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

taiwan/japan - day three-

*Email received 5/31/10 6:56pm CST*

Day 3 of Trip

Hello everyone!

This is your substitute scribe.

Yesterday marked our 2^nd full day in Taiwan. Most of us were up way early. We breakfasted at an all you can eat buffet (the guys loved it); left the comfortable and cozy quarters of the Confucius Inn and traveled by bus (with a great view of the fish farms and palm groves and the China Sea) to Kenting. Enroute we connected with the 45 other riders. A number of us were journaling many pages just chronicling the events of the previous day. The Ho boys provided Joshua with lots of fun; we variously shared with Juergen Kramer, a leader of All Nations who also makes his living as a business consultant in Germany; the Ho Family, Isabel Patterson and her friend Myra; and lots of kids.

We stopped for lunch at an authentic Taiwanese noodle shop. They like their food hot (spicy)! We settled in to our rooms at Kenting and were set to rehearse dance. Jenna led what was to be some “check in”. This turned to be a profoundly open and encouraging sharing that lasted hours. Sue and I were only there part of the time. Everyone shared. Only a little dance happened. Dinner was an authentic Chinese sit down dinner with a large “lazy Susan” in the center of the table. They provided a nine course meal. Jenna skipped this to prepare for the evening ministry.

Evening meeting started with rich worship. Stanton got there early to intercede. Kirsten, Kimberly and Kenon stepped out with free dance. This seemed welcomed by the gathering. I was called to the room of one the Living Church leaders, Mary Wu, who was ill. Jenna took vitals for me and we returned to the meeting with little time before she ran “Into the West”. Lots of tears in the congregation. Wenwei’s widow cried quite loudly. She later thanked us. We listened half awake (jet lag not sermon quality) to Floyd McClung speak on the purpose of trials.

We’ll try to send more pictures later.

God bless.

Yutaka

Additional Taiwan/Japan Update - 5/30 - Yutaka

5/30/10

Dear all,

Thank you for your prayer. What we experience has been the fruit of your work, prayer and kind support. I’ll periodically add my perspectives to the chronicles that Sue and others send.

Here are some random highlights. After some 40 hours on the road, we arrived in Tainan not feeling particularly anointed or awake. The church sent two vans which gratefully accommodated all people and luggage. Our driver, Eric, is a native of a neighboring district and has been with Living Waters about 4 years. He and Kevin, the other driver, were consummate servants-letting their work  speak for itself—loading our luggage, answering questions and drawing little attention to themselves.

We arrived at Bus-7, the 1^st floor café that serves as gathering place for the church, income to give to missions and source of tasty curry rice. After being introduced to the church, dancers immediately went to the 11^th floor where they would help Susan Shen with the children. The entire group was some 77 people—an outreach Sunday. Kenon gave a brief version of his testimony and asked if anyone wanted to have Jesus be his/her friend. 25 non believing children raised their hands. The large group divided into interest groups: Kimberly and Stanton went with the soccer players; Joshua and Kirsten with those who painted cd’s; Jenna, Ashton and Abigail taught dance; Kenon went with the ping pong players.

Following lunch at Bus -7, the dancers immediately went to prepare for the dance seminar. What followed was phenomenal. Kirsten and Kenon led a warm up. The 20 or so dancers were game. Then as they portrayed different emotions/stories via dance, the Spirit broke in. Almost everyone was tearing up as dancers from our group and theirs walked across the floor to portray: anger, surprise, what you would do at the crucifixion then at the resurrection. We prayed for impartation at the end of the time. Our driver, Kevin, went down in the Spirit as Stanton and I prayed for him. The organizers gave us permission to stop well before 4:00. Everyone lingered on.

Following a brief nap, Sue, mom and I joined All Nations and Living Waters leaders for the biggest seafood buffet that I have ever seen. Living Waters treated us to dinner at one of the swanky hotels in town. We sat across Isabel Patterson and her childhood friend Myra. We also shared with Susan Shen, the elementary school minister. The sharing after the meal was very uplifting as people from New Zealand, S. Africa, Germany, and the rest of us spoke of the impact of the Living Waters church. Afterward, Floyd asked me to address some medical concerns of his.

The children had pizza at bus-7 then headed to the Chen home. I said good night to them as they headed to their rooms at about 10:00. They seemed quite heartened. We will be debriefing and discussing plans shortly over breakfast.

Here are some new plans: Tonight we will have about 10 minutes to dance. Tentatively, we will do Into the West. Tomorrow we will have another 10 minute slot in the evening meeting. Wed they are asking us to do another dance seminar.

Thanks again for your love.

Yutaka

taiwan/japan freedom tour diary -day two-

 *Email Received 5/30/10 6:05pm CST*

DANCING IN THE ORIENT

Taiwan-Japan Freedom Tour

-day two-



Quick Sketch:

* God's favor on every point in our 40-hrs of travel
* Living Water Church (Matt/Elizabeth Chen-pastor) graciously welcomes us
* Team immediately steps into a day full of ministry-- 2 hr. children's church & 2 hr. prophetic dance seminar (strong presence of Holy Spirit present)
* Evening social connections: Adults with All Nations team and Living Water leaders; teens with Living Water teens

Sunday, May 30 (we gained a day; and are actually now 14 hrs. ahead of KC time)-

8am (Taiwan Time: TT) After an uneventful immigration, baggage claim, and a partial money exchange; three taxis sped us from the airport to the Taipei train station, where we caught the 7:30 train to Tainan. The quiet speeding 1 hr. train ride is allowing us a chance to freshen up and change for the first time. How good it feels to be almost at our first destination. The scenery that flies by our window is filled with green rice fields, flat-roofed apartment buildings, an occasional elaborate Buddhist temple, and an abundance of palm trees. There is a light rain falling.

2:15pm,TT We arrived in Tainan with two young men ready to transport us to Living Water Community Church (pastored by Matt & Elizabeth Chen- former Metro Christian Fellowship members in the early 90’s). This vibrant church graciously received us even tho they were in the middle of their own church wide conference. We were greeted by Randy Catlett, Isabel Paterson, Monica/Juergen Kramer, and Floyd McClung…all a part of the conference. We were quickly given instructions for the children’s church –which the team led. Kenon was asked to give his testimony and altar call –all translated. To his surprise, more than half the kids raised their hands that they wanted to follow Jesus!

Following the children’s worship time, our team divided up into four groups leading the children in—pingpong, art/craft, soccer, and dance. A fun, relaxed time.

At the present time, the team is leading a two-hour prophetic dance seminar—the “sanctuary” with chairs stacked to the side has become the dance floor. The church has quite a few worship dancers with a growing interest. We were introduced to one young man who is a two-week old believer with a background in ballet training. Many of the seminar participants have little or no formal training, just a big heart to dance for Jesus.

5pm, TT Oh my gosh, we had the most amazing prophetic dance seminar I’ve ever been at. After a few warm-ups , Jenna and the team led in expressing various one-word emotions, when they were all loosened up, they began shadowing each other in improv dance with worship songs playing in the background. Then, the H.Sp. came and most were in tears for the last hour. Prophetic dance and words and prayer came forth. There was a special laying on of hands for guys leading out in dance. Much joy and freedom resulted. The team and participants alike were moved. We were proud of our team chipping in and deferring to each one. We felt privileged to be a part of this; If we turned around and went home right now, it would be worth it—just to see/experience this!

Tonight the teens will join the Living Water teens for pizza at the church’s “Bus 7 Café.” Yutaka and I have been invited to join Matt and Elizabeth Chen and their church leaders with All Nations Mission leaders for supper tonight. We grab a few moments of shut-eye first.



10:30pm TT A great time of meeting new friends and reconnecting with old acquaintances tonight at Taiyou Landis hotel restaurant—an incredible spread of buffet after buffet of authentic Japanese & Taiwanese food—the conversation even more precious. After 40 hrs. of travel though, even several rounds of coffee was not keeping Yutaka and I from nodding off. The children we are told had some wonderful conversations over pizza at the church’s “Bus 7” café and then on to the Chen household. We will check in with them more in the morning when we take a bus ride to the Howard Beach Resort in Kenting.

We are indebted to you for your prayers; they are certainly being felt—keep it up!

With love to all of you,

Sue

PS- Yutaka will send another quick perspective today; I will get some of the teens to also from time-to-time add to this digest.

PSS- Thought you may also enjoy the pics. They speak volumes!
Kirsti, Ashton and Kimberly - kindred spirits



LAX reactions-Abi, Ashton, and Kimberly


Stanton naps at LAX



Posing for LAX travelers!


2 Chen Daughters


Jenna with Living Water Children


Kenon altar call



Yutaka with Floyd McClung


Yutaka and Stanton praying for Kevin


Our Dancing Hotel