dancing in the orient - day nine-

Crowded Japan

The T/J Team and Emily Hong: L-R top-Jenna, Abi, Ashton, Joshua; middle-Emily Hong, Kirsti; bottom-Stanton, Kimberly, Kenon



SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2010 : Shizuoka

Quick Sketch:

• Team dances/Yutaka preaches at Living Way Church, Shizuoka : powerful
• Many conversation over Curry/Rice church-wide meal—American C’ian, Indian Hindu, Japanese cripple prayer warrior,…
• Quick travel to Kagegawa-Paul/Cheryl Bostrom and 13 children
• Slap-Happy Planning for tomorrow’s dance camp

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

We feel as though we are on eagle’s wings; no doubt, we are being carried by your prayers. ARIGATOO!

Today we awoke from our futon sleep(strewn throughout the church bldg) - well rested, though we could have slept longer. We scurried through breakfast, put the church in order, just in time for the arrival of church folk. Living Way Church moved into the present building in March. For those who’ve joined us in previous mission trips (2006 or 2008), you will understand if I say—“there are no pillars in the center of the room to dance into!”

After worship, led by Ako Suzuki (old friends of Glenn and Karen Baron when they were missionaries in Japan), the team presented 3 dances—When It Was Over, Come Thou Fount, & Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Yutaka then gave the sermon—an extended thank you and word of encouragement to the church, followed by a sermon on Psalm 19—responding to God’s non-verbal (creation) as well as verbal (the “law of the Lord”) . The dancers then completed the service with a powerful improv. worship piece using none other than a Battlestar Gallactica song! Lots of tears followed. The church warmly received us like never before.

This Shizuoka church takes the “breaking bread together” literally, and each Sunday they provide a very inexpensive meal at the church which builds much community. Since two years ago when we visited last, there is a renewed vibrancy in the congregation and many new faces and believers present. Some of the chats included—

-Stephen (Evansville,IN-teacher of TESL for one yr) who brought one of his new friends, Sumit

-Sumit (Indian Hindu –master’s level researcher of earthquakes). I asked if he was a believer…He smiled and said he is interested and learning. I remarked that I too am “interested and learning”, and that with Jesus I first learned about him through his work on the cross, but that He is so powerful, loving, and wise, that I am still interested and learning.” I told him I am jealous that next week he will hike up Mt. Fuji!

-Deder (sic?) Gordon—one of the oldest Gordon daughters who danced two years with San Antonio Ballet, but is returning to Mississippi to dance with a brand new modern company bringing the message of Jesus.

- Catherine and Ando—another married daughter (two adopted children) of the Gordon’s who expects in the next two years to move to Indonesia as missionaries.

- ?twenty-something male : Can’t remember his name, but I asked how he learned English so well. And this is his encouraging story—a reminder of the power of prayer:

“I studied college in San Francisco, but when I dropped out later, my parents refused to provide funds. Since I wanted to stay in America, but had no job, no food, and no bed I was desperate. A friend introduced me to a church family, provided for me, and introduced me to Jesus. I later returned to Shizuoka as a very new believer, still so hungry. As I was reading my Bible, I realized that I needed to be water baptized. I prayed what to do next. My apartment was located behind the old Living Way Church building and every Sunday I began hearing English worship songs sung. I was fascinated. Finally I developed enough courage to knock on the church door. Ricky Gordon, the pastor greeted me. I told him, ‘ I have come to be baptized!’ This was in the fall of 2008, and I have been with the church ever since.”

As I chatted further with my new friend, we exchanged more details, and I realized that he was the fruit of our prayer walks as we circled the church community praying for their neighbors. Both of us were very encouraged.

- Naotaka— This gentleman (30’s) has been with the church for about ten years. He is crippled, some brain damage, walking slowly with two canes. This is his story—

His parents raised him in Oregon. As a new believer in college, Naotaka was in a serious car accident which left him in a coma. The doctors told his parents that there is no way he will live. So, his parents returned him to Japan to die. Instead, he miraculously lived. Then He was told that he would not speak, but slowly with prayer he began to speak. He was told that he would not walk, but with great pain and lots of therapy, he is now walking. This man is a living miracle! I asked him why God brought him back to Japan to live and not die? He said, “For prayer… I am called to pray for Japan!” Immediately the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, and I began weeping, realizing that God was allowing me the honor of meeting one of the great prayer warriors of Japan. I began praying for him. Pretty soon he began shaking and fell to the floor. I firmly believe that this man will see with his own eyes the revival of Japan; what many only long to see.

By 4:30pm we were on the bus, heading to the train station. We gave our goodbyes, and traveled 15 min. south to Kagegawa. Here , Paul & Cheryl Bostrom and their 13 children lead a Japanese/English congregation, the Sakuragi Christian Center. They are third generation missionaries. Several of their children are adopted from Eastern Europe, another is a 12 year Down’s child whom they adopted just a few years ago. They began an international school two years ago that is thriving, except for space!

We spent the evening renewing/gaining our friendships, then planning for Monday’s dance camp at the school. Because the team is tired, it was hard to plan….yet, very slap-happy! We fell into our futons, strewn throughout the schoolrooms, separated by make-shift “curtains”- sheets hung on clotheslines. Oh, how we love the mission life!

Thanks again for your prayers. There is so much more to share; we save that for our return in just 6 days!

With love,

Sue

---

Edith and grandson Rui

Fujikawa new friends

New Fujikawa friends with Kirsti and Kenon

Penguin salute: Jenna, Kirsti, Stanton, Kenon, and Abi

Signatures on Ashton's Heel

dancing in the orient - day eight-

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2010

Quick Sketch:

• Morning with Hogondai Home Stay families;
• Crystal Chapel Dance Rehearsal
• Crystal Chapel Full Performance
• Fast Train to Shizuoka

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

We’ve certainly begun the fast-paced leg of our journey, travelling south thru Honshu, the largest island of Japan. We spent the morning in Hogondai with our host families (looking at a map of Japan, Hogondai is a suburb of Yokohama--south of Tokyo.) The late morning and early afternoon was given to “blocking” our dances in a very small space at Crystal Chapel. The dancers would swirl into each other, hit corners of walls, and slap faces as they passed each other…actually a little dangerous. Thankfully, they had humor.

We forgot to prepare them for the Japanese culture of hiding emotions. When there was very few smiles and laughter and clapping during the performance, they wondered what was wrong. It was a lesson in dancing “for an audience of One.” But later as we prayed for several , the tears flowed freely. Afterwards, a church crowd sent us off with continuous jubilant waving until our bus was out of sight.

A one hour bullet train ride south brought us to Shizuoka where Ricky Gordon and Hiro picked us up. It was great to see old friends. Ricky and Sarah Gordon raised their 5 children while laboring to build a church community here. They also have 5 other adopted Japanese children; and if that’s not enough, they have an adoption ministry of special needs children. It is not unusual to see a 20- something brawny guy with a Downs babe in their arms. Presently they have eight babes.

We sleep in the church on futons, after processing our hearts; Many times we’ve seen at the half-way point in our trips, the tears begin, as the Lord unearths and gently shakes loose some of the lies and idols we hold on to. This is no exception. It is beautiful to see the team gathering around and loving each other through these moments.

Pray for—

Yutaka’s sermon and Team’s dance on Sunday at 10:30.

Kakegawa Dance Camp and Performance on Monday

Natalie Wilson in Hiroshima

Much love and gratefulness,

Sue

Kimberly and Ashton Practicing in the Airport

Hokondai Homestay

Chisako and ....Translators

Kirsti and Ashton dancing 'Lifesong'

Jenna dancing 'Come Thou Fount'

Kimberly and Kenon dancing Hip Hop

Personal Note From Ashton in Response to Moma's Email

Re: How are you doing?

...

From:	Ashton Price ...
To:	Kristian Price

---

Hi. I'm doing well. My coral foot wound (bottom of right foot) is doing really well. It is almost done healing..... Yeah, Gma and I did take a tumble. That one still hurts a lot but is okay. The most painful thing is walking/dancing.....mostly just putting the heel on the ground. (my left foot). But my team has been super and is taking care of me nicely. I have so many bruises all over my legs from random things (some escalator, some not) and I have a dollar size rug burn on my knee that really hurts. But I'm doing really well. Kirsti and I took wounded leg pictures. It is pretty funny! Side note....when Gma fell on me, my suitcase handle broke on both sides so they just broke it off altogether. So we should try to return it when we get back. The boys have been so sweet in helping me carry it. We just trade suitcases and they struggle with making it obey while I roll theirs. I think part of it too is cause it hurts to put my heel on the ground so I just hobble along. =)

We are finally in Japan!!!! We already had one home stay near Yokohama and a performance (which was in a beautiful glass building-Crystal Chapel-Moma you would have loved it. The perfect glass house in the mountains!) The performance was difficult spiritually and physically. But thankfully physically none of us felt any pain while dancing. It just all came back after! =) We are currently in Shizouka. Dr. Kawase is preaching this morning and we are doing two pieces. I love this team so much! It will be super hard to not see them again until September! =) Well since I have to share the computer I better go. I love you all so much!!!!!!

Love,
Ashton =)


From: Kristian Price <>
To: "Price, Ashton" <>
Sent: Sat, June 5, 2010 11:32:03 PM
Subject: How are you doing?

I just wanted to check and see how you were doing? Is your cut from the coral healing? (your foot) I read where you and Grandma took a tumble. How is your hand? I am sure that it was a scary time for everyone, but especially for Grandma. I know she was embarrassed but things happen to everyone and we are just glad she was not hurt. I love you. I look forward to hearing all about your time there.
Love,
Moma

dancing in the orient - day seven

FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2010—Narita Airport, Tokyo to Yokohama

Brief Sketch:

• We’ve arrived in Yokohama suburbs after 14 hrs. of travel
• Noting increased warfare.
• Team divided into welcoming, gracious home stays
  

Trip Diary:

Dear Family and Friends:

7pm Friday-Japan Time (JT) We’ve arrived safe in Tokyo. We have full hearts from our time in Taiwan, but are realizing the seriousness of the next leg of our trip. Several instances keyed us into the warfare we are facing—missing shuttle, barely on time for our flight, and G’ma Nobuko’s slip on an escalator. We think she stumbled on her luggage and then onto Ashton. It caused a slight pile up at the top of the busy escalator. But thankfully, it was mostly a scare. Ashton had a superficial cut; Gma was embarrassed. But, we all gathered round and decided it was time to pray. Joshua was put in charge of being G’ma’s constant escort for the next while till she heads to her Tokyo destination. Customs, immigration, currency exchange, and cell phone rental has gone fairly smoothly. We are about to embark on the final portion of our journey today. Please continue to pray. The emergency cell phone number is: xxxxx It costs $1.50 / min. to send and receive so we will only use it in case of emergency and ask that you do the same.

Sat. 9:30 am (JT)—Yutaka and I stayed in the pastor’s home. They are a bi-racial family: Hiroshi & Edith Tsukii -- He is Japanese; she is French. They have an appreciation for John/Paula Sanford’s ministry in Seattle, WA- Elijah House/Elijah School of Prayer. Laboring in Japan with their four adult children for 30 years, they are faithful and wise and have nurtured joyful hearts. I was glad to have the opportunity to pray for her, especially for their one son who is presently wayward.

Our attached pics--

• Two of the dances while at All Nations conference-Into the West & When It Was Over
  
• Susan Shen- children's minister at Living Water church, Tainan
• Natalie- our 12th team member, in Hiroshima
• Worship improv at All Nations conference- included It Is Well !
  

Please pray –

• A blessing on the Hongodai church, and esp. for the host families
• Jenna as she leads the dancers in their final rehearsal before today’s full program
• Stamina and clear hearts for the dancers, free of injuries
• Yutaka as he shares his testimony
• Open hearts among the many unbelievers who will be attending
• Smooth, safe travel to Shizuoka later today

Please especially remember to pray for Natalie Wilson…our team member who has been in Hiroshima now already two weeks.

Much love,

Sue Kawase

'When It Was Over' ending (Ashton not visible-in back center)


Sue and Susan Shen

Natalie

'It is Well'

Into the West (Ashton is front left)

dancing in the orient T/J - day six

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2010 …..7am TT

Quick Sketch:

• Intense Dance Rehearsal
• Bus Trip back to Tainan—great discussions; sleep, laughter
• Team assists Living Water church dancers for their youth retreat dance
• Adults join the Chens’ for Japanese food

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

“Not much to share today…” These were my typed words as I sat down to the computer late yesterday afternoon. But that changed.

The day began with our routine team connection over breakfast, then onto an intense dance rehearsal…gearing up for our first full performance in Yokohama Sat. at 2pm TT. Several conference attendees watched. One was a 9yo Thai missionary gal named Hannah Staton, who hung around most of the morning. Wed.night she gave the conference attendees an incredible worship dance using Thai style, choreographed in her quiet time. Realizing her hunger for dance, her mother has her in ballet, but also Thai dance classes. As the other dance students are taught to meditate and pray/dance to their Thai gods in class, little Hannah has requested that she be allowed to attend the classes, but that she will pray and dance to Jesus. It is precious. A little “Daniel.” Pray for she and her family, including Caleb her younger brother (who was fascinated with dance as well and was Kenon’s shadow during dance seminars) They are returning to Thailand. (see pic)

The 3 hr. bus trip back to Tainan was uneventful. The team had great discussions, lots of laughter. Some caught up on sleep. I connected more with Claire, the recent widow of Wenwei. She and her son Isaac sat in front of me in the bus ride. She homeschools in the morning and teaches TESL as an afternoon job for support. She nurtures a grateful heart. I think of other single moms who are veteran warriors—Catherine Leatherman, Fran Golden, Marnie Sutton. I expect to see Claire again on a future trip to IHOP.

While Yutaka, Grandma Nobuko, and Sue were invited out for some authentic Japanese food , the teens mingled with the Living Water youth at “Bus 7 Café” then gathered upstairs, to assist their leaders in their church youth who are preparing a lengthy hip-hop dance for their annual Tainan Youth 4-day “Spirit “ Days.

Hip-hop is a favorite in Taiwan. The team watched and cheered them on, then were asked to help the 20-25 Living Water youth to perfect their hip-hop skills. One thing led to another. They were asked to show “some of their stuff”, so the team chose a few hip-hop, modern pieces—including Man of Sorrows. At that point the hiphop guys went with our guys to work on some moves; our girls worked with their youth on modern dance moves. Soon after that it turned into a party time—big circles with everyone cheering each other on as they attempted their improv wild dance moves. Lots of cheering and laughter. The team left after 10pm with soaked with sweaty attire, but with full hearts and lots of new friends. How apropos to end our time in Taiwan with a party!

Today is our travel day leaving the hotel at 8am and arriving hopefully at our evening destination (near Yokohama, Japan) by 9-10pm. Please pray for—

• Smooth, efficient, quick travel details
• Reconnecting of team hearts
• Rest and focus as we head into an incredibly busy week of ministry/travel
• Maximize our opportunities and conversations in each encounter
• Spirit-empowered dance and conversation
• Open the ancient gates of the Japanese hearts

Much love and grateful hearts for our stateside prayer team!

With love,

Sue

Ping Pong

Japanese Food

Matt and Elizabeth Chen


Sushi and Randy

dancing in the orient - day five-

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010 …..9am TT

Quick Sketch:

· Abi’s beauty opens doors for praying for young childless Taiwanese couple

· Morning children’s ministry: translated swim pool guards!

· Afternoon: freetime-- beach volleyball, jumping Pacific waves, etc.

· PingPong Tournament: The 50 yo’s pass the baton to the younger generation:

o Lulu Chen: women’s champion

o Joshua Tseng: men’s champion

o The rest of us learn to love the game, not just the win!

Trip Diary:

Dear Friends and Family,

Our last full day at the Howard Resort passed with lots of fun, connecting and celebrating our new friends. The time here has allowed us to unify as a team, get needed rest, gain perspective of a larger world of missions, and-as Stanton says- “drop our anchor” for the ministry ahead. We so much feel your prayers over us and are indebted to you all stateside, recognizing that we are a part of a much larger team than just us.

While Abi and I lingered over our tasty and abundant breakfast, a young Taiwanese couple sheepishly pursued us and motioned that they wanted a picture with us. We gladly complied, but quickly recognized that this was more than a photo op session; so we pulled in John & Mary Ho, and Haesung Choi to connect with them in their native Taiwanese tongue. The gist of the conversation was that they were attracted by Abi’s beauty and wanted a pic with her. After finding out some of us were dancers from the US, they were thrilled to get a free DVD. I ran upstairs to get it , but what was supposed to take 5 took 15 min. But, God’s timing is perfect-always. Downstairs, Wang Ping Tu (wife) waited with John Ho at the morning worship session. By the time I arrived, her heart was tenderized, and John had pursued her heart, finding that she wanted prayer for inability to conceive a baby for the past 6 years. I arrived with the DVD, and together we prayed that Jesus, who was there at the creation of the world, would prepare not only her womb but her heart and home for the child that He would be surely giving them. We exchanged emails. She said that she will send pics of the baby when he/she arrives. And all this from Abi’s beauty!

Most of the morning for the team was either playing with the conference children—this time swimming in the pool— while others rehearsed for future dances in Japan. I am proud of the team—serving with joy, fitting in well with the conference attendees, being flexible.

The afternoon and evening were times of celebration—the teens for the first time, were able to relax without responsibilities with other teen conference attendees : jumping the waves and beach volleyball. They returned to the hotel, a little more color on their cheeks, and light happy hearts.

While the teens were having fun; Jenna and Yutaka opened a free medical clinic for the All Nations missionaries. It was their pleasure to accomplish this together. Future times?

The evening was filled with the ping-pong tournament – about 15 women/girls and 15 men/boys competing in double elimination competition. Even Grandma courageously entered! Stan, Kimberly, and Ashton chose to serve with the frustrating job of referees and scorekeeping. As the evening progressed the intensity increased also. The Taiwanese/Chinese/Thai/Japanese, yes and the Germans (Juergen Kramer) take their sport seriously! The results? The 50 yo’s passed the baton to the younger generation, at least this year---

· Lulu Chen: women’s champion

· Joshua Tseng: men’s champion

Our prayers needed—

• Bus trip back to Tainan: goodbyes
• Friday travel day: lots of smooth transitions, favor for international customs, etc
• Team connect

Much love to all!

Sue Kawase for all

taiwan/japan - day four-

-day four-

WEDNESDAY, June 2 (14 hrs. ahead of KC time)-

7am (Taiwan Time: TT)

Quick Sketch:

• Henne, S.African joins us for breakfast—humble leader.
• Part of team works with children at conference.
  
• Rest of team meets with the Kramers for our morning session: discuss our indiv. roles in missions, and hear Juergen’s perspective on missions today in the world: helpful
• Team leads All Nations dance seminar: results in deliverance/healing for PeiPei ...and some Thailand & Taiwanese missionary children that appear called to dance-- amazing choreography coming from their improv sessions--but with their own Thai and Taiwanese cultural bent: beautiful and powerful...finding that dance is often tied closely with deliverance.
  
• Break-out worship with dance among adults as well this time for evening session.
• Dance-When it was Over” (Love Covers a multitude…) well received

Trip Diary:

Hello everyone,

Thank you again for your prayer and love. We sense it and there has been wonderful fruit.

One of the blessings of jet lag is the extra time it affords us. We cannot and do not sleep in the early hours. Sue and I enjoyed a leisurely walk on the beach just after dawn. The breeze is cool and the walk alone. Beautiful black rock promontory to our right. Steady gentle roar of the surf.

At breakfast we were able to connect as a team. The experience has been incredible, and everyone is resting through the night (except the older ones!) Henne from South Africa (pic included) joined us. He would like the team to come to minister to the townships in Africa. Dance would means lots to that culture and would be easily accepted. I’m a bit unsure of all the crime they would have to face in S. Africa.

Morning conference worship our dancers began engaging the younger children in dance. Several of the team helped with the children during the following breakout session. They went swimming. The remainder of us met with Juergen and Monika Kramer (pic included) to speak individually about our place in missions and the greater picture of what All Nations is doing. Very encouraging. Juergen and I then broke for some ping pong

Lunch was convenience store fare and fortunately less expensive than expected. Dance workshop afterwards was highlighted by individual dances to original interpretations of Bible stories. Suddenly after portraying David and Goliath, Pei Pei fell to the floor crying saying that she hit her head. Seemed a bit odd as she did not hit very hard. She wailed and two the Living Waters people helped us understand that she is just beginning to break free of emotional bondage. We gathered around her to pray as she continued to wail. Within several minutes she settled down and by the end she was laughing. Actually all of us were laughing.

The team then gathered to rehearse for their evening presentation. Around dinner Sue, grandma and I heard Elizabeth Chen’s heart about the loss of Wenwei. We were able to counsel about grief work. Elizabeth spoke about how our dance was bringing worship to a new level. She would like to have us come to Shine, their youth conferene about July 10 next year. It is a very popular youth gathering in Tainan that is already sold out for this year.

The dancers had real power during the evening worship sessions. Jenna and Kirsten led. The entire contingent of children and many adults shadowed. The dance presentation (same dance as given at Metro Christian Fellowship) was extremely well received and dove-tailed well with message that followed. The applause and individual responses were universally positive. Juergan in his very direct and transparent German way shared his story and the word. He spoke of the death of his son in the 1980’s.

Again many of our group helped with children. The rest of us shared communion. I had as special time with John Ho and Juergen. Jenna prayed with Isabel Patterson. I spoke with Blake Staten and Matt Chen about the critical importance of stewarding family time when in demanding work or ministry.

Activities wound down about 10:00pm. Several of our number wanted to go to the Night Markets. Most of commerce here occurs after the hot sun is gone. Sorry had to turn them down so that we could stay focused on our commitments. Sue and Kimberly (who was not needed in the youth activities) were talking while waiting for the others to return with Kimberly’s room key. Both fell sound asleep. We carried Kimberly to her bed. She did not stir or awaken.

Please pray:

Medical clinic held this afternoon by Jenna/Yutaka

PingPong tournament tonight!!!

We would finish strong!

We as team individuals would receive all that God has for us here.

Thanks again.

Yutaka

PS- Grandma Nobuko is relaxing well and enjoying the connection with Isabel and her friend Myra, the dances, and being included in the conversations....and of course all the Taiwanese, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese food!

Taiwanese and Thai Mission Boys


Yutaka and Henne


Kramers on the left


Ashton shares with the Kramers


Grandma relaxing

All Nations Seminar (Ashton in green tank top)


Living Water Seminar (Ashton in center back)


Roomies: Kimberly, Kirsti, Ashton, and Abi (front to back)

North View
South View