7/7: Sunday - Ishinomaki

Amazing day in many ways, with lots of components happening at once.

First, Sylvia took a bus from Ishinomaki to Sendai, where she caught an early afternoon flight up to Sapporo.  She is doing a 24 hour mission care visit with Wakako Clark.  Quick background: Tim and Wakako Clark are Asian Access missionaries we've known for years, and are supported by Westminster Chapel; their 2 year old son Hiroki, has leukemia, and seems to be recuperating, plus the Clarks are going through massive transition in their ministry from Hokkaido to Tokyo. So with a special flight ticket and some extra donations to cover the lodging, Sylvia is able to spend some care and comfort time with Wakako, who has been under daily off-the-charts stress with all the challenges in their lives.

Meanwhile, a group of believers and missionaries gathered at the beach for a join worship service, followed by a baptism in the ocean. Yuko's story is full of agony and heartbreak before the tsunami, and then of even more loss and tragedy because of the disaster.  But in an amazing connection, she met Sue Takamoto who loved and cared for her, gave her a job and hope at Nozomi Project, and introduced her to Jesus who is giving her life healing and joy.  So now, instead of committing suicide (as she had tried several times before) she is committing her life to Jesus Christ.  Amazing grace, amazing love, amazing transformation.

Eric Takamoto leading the combined service at the Ishinomaki beach

Gordon and Tobi leading the worship songs

Yuko telling her story of tragedy transformed into life and hope

Heading out into the ocean for the baptism

Yuko about to be baptized 

Celebrating with Yuko (yellow towel and flowers)

BBQ lunch; center back is the English student, Ogawa-san (?), Mike, and Gordon

Gordon and Tobi leading more worship songs

Farewell songs led by Gordon and Tobi

Following a potluck BBQ together, and some final songs and blessings, we 3 guys started our preparations to pack up and leave tomorrow.  Of course, that included a final stop at the Ishinomaki Starbucks.  ;-)  That evening, we had an obento supper with the Gilbert team, then home to finish packing and departure details.