growing

On Saturday nights we have our Koinonia Coffee House/Bible Study. We are almost finished with the book of Genesis. It has been a great study and time to get to know new people. We have 30 to 40 people each week.

Thursday night we are still offering free English language outreach. Recently we had another theme night and people dressed up like their favorite movie star. Sundays are going great too. We are working on putting audio and video into another room to use as an overflow room. We are at capacity in our big room and need to do something to fit more people. On Wednesday we are half way through a great bible study.

It is called "Instruments In the Redeemers Hands," and is based on a book and study guide with the same name. We are very pleased and thankful to God for all He is doing in our lives and church. We are thankful to all of you too, for your prayers, gifts and all the ways you help.

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Easter Service At Titan Stadium
Posted: 4/2/2013

ONE CELEBRATION

Easter Sunday at Titan Stadium the entire church of Morningstar, close to 4,000 people, gathered together in one place to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Jack taught on the power of the cross and how to deal with honest doubt from John chapter 20 in his study titled "Making A Believer Out Of You." We had an amazing time of worship with Even Wickham, the Morningstar worship team, and the Children's choir. What a joy it was to celebrate together what our Lord Jesus has done for us.

If you could not join us, or you would like to watch the service again, you can find the video archive on our Morningstar Service Archive page.

Click Here for the Service Archive page

Morningstar Thrift Store Update
Posted: 2/1/2013

The Morningstar Thrift Store will be expanding it's hours and adding a new employee in February. Starting February 4th, the new Thrift Store hours will be 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Wednesday and Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.

The new hours will help us to better serve our community and provide the body here at Mornignstar with more opportunities to serve. If you would like to volunteer, please see the Chapel Store Manager or call the Church Office during normal business hours.

Aneglo De La Cruz will be assisting Steven Reeves in the day-toiday operation of the Thrift Store. Angelo is currently attending the Morningstar School of Ministry and will be graduating this year.

Please keep this ministry in prayer. Pray that the Lord would use the Morningstar Thrift Store to help meet the needs of the people of Whittier. Pray that the Lord would use our staff to reach the lost and minister to His children.

All proceeds from the Morningstar Thrift Store will be used to support the Growing Thru Grace Radio Ministry.

Morningstar Thrift Store on 16333 Whittier Blvd. Whittier CA. 90603

2012 Christmas Shoebox Outreach
Posted: 12/23/2012

Working in conjunction with our supported missionaries in Hermosillo we collected over 800 gifts this year for the Shoebox Gift Outreach project. The gifts were delivered by the Morningstar team to our missionaries Jeff and Lilia Roenspie in the town of Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico. Jeff and his team distribute these gifts to 2 outreaches, an orphanage, and 5 churches. Please continue to pray for this outreach. Pray that the children would see the love of Jesus and that our Lord would receive the glory and praise for the work He is doing through His people.

To see Jeff give his report to the church at Morningstar Click Here

Morningstar Kids Sing at Children's Museum of La Habra
Posted: 12/10/2012

The Morningstar Kids Worship Team brought the joy of Christmas and the gospel message to the Children's Museum of La Habra for the second straight year. Along with singing traditional Christmas songs, they also performed a short skit, which told the audience of 75-to-80 people the importance of knowing Jesus. After the performance, the children, ages 4-to-12, handed out invitation flyers to the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve services at Morningstar. Please pray this great opportunity will bring people into the kingdom!

Morningstar's New Playground
Posted: 12/10/2012

On the week of Dec. 3, Morningstar Christian Chapel will debut a new playground for the young children (ages 2-5) who attend our regular church services. The new play set will replace the older one which is in back of the church's 2-story building for about 20 years.

Over the course of a week, about 150 different children typically use the playground. It's a good opportunity for the younger classes to give the children some fun time at church in between their lessons. May the Lord use the new play set for His eternal glory!

Latest News from Mexicali September 2012
Posted: 9/10/2012

We are looking to say good-bye to the grueling, hot and humid weather we have been having, but in the meantime, we thank the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness. Our church continues to see new faces and experience life conversions as the Lord moves by His Spirit, our family is doing well and Casa de Tesoros, our Home for needy families, is filled to its limit with families that are coming to know the love and care of the Lord Jesus.
Last week, we were able to purchase a fixer-up mobile home for a family who has come to live on what we call “the field of the fatherless”. This family took up camp on the far end of the field for two reasons: One, we needed to have someone there to occupy that area and keep the intruders out, and two, they wanted to be closer to the church in order to have their children participate in our school coop.

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Latest News from the Rosenpie's August 2012
Posted: 8/15/2012

Summer Teams—This summer has been memorable so far, for a few reasons. First, Hermosillo set a new record for high temperatures, hitting 119 degrees Farenheit in late June. Unfortunately, that was around the time we welcomed a team of 10 from Morningstar Christian Chapel (Whittier, California). Morningstar has been long-time supporters, working with us since we were in the Philippines. We were blessed to see a few familiar faces and some new ones!

They got right to work at the Children's Home, painting the new rooms and installing the electrical system. They also took time to do a special beach outing for the kids one day, and every afternoon, hosted a small kid's Bible Club (foto above). The children were thrilled with all the personal attention, great teaching, and fun games. They also found time to have a special birthday breakfast for Jeff! By the time they left, the directors determined they were ready to begin moving into their new facility, some- thing they thought couldn't happen until late July!

Click Here To Read The Full Newsletter

Latest News from Intensive Care Ministries August 2012
Posted: 8/10/2012

Intensive Care Ministries    August 2012
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Prayer  requests  for  Intensive  Care  Ministries  
(Inductive  Bible  study)

1.  Pray  for  Olga  (our  Russian  directors  wife)  who  just   underwent  surgery        yesterday  for  some  female  issues.  She  is  having  some  urinary  issues  now. Pray for  a   speedy  recovery.

2.  Pray  for  our  12  African  staff  workers  in  Kenya,   Uganda  and  Tanzania. They  will  conduct  about  15  IBS   seminars  this  month.

 3.  Pray  for  Yolanda  (our  South  American  Directors   wife)  who  will  undergo  knee  replacement  surgery  this   month.   4.  Thank  the  Lord  for  our  financial  situation  that  has   improved  greatly.

  Thanks  and  blessings  –  Dan

Latest News from Oxford, England August 2012
Posted: 8/10/2012

Oxford, England                                                                                      August 2012
Dear Friends and Family,
With all the celebrations of the Olympics here in the UK, I couldn’t help but think of the above verses. May we all press on with Jesus and one day, by His grace, we will cross that finish line into the welcoming arms of our loving Lord!

Here’s a quick update and some prayer and praise:

***Oasis Outreach Oxford***
Last week Chuck spoke at an outreach for street people held each Monday at St. Michael’s Church in City Centre. This weekly outreach feeds a hot meal to the street people, or anyone who wanders in. Chuck shared his testimony and the gospel. There were just an handful of folks there, and a couple of them came up to him afterwards and they had some good conversations.

***JOY Place***
***Last month we asked you to pray for Katherine and Dennis, who is terminally ill. They are a couple in their 60’s and are caretakers for Katherine’s learning disabled sister. Katherine has asked for prayer. The thought of losing her husband is overwhelming to her right now.
***UPDATE***
We were so thrilled to see them back at our August JOY Place, this past week. Katherine asked if she and I could meet for coffee next week.
***Pray that our time together will be a time of refreshing and encouragement for her, in the love and power of Christ. Pray for Dennis. He is getting weaker and now walks with a cane. Please continue to pray for God’s grace and peace upon them as they walk through this dark valley. May they know the presence of Jesus, with every step they take, and may God strengthen and encourage them in His never-ending love and all sufficient grace.

***Dennis and Katherine asked us to join them in their church on Sept. 2, as it will be their 5th wedding anniversary and their pastor is going to pray over them and bless them. We feel very blessed and honored to have been invited.

***JOY Place PRAYER TIME***So Special!
Yesterday we passed the Bible around and each person who wanted to pray held the Bible. I was amazed how many people wanted to pray aloud and thank God or ask God for something. What a blessing that was!!

**As always we ask that you please continue to pray for this ministry. ***As well as praying for the learning disabled folks in our meetings, please pray also for the carers or family members who bring them. Most of them are not believers and have had little or no exposure to the gospel. Check out our website:
www.joyplace.org.uk

***Missionary Care***
Since several of the missionary families are traveling on furloughs or have their own family visiting during the summer months, we have not visited anyone this past month. But do continue to pray for the men, women and families serving the Lord here in the UK as overseas missionaries.

***PHOTOS***
We post lots of photos on Facebook. If you are not on FB and would like to see these photos, just copy and paste this link and you will be able to view some JOY Place, Missionary Care, and personal photos of ours.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150237967897776.323 998.520422775&type=1&l=66aad48609

***UPCOMING OUTREACHES***Please pray

**Sept. 2, JOY Place **We are also in the “talking, networking, and praying stages” over more outreaches to the disabled community here in Oxford. Prayers appreciated. ** Chuck continues to produce, edit and announce for the radio program with Pastor Phil’s teaching.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer.

We are so thankful for your friendship, your prayers and your support of us in every way.

In His love and by His grace,

Chuck and Anita

Latest News from Mexicali July 2012
Posted: 7/19/2012

Mexicali, Mexico
July Update
We celebrated the end of the school year last week with various presentations in which the children showed off what they had learned throughout the year. In reality, more than anything, our celebration was a time of tribute to our Lord Jesus, whose Word was weaved into everything that the children spoke, sung or dramatized. Truly these children are saturated with the Word of God and our prayer is that our family school will always keep the main school Book, the main school Book.
We wanted to get out a prayer request for Chela but just never did. She just got out of the hospital the other day. Her body did not respond as desired to the treatment she was taking since her diagnosis and hospitalization last year so she was hospitalized again and they removed her spleen, an organ where all the blood passes through and apparently where her platelets are being destroyed for some unknown reason. She came out of the operation well and is in rest and recuperation for one month. Our little Chela was a valiant soldier in the hospital, a sweet testimony of Jesus to those who cared for her.    It appears that through all this, the Lord Jesus, doctor of doctors, has performed an even greater surgery; He has given Chela a new heart.    Truly, all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord...
Dawn has also undergone some serious heart surgery through her knee ordeal. Her first operation was a success but she is nevertheless without a ligament, which has disenabled her to participate in sports, which is one of her greatest passions. After her operation, she was back up on her feet but she refused to accept her condition  ̈handicap ̈ and started playing soccer and volleyball with the same zeal as before and ended up falling and injuring herself several times.    Her last fall was quite a scare and the doctor said that when she recuperated in a few months, she needed to seriously consider having another surgery in order to replace her lost ligament. She  ̈came to her senses, accepting without hostility her lot in life... if you will ̈ and resigned as sports director in our school and stopped participating in any sports. Now the time has come to return to the doctor regarding her next operation. However, Dawn is extremely hesitant about having this operation, she is afraid that she will end up worse than she is now.
We would appreciate your prayers on behalf of Chela and Dawn, as well as for the different building projects for which we are seeking the Lord for direction.
Thank you for praying for us.
Thank you again for your prayers, we love you.
John, Laurie, Dawn and Brandi

Latest News from Tokorozawa July 2012
Posted: 7/19/2012

Aloha and Howzit from Tokorozawa.
Aloha from Tokorozawa. It has been a fun and busy last few months. Where do I begin? Events we helped plan included a baby shower, a bridal shower, a friendly softball game combining 3 churches, a wedding (tomorrow), and the annual outdoor service (this Sunday) combining 3 churches. A few mission teams came to go up north for outreaches and Travis was available to help with details and planning. He always seems to get a call or an email from someone who needs help quickly. We are blessed to be in the midst of all that and help out in some small capacity since we haven't been able to physically go up north for over 4 months. We are also on stand by to take care of Peter and Melissa's kids while the baby is being born which could happen any day now. All these events were and are good opportunities for fellowship in busy busy Japan and its a good opportunity to invite our non-Christian friends. Continue to pray for Ayumi and Kazumi who seem to pop in here and there.
Personally Travis and I were blessed to be able to go to Israel the last 2 weeks of May. Grandpa took wonderful care of the kids and the house. We had such a great experience with the group we were with and we learned so much. I get excited now reading my bible when a place or a name comes up and I can just see it clearly in my mind. We got right back into the swing of things once we got back. We will be heading back to Hawaii this summer for 6 weeks. Michael, Peter, and Logan will be taking care of the church while we are gone. We have some guest speakers lined up too. We plan to visit many friends so if you are reading this note and live in Hawaii we will be seeing you soon. A bonus for us will be to attend the How To Walk events there at the end of August. Four other couples from Japan will be coming to Hawaii too and will be attending those events. Rich and Candice are among that list! :)
Travis was able to get a permanent visa status about 3 years ago. We thought then that it might be possible to do banking and get a loan to buy instead of paying high rent. But usually the price was too high. The mortgage ended up being higher than the high rent. Well the Lord surprised us a few weeks ago. A house went up for sale right near where we live. It is bigger and the mortgage was cheaper than our rent. Almost twice as big and the mortgage is half our rent. We looked into it and step by step kept moving forward as things kept getting approved. Travis' parents blessed us with some down payment savings and we got the house and will be moving in on July 13th!! It was a whirlwind... it happened in a little over a week.
Thank you for always taking time to read about Japan and what God is doing here. We appreciate your prayers and support.
Til the last one's saved, Aloha and God bless you, Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

Latest News from Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico July 2012
Posted: 7/19/2012

PRAYER  POINTS  for  the  ROENSPIE  FAMILY

Ministering  in  Hermosillo,  Sonora  Mexico

  JULY  2012

•    It's  hard  to  believe  we  are  half-­‐way  through  the  summer!  The  rainy  season  is upon  us!  Please  pray  for  the  members  of the  coastal  churches.  This  is  typically the  hardest  time  financially,  as  the  last  harvests  end  and  the  new  planting   doesn't  begin  until  early  September.  This  is  compounded  by  higher  utility  costs (for  those  who  coolers  and  fans)  and   back-­‐to-­‐school  costs,  buying  school supplies  and  new  shoes.
•    The  school  of  ministry  will  officially  wrap  up  next  Tuesday,  with  our  final class  in  Cults  and  Religions.  We've  seen  a   tremendous  response  to  this  class  and hope  to  see  the  momentum  continue  next  fall.  Please  pray  for  clarity  as  we   continue  to  shape  the  course  offerings  and  structure  of  the  school.  This  summer, we  are  re-­‐formatting  a  few  classes   to  be  used  in  other  churches  as  well  as  in the  school  during  the  next  cycle.

 Our  hope  is  that  by  summer  2013,  the  first   group  of  students  will  have  completed  the  core  courses  of  the  school  of  ministry.
•    Please  continue  to  pray  for  the  Casa  de  Gracia  children's  home.  We  were blessed  by  a  team  from  Morningstar Christian  Chapel  which  installed  the electricity,  painted,  and  basically  prepared  the  home  to  be  moved  into. We   began the  moving  process  last  week  and  while  the  basics  are  in  place,  a  lot of organization  needs  to  take  place!  Pray   for  patience  and  wisdom  as  the children begin  to  adapt  to  their  new  homes.

 Some  of  the  kids  went  home  for  their  regular  visit  with  their  families.  This  can  be  a  difficult  time  for  them,  leaving  the   security  and  consistency  of  the  children's  home  to  less-­‐stable  environments.  While  it  is  necessary  to  allow  them  to   maintain  their  relationships,  it  can  be  a  hard  reality  of  the  lives  they  have  left.  Pray  that  the  Lord  will  guide  and   protect  them  in  the  process.

Pray  for  the  children's  ministries  that  Lilia  is  involved  with  or  oversees.  Currently  she  is  overseeing/directing/teaching   Sunday  School  at  Amor  Fraternal, teaching  with  the  kid's  outreach  in  the  Northwestern  corner  of  the  city,  and   regularly  ministering  to  the  kids  at  the  Casa  Hogar.  Pray  for  wisdom,  creativity, patience,  and  the  right  resources  to   make  an  impact  in  these  kids  lives.  We realize  what  a  privilege  it  is  to  be  some  of  the  first  people  to  communicate  the   gospel  to  these  young  people.
•    Pray  for  wisdom  as  we  make  decisions  about  Gabriel's  education  next  year. We  are  leaning  toward  homeschooling,   but  recognize  the  Gabe  will  still  have  to take  (Mexican)  government  tests  annually  to  be  able  to  return  to  the  system   here  if  he  chooses  to,  for  high  school  of  college.
 •    Pray  for  the  numerous  counseling  and  discipleship  opportunities  the  Lord  has given  us  this  summer.  Specifically,  that   we  would  reflect  God's  grace  and patience  while  steering  people  to  His  standards  in  the  Word.
•    Pray  for  our  church,  Amor  Fraternal,  that  the  Lord  would  bring  unity  and commitment.

Thanks  for  your  prayers!  Jeff,  Lilia  and  Gabriel    

Latest News from Oxford, England July 2012
Posted: 7/19/2012

Oxford, England    July 2012
Dear Friends and Family,
This month has truly been a time of rejoicing for us. On July 1st we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. Chuck and I are so thankful for how the Lord has taken a couple of broken people and redeemed us to call us His own. Rejoice with us and give God the glory!!
Here’s a quick update and some prayer and praise:
***J.O.Y. Place***
Since our JOY Place service was on our anniversary, we celebrated with our little congregation with cake, after the service. We are continuing to learn the Lord’s Prayer and each month take a small section of the prayer, and teach on it. This month we discussed “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” We talked about how we can ask God to help us to know and do the right thing, and how thankful we can be that God will protect us from evil, when we ask Him.
*Last month I asked you to pray for Katherine and Dennis, who is terminally ill. They are caretakers for Katherine’s learning disabled sister. I haven’t heard from them this past month, and have been trying to reach them. Please continue to pray for God’s grace and peace upon them as they walk through this dark valley. May they know the presence of Jesus, with every step they take.
**As always we ask that you please continue to pray for this ministry. ***As well as praying for the learning disabled folks in our meetings, please pray also for the carers or family members who bring them. Most of them are not believers and have had little or no exposure to the gospel. Check out our website:
www.joyplace.org.uk
***Missionary Care***
** We drove to Carlisle, near the Scottish border, and visited Kristian and Leah Tjemsland, and their 3 little boys. Leah was a classmate of our daughter at Faith Academy in the Philippines. Her parents were missionaries there and our families were good friends. What a joy it is to see this next generation of missionaries starting out and having an opportunity to cheer them on.    An added treat was that Leah’s mom was visiting. We hadn’t seen each other in over 10 years. It was just great to be able to catch up with one another.
*** Please pray for Kristian and Leah as they adjust to life and culture in Northern England, and for their ministry. Kristian will be working with the youth and Leah with mothers and their children.
***PHOTOS***
We post lots of photos on Facebook. If you are not on FB and would like to see these photos, just copy and paste this link and you will be able to view some JOY Place, Missionary Care, and personal photos of ours.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150237967897776.323 998.520422775&type=1&l=66aad48609
***UPCOMING OUTREACHES***Please pray **Leading worship at Calvary Chapel Oxford on July 22. ** August 5, JOY Place
** Chuck has been asked to share his testimony and the Gospel at an outreach in city centre, called Oasis. This ministry reaches out to the street people of Oxford city centre. Most are alcoholics, drug addicts, or mentally ill. Please pray for Chuck, this ministry and for these men and women, who so desperately need to be set free from their bondage and experience the abundant life in Christ.
**We are also in the “talking, networking, and praying stages” over more outreaches to the disabled community here in Oxford. Prayers appreciated.
We are so thankful for your friendship, your prayers and your support of us in every way.
In His love and by His grace, Chuck and Anita

Latest News from Tokorozawa May 2012
Posted: 5/14/2012

Aloha and Howzit from Tokorozawa.
We hope all of you are doing well and are enjoying the spring season. We enjoyed the beautiful cherry blossoms and tulips in early April. We are also enjoying the warmer weather. Winter seemed to go on and on this year. Easter was a blessing with lots of fellowship and food as well as a friendly afternoon kickball game. A few of the kids from the neighborhood actually joined in the game. On that very day though we had to say good bye to long time friends, the Shioda family. They decided to move to Okinawa. We will miss them dearly after spending 8 years together at this church. A few weeks ago James returned from his 6 month deployment to Kyrgystan. His wife and children seem so happy to have him back! This particular family, the Morrisons, will have a few more months at this Tokyo Air Force base before relocating. Pretty soon we will be saying good bye to them as well.
Erika and Evan are doing well. They are settled into their new classes. Erika is really happy that her good friend, Rimi, is in her class again and her new teacher is Mr. PE of Saitama prefecture. Evan finally ended up in the same class with church friend, Keika. Evan is enjoying his club soccer team. Yesterday he played in his first tournament representing Tokorozawa. His team ended up winning the championship and they all got cute little gold medals. There are three other kids on this team from the same neighborhood we live in, so I am getting to know the moms little by little.
In a few weeks Travis and I will be heading to Israel! Travis's dad will be coming here to stay with the kids while we are gone. This will actually be the first time Travis and I will be away from our kids. I am trying not to stress out about leaving them. :) Praying often these days to simply trust the Lord with all of it. Our ladies fellowship is currently going through the book of John, so I am really excited to go to Israel with the Words from John so fresh in my mind. We are very thankful for this wonderful opportunity.
The annual Japan Calvary Chapel Conference is coming up this week May 4-5. Travis will be able to lead worship a few times if his wrist permits (still not sure when it will flair up or why). He will also be able to teach one of the sessions on "Healthy Sheep". The theme of this years conference is "Feed and Care for My Sheep".
Thank you for taking time to read through this note and for praying as the Lord leads. We appreciate all of your support to our family and church family here in Tokorozawa. --
Til the last one's saved, Aloha and God bless you, Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa
www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Latest News from Mexicali May 2012
Posted: 5/14/2012

Latest News from Oxford, England May 2012
Posted: 5/14/2012

Oxford, England    May 2012
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you all for praying for us this past month! In our last update, I was struggling over the sudden loss of my mother. Through jetlag, lack of sleep and grief, I wrote you, wanting to keep you all posted with what was going on here. Several of you wrote and encouraged us greatly! Thank you.
Like a little child, there is such a wonder for me when I consider the goodness and greatness of God and how He moves in our lives. Especially, the wonder and the awe is there as I contemplate the paradox of joy and grief mingled in our lives. We are burdened by grief at times, but not defeated by it. Our hope in Christ and His promises bring a comforting and healing balm of joy. Oh, where would we be without Jesus?
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
***J.O.Y. Place***
At our May JOY Place we continued with The Lord’s Prayer, talking about our daily bread. We discussed how we can trust God, every day, for what we need. God loves us and takes care of us. We had a visitor whose adult son is learning disabled and she wanted to check us out. This week we received the following email: Many thanks for a delightful time at The Joy Place today. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves so much, with a real sense of joy in the Lord. There was such a sweet sense of the Holy Spirit as you lead the service so beautifully with a lovely balance of singing, worship, teaching, prayer and celebration. I do hope that my son will want to partake at some stage. I am really praying that he will know his need for the Lord in his life and how much the Lord can enrich and bless his life. If it's ok with you, I would like to keep attending the service, when I can, in the hopes that at some stage my son will come along too. In the meantime I will be praying for you and would really appreciate prayers for him too. He is struggling at the moment! With love in Christ
Would you please pray for this mother and her adult son.
**As always we ask that you please continue to pray for this ministry. ***As well as praying for the learning disabled folks in our meetings, please pray also for the carers or family members who bring them. Most of them are not believers and have had little or no exposure to the gospel.
Check out our website:    www.joyplace.org.uk
***JOY Place Conference***
On April 28th we spoke at a day long conference on learning disabilities and how churches can minister more effectively. Chuck and I presented a “mini-JOY Place service” and got the attendees interacting in the service. It was a simple way to share about the JOY Place ministry. We also shared some testimonies about how this ministry was started.
**Our June 3rd JOY Place will join in with the rest of the country in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Along with our regular worship, word, and prayer, we will have a Jubilee party, thanking God for our freedom and His goodness towards us, and celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years as Queen of England.
***Missionary Care***
In April we visited the Keen family in Hastings. Oh, what sweet fellowship we had. It was a joy to visit the church he pastor’s, and meet the folks there. After the service we had lunch and then spent the afternoon and evening talking, laughing, praying, and we also got a mini violin concert from 2 of their daughters. What a delightful family they are! We were so blessed by their heart for Jesus and desire to reach out in His love and truth to others.
***UPCOMING OUTREACHES***Please pray
** May 13 and 14 we will be in Swansea, Wales. We will be visiting Pillar Community Church and the missionary pastor and his family there. Please pray that our visit will be a blessing to them and an encouragement.
**June 4 and 5 we will have a family of 5 staying with us. They are preparing to move to the Philippines as missionaries. They visited us a few months ago to find out more about life in the Philippines. We had such a sweet day of fellowship and prayer. We invited them to bring their kids for a little Oxford Holiday.
**June 15-17 we will be in Carlisle visiting another young missionary couple. Leah, the wife, was a missionary kid who went to school with our children in Manila. What a thrill it will be to see her all grown up, with her own children, serving Jesus with her husband, here in England. We are so thankful for your friendship, your prayers and your support of us in every way.

In His love and by His grace, Chuck and Anita

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. All glory to Him, both now and forever! Amen 2 Peter 3:18
***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS*** *Please continue to pray for a needed facility for CC Oxford and for the church leadership
and that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community in word and deed.. *Pray for the "special friends" JOY Place ministry with the learning disabled. *Pray for the Missionary Care ministry. *Pray for other opportunities to reach out to those who have not heard the gospel. *Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.
*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us! “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19 PS: If any of you are on Facebook, invite us! It is a great way to keep in touch.
OUR SUPPORT ADDRESS : Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators PO Box 53640 Albuquerque, NM 87153-3640 (*Specify your gift is FOR SAUNDERS)
Shepherd’s Staff website: http://www.shepsstaff.org
Our HOME address is: Chuck and Anita Saunders 25A Lamarsh Road Oxford OX2 0LD England, UK
Our Phone Number is: (calling from the states dial) 011-44-1865-245696 (calling from the UK dial) 01865-245696

Latest News from Hermosillo, Mexico
Posted: 4/19/2012

ROENSPIE’S REPASO
News from Jeff, Lilia and Gabriel Roenspie Serving with Calvary Chapel in Hermosillo Sonora    April 2012
It’s Spring in Hermosillo! That means so many things... the desert flowers start to bloom (and we bust out the allergy medicine), the beaches get crowded, and teams arrivefrom the US. As in recent years, the number of teams coming from the US has diminished. That’s due partly to the economy and partly due to the news of violence and drug cartels in Mexico. This year, Crossroads Community Church joined us for children’s ministry at Amor Fraternal, House of Grace Orphanage, and our church’s neighborhood Bible Club, as well as ministering at the Homeless Shelter. With teams, we always see the Lord bring people with specific gifts for those “divine appointments.” One was Chuck, a man who recently had his leg amputated below the knee due to injuries suffered in the Vietnam War. Despite having to walk with a prosthesis, he made the trip. His ability to connect with fellow amputees at the Homeless Shelter was a highpoint for us. So often, these people feel abandoned and forgotten by God. Chuck was able to identify with them, despite the language barrier, and encourage them to seek the Lord and trust him with their loss. In addition, he had practical tips for how to prepare for a prosthetic and all the complications of living with an amputation. Another example of this came through a man named Rob, who is a tree specialist in Vancouver. For months, we have prayed about removing a huge eucalyptus tree from the property of the orphanage. Rob arrived, casually asked if there were any tools available (another brother happened to have left a chainsaw a few weeks earlier). Rob gave up his free day with the team, and after hiring a backhoe and operator, proceeded to knock down the enormous tree that stood in the way of construction! It wasn’t without incident... part of the tree fell in the neighbor’s yard! But in the end, the Lord provided perfectly what was needed to allow construction on the children’s home to continue.
Casa de Gracia—Speaking of the Children’s Home—It’s been about two months since the children’s home moved from their old house to their temporary housing while awaiting construction of their new building. It’s been a tough adjustment for the kids, moving into much smaller, temporary quarters. But the Lord has faithfully continued to minister. Since then, a local pastor and architect stepped forward to design the new building, and another local pastor has a ministry dedicated to building such projects with donated materials. In February, his group came from Guaymas to begin construction on the home. So the foundation is “set in stone” and we are just waiting for the next phase, depending on God’s provision for materials. In the meantime, we continue to seek ways for the kids and directors to be encouraged. Last month we had a special joint “Quinciñero” for a young man and young woman from the Children’s Home. The quinciñera is a rite of passage here, and we wanted encourage them in their walks as young adults in Christ. The event was great, with members of the church and community coming forward to provide the food, decorations, and even the dress for the young woman! It was a joy to watch Hugo and Milagros to see how much they are loved by the people in their church, and to realize that as they moved forward into young adulthood, they are not alone. In addition, many people have come forward to provide outings for the children (the local fire department, a pilot from the airport) and we as a family have enjoyed having groups of them over for meals and play times. Gabriel regularly goes home with them on Sunday, his “home away from home!”
One especially bright spot for us was during Easter week, having a swim party and ’smores night with the kids. The new property, like most properties in their small town, has a small cement swimming pool. Thanks to the Crossroads Team, the water was connected and they were able to fill their pool. That night, Lilia made “improvised” ’smores—Maria cookies, Nutella spread, and marshmallows. And we shared the story of the Passover and how the Lord “passed over” those who were marked by his blood!
Neighborhood Kid’s Club— The Neighborhood Kid’s Club led by a sister from our Church, Lety, continues to grow. Now there are 30 children attending weekly! They are separated into 4 groups, and Lilia and Gabe have taken responsibility for one of the groups. In addition, a neighbor recently offered an abandoned house in the neighborhood for their use! Lety and the kids began to clean-up and paint the interior of the house. A few of us from the church pitched in on the paint and the kids now have a place to call their own each Saturday. More importantly, they’ve seen God provide specifically to something they prayed for.
School of Ministry- In February, we finished up our three-part series on the Book of Genesis – Beginnings (Gen 1-11); Promise of the Patriarchs (Gen 12-25); and the Promise Continues (25-50). Five faithful students completed the course. After a brief break, we’ve begun the last course of the year, Cults and Religions. Mexico continues to see more and more sects making inroads here. Many people lump everyone outside of the traditional church – evangelicals included—in with these groups. Sadly, instead of offering freedom, they demand more and more of the people. The mark of these groups is to deny Jesus’ deity and His work on the cross. We’re hopeful that this class will allow the students to engage more openly with people from these other groups and confidently share the good news of what Jesus alone has done!
We’re also excited about a new project that we have undertaken. With permission from Elizabeth Elliot and Lars Gren, we are producing an audio version of Passion and Purity in Spanish! One of the students from the School of Ministry, Delma (with Yohanna, a youth from our church) , and Mike, a computer tech, agreed to work on the project. Since then, we’ve involved others from the church in the recordings as additional voices are needed. Every Saturday we record about 2 chapters and edit them. It’s a time-consuming process, but we hope to have the project completed by January of 2013! We wanted to offer the book in this way because, 1, it’s out of print and 2, many youth in Mexico can’t or don’t read. An audio book gives them the option to listen this incredible story of love and dedication.
¡RESUCITÓ! This spring, we as a church (Amor Fraternal) have been working to make sure that the most important day in human history—Resurrection Day—didn’t get lost. Here in Mexico, Easter is part of “Semana Santa” or holy week. Actually, they call the first week “Semana Santa” (when people feel religious obligation), and, sadly, the second week “Semana del Diablo” (or devil’s week) when people travel, party, and basically let loose. Traditionally, families have at least 3 or 4 days off, so many of them travel or receive family. In that process, it seems the message of Easter – the cross and resurrection—gets overlooked. In the past we’ve canceled services due to all the missing people. This year, we decided to celebrate the holiday as much as possible, putting up a special sign marking the resurrection and holding both a Good Friday Service and a Resurrection Day service. This was a first for us as a church, and we were excited to see how many people came together to celebrate the Resurrection.

And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” 1 Cor 12:23-25

Many of you already heard about my recent mishap. For those of you who haven’t... After tripping at a local fabric store and jamming the toe, and two days of insisting it was just bruised, I broke down and submitted to an x-ray which revealed a broken toe. It seems so insignificant, but the doctor needed to put a cast on it to immobilize the entire foot! So now I am subject to walking with crutches for at least a month, just for one toe! As I reflect on this reality, the verse above makes a lot more sense. The more we serve on the mission field, the more aware we are of those “little toes” that keep us standing here. So many of you have supported us in such quiet ways, but we want you to know that you are appreciated!

PRAYER POINTS...

• Please keep the following areas in prayer Please continue to pray for the House of Grace Children’s Home. For provision for daily needs and construction, and that both the Directors and the Children would see God’s faithful provision in every area of their lives. If you’d like more information or updates, visit their Facebook Page Casa Hogar de Gracia.
• Pray for the children of the Neighborhood Bible Club – that they would come to realization of who Jesus is and how deeply he loves them. Many of these kids come from at-risk homes, and they need to security of Christ in their lives.
• Pray for continued direction and provision for the School of Ministry. We have nearly completed the first two-year cycle, and are seeking the Lord as to how to proceed. For more information, look for the page on Facebook – Escuela de Ministerio Calvario.
• Pray for Lilia as she adjusts to life on crutches, and that Jeff and Gabe would be good nurses to her!
• ONE FINAL, IMPORTANT REQUEST—We’re praying for two volunteers (youth or young at heart) this summer to come and stay with us for a few weeks. We would like people to work with children at the Casa Hogar, Neighborhood Kid’s Club, sports clubs, and Sunday School. If you have the time, disposition, and calling, contact us! Volunteers would need to pay for their travel plus food, but we’d provide lodging, a spot in our car, and all the ministry you can handle! For more details, contact us!

Latest News from L'viv, Ukraine April 2012
Posted: 4/13/2012

Answers to prayer:
Sunday morning we got an early morning wakeup call that our church building was flooding. The water was coming from the apartment above us, or so it seemed. Thankfully we were able to get the water shut off and it looks like the damage is minimal. The plumbers came today and the strange thing is, the water is back on and no leak? We cannot find where it started and it is not leaking again. Next plan, find a different plumber !
We have shared our financial need to help pay the rent for the church. We have received several inquiries and it looks like the need we have is about to be met. More soon and thanks for praying.
We also shared that we need to find a new church home to rent by May 1st. Our current location is being turned into a youth hostel. L'viv is host to the Euro 2012 soccer tournament for one month in May/June. We are expecting 40,000 visitors. So lots of places are suddenly becoming hostels, hotels, etc. The increase in rent we have to pay after the tournament reflects new profit potential for the owners. But, with a few common sense questions and answers, and business reality check, things have changed. We can move back in after the tournament at the same rent. We are praying, and will look for something else for the next week, just to rule out any other God-thing kind of open door to a new place. But, we did pray God would keep us where we are. Looks like we may be staying. Thanks for praying, gang! We continue to see new people coming, many with hurts from unhealthy church experiences. They all express the same desire, "We just want to sit and be bathed in God's Word." That's what we do. This week we are in Matthew 21. The Holy Spirit is changing hearts, healing hearts, growing hearts, and filling us with the Word!
"The LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will be stirred up as in the valley of Gibeon; To do His task, His unusual task, and also to work His work,
His extraordinary work."

Latest News from Intensive Care Ministries April 2012
Posted: 4/13/2012

Intensive Care Ministries    April 2012 Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, I  am  leaving for  Haiti  on  this  coming  Saturday,  April  14th.
Please  hold  me  up  in  prayer  as  I  do  a  Monday-­‐Thursday  IBS   seminar  in  a city called  Cap  Haitian.
Pray  for  good  health   and  strength  for  this  conference  and  for  our  participants  to  catch  the  concept.  After  this  seminar  I  fly  to  St  Petersburg,   Florida  for  a  Friday evening  and  all  day  Saturday  IBS   seminar.
I  fly  back  to  California  on  Saturday  evening,  April   21st  and  the  next  day  I speak  three  times  on  Sunday   morning  at  a  church.
It’s  a  very  full  week  and  I  love  it!
Thanks  for  holding  me  up  in  prayer.
What  a  joy  to  serve  our   risen  Lord!
1.  Pray  for  the  participants  of  the  Haiti  IBS  seminar. Pray   they  will  take  to  heart  what  they  will  learn  this  April  16-­‐19  
2.  Pray  for my  IBS  seminar  in  Idaho  with  the  Assemblies  of   God,  May  18-­‐20   3.  Pray  for my  seminar  in  Juarez,  MX,  May  24-­‐26.  This  will   be  a  level  2  seminar  where we  will  teach  the  pastors  how  to   prepare  Bible  studies  and  sermons.  It’s  a  very critical   learning  time.
4.  Pray  for  Debbie  as  the  Dr’s  try  to  figure  out  what  is   causing  repeated  bladder  infections.

Blessings – Dan

Latest News from Mexicali April 2012
Posted: 4/13/2012

BARILLARO FAMILY
Mexicali, Mexico April Update
We just held our annual women’s retreat the end of March. It was such a blessing to see the Lord move so sweetly upon the many women who came hungry to hear from Him.    Some women who came to the retreat but are not from our church have begun to fellowship here as a result of being ministered to during their time at the retreat.
We are blessed to see the Lord continue to bring so many new people to CC Mexicali and are praying about how to expand the sanctuary for the growing numbers. We are currently considering knocking down our nursery building in order to enclose it along with the outside patio area to make all that area part of the sanctuary.
We ask for your prayers for the growing number of laborers needed to serve the growing number of people attending services and for Dawn who has damaged her recently operated knee, we have an appointment with the doctor on Monday to see what they will be able to do.
Thank you again for your prayers, we love you.
John, Laurie, Dawn and Brandi

Latest News from Oxford, England April 2012
Posted: 4/13/2012

Oxford, England
Dear Friends and Family,
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul, O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me......
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving-kindness....
Bring me out of my distresses! Look on my affliction and pain, and forgive all my sins....
Keep my soul and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.    From Psalm 25
***Joy and Grief Mingled***
Throughout the years when my mom and I would speak on the phone, before hanging up, she usually encouraged me to read a portion of scripture that had ministered to her recently. The day before she died, she told me to be sure and read Psalm 25, because God had used it to speak great comfort to her that day. I promised her I would read it.
However, I didn’t read it until after she had passed away. As I read the entire Psalm, the Lord encouraged MY heart in His words of comfort, strength, mercy, grace, and forgiveness that He had spoken into my mother’s heart in her final hours of struggle here on earth.
The writer of Hebrews declares, For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
In the same passage of scripture he exhorts us to: ...come boldly to the throne room of grace. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the sweet promises of His Word, God met the deepest needs of a dying woman..... and today, as I type this letter, the Lord is meeting my needs.
I returned to Oxford last week with my heart filled with gratitude for the time I had with family and for how the Lord blessed the memorial service for my mom. Physically, I was run down and had a horrible cold/flu, that I am just getting over.
Emotionally I am feeling a bit cast down and discouraged. Now intellectually, I know it is grief. Intellectually, I know that it will become easier.
As we celebrated the resurrection of Christ this past Sunday, how encouraged my heart was and is, to be reminded of the victory over death that Jesus has won. To be reminded that He goes to prepare a place for us and that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and
April 2012
that He has not left us as orphans, but we have a loving and almighty Father. Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, All fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives.
***J.O.Y. Place***
Our April JOY Place Service was an Easter celebration. Chuck, Matt, and Jenny said it went really well. Chuck led worship, with 2 of the learning disabled folks helping him.
Matt taught on the resurrection, and everyone made some key chains that had a cross on them. They also decorated a John 3:16 poster to take home.
This past Saturday Chuck and I attended the 40th birthday party of one of the women from the JOY Place. At 4 days old she had a brain haemorrhage and was not expected to live. Several times over the years, the doctors have told her parents that she would not live another year.    She is severely disabled, wheelchair bound, and cannot speak, but oh, I wish you could have seen the joy that she expressed when they wheeled her into the room filled with balloons and decorations, and over 100 people gathered there singing Happy Birthday to her. It was pure joy. Later in the evening there was Scottish folk dancing and she was wheeled around to the music and loved it.
A stranger might look at this woman, seemingly trapped in her body, bound to a wheelchair, not having a way of clear verbal communication, and might wonder what kind of quality of life could she possibly have? Yet we see her loved and treasured by her family and friends, we see her excited and enjoying their company, dancing to the music, and responding as people greeted her. We see her each month at the JOY Place just beaming with joy and anticipation at the opportunity to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, to pray, to have fellowship with others in Christ.....the grace of God is giving her life and life abundant!
**As always we ask that you please continue to pray for this ministry. ***As well as praying for the learning disabled folks in our meetings, please pray also for the carers or family members who bring them. Most of them are not believers and have had little or no exposure to the gospel.
Check out our website:    www.joyplace.org.uk
***JOY Place Conference***Please pray
On April 28th we will be speaking at a day long conference on learning disabilities and how churches can minister more effectively. Chuck and I have been asked to share about the JOY Place and lead worship. Please pray for this conference.
***Missionary Care***Please pray
April 22 we will be visiting a missionary family in Hastings. We are looking forward to meeting the church family there and pray we will be a source of encouragement and a refreshing to their hearts.
We are so thankful for your friendship, your prayers and your support of us in every way. In His love and by His grace,
Chuck and Anita
***CONTINUED PRAYER REQUESTS*** *Please continue to pray for a needed facility for CC Oxford and for the church leadership
and that God will use Calvary Chapel Oxford to reach our community in word and deed.. *Pray for the "special friends" JOY Place ministry with the learning disabled. *Pray for the Missionary Care ministry. *Pray for other opportunities to reach out to those who have not heard the gospel. *Pray for the Youth ministry Alan and Anna are heading up.
*Pray for our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. Our greatest desire, prayer, and joy for them is that they walk in truth (3 John 4), seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)    *Pray the same for us! “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? It it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19
PS: If any of you are on Facebook, invite us! It is a great way to keep in touch.
OUR SUPPORT ADDRESS : Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators PO Box 53640 Albuquerque, NM 87153-3640 (*Specify your gift is FOR SAUNDERS)
Shepherd’s Staff website: http://www.shepsstaff.org
Our HOME address is: Chuck and Anita Saunders 25A Lamarsh Road Oxford OX2 0LD England, UK
Our Phone Number is: (calling from the states dial) 011-44-1865-245696 (calling from the UK dial) 01865-245696

Latest News from Tokorozawa April 2012
Posted: 4/13/2012

Tokorozawa    April 2012
Aloha and Howzit from Tokorozawa.
March was an exciting month with a few highlights. The most amazing thing was that after not coming to church for about 5 years Keiko was able to come back. Her husband and two boys who have been faithful to come to church all these years were so happy as were the rest of us.
Another exciting thing was that Kazumi decided to come to home fellowship a few more times and even cried during one of the messages. It is exciting to see God touching her heart. She has quickly become friends with another lady in our church. It is good for her to be able to simply talk with another person in Japanese.
My student, Ayumi, wasn't able to come to church, but did manage to come to Vanessa's birthday party. She told me that her kids are asking her when they will be able to come to church again. Her second daughter is about to begin elementary school so Sundays have been busy with visits from grandparents and shopping. She is hoping to come this Sunday for Easter Service.
Melissa held a Christian Hula Workshop for the ladies in church on a Saturday. It was a lot of fun for all of us ladies.
The kids finished up school and are enjoying their spring vacation. We have been hit with stomach viruses as well as Evan coming down with the chicken pox. He passed it on to three other friends in church.:) We were blessed with a visit from grandparents and uncle Tristan & auntie Bonnie. We were able to go to the zoo, aquarium, amusement park, and bowling with our family.
Travis was able to help get the team of about 20 ready for their trip up north to Matsushima with renting a car, making a flyer for the concert, applying for road passes (which are not available anymore), etc. He was actually planning to go up with the group, but decided to spend the time with the kids since they are off school right now. The group Hakugaijin from Okinawa will be having a concert for the folks up north. Rich Rose and others from the bible college in Fuchu will be cooking food for the people too.
There are conferences being planned for the end of April and beginning of May. A worship conference at Calvary Chapel West Tokyo and the annual Japan Calvary Chapel conference in Hachioji.
Thank you for praying while you read this update. Continue to pray that we would effectively minister to the folks at church and also reach out and invite others to come and see Jesus and know Him.
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Update from the Takamiya Family in Tokorozawa March 2012
Posted: 3/7/2012

Tokorozawa    March 2012
Aloha and Howzit from Tokorozawa.
Hope you are all doing well. Thank you for taking the time to read about what is going on here and for praying for us and the church family. It's hard to believe that March is here. That means the end of the school year for the kids. They will enjoy a 2-week break before starting 5th and 3rd grade. During that break we will be blessed with a visit from Travis' parents and his brother and brother's wife, Tristan and Bonnie. March also marks one year since the big earthquake and tsunami. This weekend there will be a Franklin Graham Festival March 2-4 in Sendai. Travis and a group of 6 others went up to Higashi Matsushima last week to reach out to the 2 communities they have been ministering to in order to encourage them to go to the Franklin Graham event. Buses will even be provided to drive the folks who have an interest to go. Travis' group provided dinner and a concert as well as a message about Jesus and hope for the future. People signed up to go so pray that they follow through and get on the bus this coming weekend.

I sprained my ankle playing volleyball back in January. I didn't write about it last month because it was small news. But while I was going to the clinic for rehab an interesting thing happened. I met a lady who remembered seeing me come in the first time (Travis half carrying me in). Since that time she thought maybe she knew who I was and was hoping that our paths would cross again. Turns out she is good friends with another lady on my team who had moved away to Nagasaki a few years ago (we still keep in touch with their family). Our paths crossed again at the clinic and she introduced herself. Later that night my friend from Nagasaki emailed me about passing my information to her friend (the lady I just met). Well before this story gets too long... the main thing is that I was able to invite her to church. She hung out for a while after lunch and later asked about the other meetings that go on during the week. She wouldn't be able to come to church unless her husband was on a business trip. So she ended up coming to a home fellowship and hopes to come again. Her name is Kazumi.

Other good news is that my student that I meet with once a week has decided to come to church. I have been with her for a year now. Maybe I wrote about her back in October. Her family and friends were at the same campground as our church. I introduced her to the place about 4 months prior and she ended up liking it. God worked it all out that they were at camp the same weekend as us! She was able to meet many church people back then. Recently she was asking about our English school and where the church is located. So I told her everything about the school and added that she can always come to church any time. So she came with her three little kids for the past two Sundays and plans to come again. Her husband works on the weekends so she comes alone. Her name is Ayumi.

Since Bud Stonebraker was in town Travis invited some of the guys to hang
out on a Saturday. He invited one of the guys that lives in our neighborhood. He hung out all day with them. He actually came to church back in May last year. His wife and three kids didn't come though. His name is Nori san. He is really friendly and likes to talk with foreigners. He really enjoys talking with Travis. :) He told me recently he is really busy and can't make it to church, but he will try.

While Bud was here we asked him if it was okay to announce (and he said OK) that South Shore Christian Fellowship is sponsoring Travis and I to go to Israel with them and a group from Calvary Chapel Okinawa in May. We are so appreciative of this wonderful opportunity. We are still in shock and don't even know what to say!! Bud informed us that there are others who helped to sponsor us so we thank you and look forward to going. Travis' dad will fly over and take care of the kids for us.

The church family is doing well. One couple just celebrated 30 years of marriage!! Our women's fellowship is 6 chapters into the book of John for Joyful Life Bible Study. We Go Eigo held a babysitting night for their students so the parents could go out on a date back in February. Many people were able to make it out for a Karaoke night, but Evan and I had to miss it because he was down with the flu. Melissa Scott is having a Christian Hula Workshop for the ladies in mid March. One of our missionaries, Logan, will be marrying Aki (translator for Rich Rose). Travis is going through marriage counseling with them and will have the honor of marrying them at the end of June.

Again, we're just so grateful for all that the Lord is doing here, through you all as well. Please remember to keep in touch and maybe this summer we'll be able to catch up when Travis' parents bring us back to Hawaii for a visit. --

Til the last one's saved, Aloha and God bless you, Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa
www.calvarytokorozawa.com

News from The Roenspies - March 2012
Posted: 3/7/2012

PRAYER  POINTS  for  the  ROENSPIE  FAMILY      MARCH  2012

  •    School  of  Ministry.
Wrapping  up  the  Genesis  course,  Maria  de  Jesus  (one  student  who  uses  her  3 monthly  allotted  to  leave   early  days  in  order  to  be  in  class)  eagerly  asked “¿What’s  next?”.  Please  pray  for  that  hunger  for  God’s  word  to  spread  here   among  more. The  next  course  will  be  Cults  and  Religions,  while  as  mentioned before  we  hope to  restructure  the  classes  for   a  more  versatile  reaching  out  to those  with  a limited  education.
  •    Pray  for  the  electrical  system  at  Amor  Fraternal.  We  are  having  serious  problems  with  our  electrical  system  and  the landlord  is  unwilling  to  invest  more  in  the  building.  We  need  wisdom  as  to  whether  we  should  move  or  invest  ourselves.   Soon  we  may  be  holding  candlelight  services!
•    We  are  seeing  increased  robberies  and  violence  in  town.  Most  of  the  robberies  are  petty  crimes  of  opportunity,  but  they   create  fear.  Pray  that  we  would  continue  to  trust  the  Strong  Tower  in  this  time  of  uncertainty.
•    We  continue  to  work  through  Hebrews  as  a  church  as  well  as  Home  Fellowships.  Please  pray  for  consistency  within  the   body  that  people  will  realize  a  need  to  seek  the  Lord  on  a  daily  not  weekly  basis  again  that  their  lives  would  mature  in  the   word.  This  is  a  basis  Jeff  is  using  to  disciple  a  young  man  who  came  out  of  a  drug  past  and  is  encouraged  to  see  him  grapple   with  difficult  issues (learning  to  forgive  others  even  as  the  Lord  has  forgiven  him  as  well  as  trusting  God  to  heal  so  many   broken  areas  in  his  life).  Pray  for  continued  grace  and  wisdom  as  they  work  through  these  issues.
  •    The  recording  of  Passion  and  Purity  in  Spanish  has  hit  a  few  delays  with  our  main  reader  becoming  very  ill  this  month. Please  keep  Delma  and  Mike  in  your  prayers  as  they  work  on  this  very  long  process  that  they  will  be  encouraged  in  diligence   toward  the  goal.  We  see  such  a  need  for  materials  of  this  nature  here  as  more  young  people  dismiss  purity  as  a  goal.
  •    Sunday  School  Ministry.  Please  pray  for  Lilia  and  Ericka  (a  young  woman  who  has  come  along  side  to  train  in  leadership)  as   they  work  together  to  strengthen  this  ministry.  Pray  for  wisdom  as  they  deal  with  challenging  issues  like  large  age  ranges,   limited  resources  both  in  materials  and  man  power.  Pray  that  the  body  would  realize  the harvest  in  children.
 •    Pray  for  wisdom  for  us  as  a  family,  it’s  time  to  renew  our  commitment  to  Gabriel’s  school.  In  the  past  we  have  wrestled   with  the  idea  of  homeschooling  but  have  not  gone  there  for  many  reasons,  one  being  there  is  no  turning  back  as  the   government  requires  a  cert.  of  completion  to  move  up  each  year.  Being  an  only  child  Gabe  has  always  enjoyed  being  in   school  with  other  children  though  this  year  he  began  to  struggle  with  other  kids  “growing  up”  way  too  fast  and  has  begun   to  ask  if  he  could  be  homeschooled.  At  the  same  time  we  have  seen  both  social  and  academic  needs.  Please  pray  for  us  as  a   family  to  make  the  right  decision  as  it  will  entail  many  adjustments  and  time  management.
 •    Pray  for  the  Casa  de  Gracia  Children’s  Home.  Most  of  you  know  the  initial  offering  made  to  them  for  the  home  was  reduced significantly,  leaving  them  with  funds  to  buy  property  but  not  to  build.  This  month  they  moved  into  much  smaller  living   situation  with  20  children  it’s  a  tight  squeeze.  We  are  exciting  to  see  God  work  here  even  as  they  were  visited  last  week  by   relatives  of  a  local  gospel  singer  who  happen  to  be  in  the  construction  business  and  offered  5000  cement  blocks  that  had   been  earmarked  for  a  project  that  were  no  longer  needed.  They  are  still  waiting  for  the  paperwork  to  go  through  to   complete  the  land  purchase  and  title  so  they  can  actually  begin  building.  Please  continue  to  pray  for  this  ministry  as  well  as   the  church  as  they  see  the  Lord  provide  and  wait  on  Him  for  his  perfect  timing.
 •    Finally,  pray  for  two  major  events  –  a  team  from  Vancouver  Washington  in  March  and  a  1-­‐day  Women’s  Event  on  the Book  of  Philippians.  The  women’s  event  is  an  annual  event  with  a  speaker  from  CC  Albequerque.  About  100  women  are   expected  to  attend.  Pray  they  will  be  encouraged,  and  for  the  logistics  of  the  event.

  Jeff,  Lilia  and  Gabriel  Salmo  117   

More news from Mexico
Posted: 3/5/2012

Greetings!  I just returned safely from my trip to Juarez.  This was one of my more memorable trips over the years.  We saw God do a mighty work amongst Pastors and Christian workers.
 
Our team was driving to the seminar for the second day, when one of our hosts received a phone call from his sister in law that someone was trying to break into his home.  The sister in law had gone out and yelled at the thief who fled away from the house. That should have been a sign to us as what was going to happen that day.  As most of you know, during our seminar that morning a gang of thieves stole six cars from our participants.  The enemy was doing everything he could to disrupt our seminar, but we prayed and committed it all to the Lord.  I sent out another email that travels around the world and His church began fervently praying for us and the enemy could not raise his ugly head again!  Thank you for praying!  The seminar was so well received by our participants.  They saw the need to study the Word.  One pastor shared that he had a weekly radio program and he never studied the Word before the broadcasts.  He just asked God for Devine revelation and spoke whatever came to his mind.  He said he realized he cannot do that anymore and that he must teach the Word!  Other pastors told us of disunity amongst themselves and that they had sought healing and received it during the seminar.  After the seminar many pastors asked for further training so Lord willing I will go back in the near future to do more training with them.  God stirred His church and the hunger for the Word was amazing! Thanks again for your prayers.  Blessings – Dan

From Mexico
Posted: 3/1/2012

Please pray for our seminar in Juarez, Mexico. We are having a powerful time as the Word is being studied and taught. Many are being blessed. The enemy however is doing everything he can to disrupt our meetings. This morning a gang came into the parking lot and stole 6 cars from our participants. Please pray that the cars will be recovered. We are asking Him to intervene. Join me in standing against the work of the enemy. Thank you!  Dan

Tell A Friend

Mexicali Trip, January 2012
Posted: 1/26/2012

Thank you also for your prayers for the team that went to Mexicali last week. The entire trip was a blessing handed to us by our Heavenly Father, starting with the border crossing. We had a lot of materials to take across for our work projects and so we pulled into the customs lane expecting to pay taxes at the very least or having materials not pass and us being sent back. One of our team members (Irma) spoke to the border agent in calm, grandma type tones and before we know it we were on our way with all the materials and no taxes to pay. Irma is now our official border crossing liaison.

Pastor John Barillaro has had a vision to plant a church in a colonia (Santo Nino) about 45 minutes away from their facility. There is one lady in particular he has been ministering to whose husband is in prison now for the last 9 years. At her run down, pallet constructed home, her and her three daughters only have a slightly partitioned out house in the front of their property. Pastor John told her he was going to build her a proper bathroom. So that's what our team came to do. Her home has a dirt floor, rickety walls and you can see sunlight pecking through the roof. When the guys finished the bathroom, complete with vanity and shower, she said that here and her daughters would probably sleep in the bathroom when it rained. It will be the only dry place in the house. It breaks your heart but what a privilege to be able to show the love of Christ to this family. I know the team was blessed beyond measure to be a part of it.

On Saturday afternoon we held an out reach geared for the kids at the Santo Nino colonia and about 60 to 70 attended along with many of their parents. Some of these mommies are so young. It's almost like children having children. We ran a number of games and did face painting with the kids. The team from CC Mexicali presented music, a puppet show and Pastor John gave a short message. Many of the kids responded to the invitation as Pastor John lead them through a prayer. We then fed them all tortas and punch and continued the games. It was a great afternoon. This colonia is well on the outskirts of Mexicali and is quite poor and run down. Our team got a good taste of life in Santo Nino and as one of our team members stated, "This was very eye opening, I've never seen this kind of poverty. It was a blessing to be a part of all this."

I pray the seeds that were planted both in word and deed and will grow and bear fruit in the weeks and months to come. Pray for Pastor John and the folks at CC Mexicali as they reach out to their neighbors in Colonia Santo Nino.

In His Grip,

Gerard Deleeuw
Missions Director

Mexicali Missions Update January 2012
Posted: 1/16/2012