Construction Mission: Accomplished!"

"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:2-5 NIV

While the team worked with the weather, rainy and overcast for the better part of two days, much was accomplished over the week.  The majority of the painting and drywall was completed, all the walls were put into place and the garden was restored to order.  All of the garden debris was removed to a recycling location, along with other debris which had been scattered through out the site.  There were many worthwhile, long and productive days in helping to transform the interior of the Church.  The gospel choir stopped by Wednesday night and volunteered to do some of the painting which remains to be done.  While the team didn't complete the entire remodeling job, enough was accomplished to say that the teams mission has been accomplished

Building to Last Forever

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." I Corinthians 3:11-15















Monday marked the first day of interior construction and cleaning the garden. By the end of the 11 hour workday, an opening for a new exterior doorway had been made and the vast majority of the interior framing had been completed. Guidance was given by a local architect who checked on the team periodically throughout the day. Another group began the task of cleaning the garden and by the end of the day had taken care of much of the overgrowth which waits to be taken to be mulched and pressed for recycling.

It's now Tuesday and has been raining quite steadily through out Monday night into this morning so work in the garden is on hold while most of the guys on the construction team continue work inside the church. The garden team is now working on cleaning the facilities and waiting for the drywalling to begin so that painting can begin on Thursday.

Easter Sunday from Ube Japan

"He is not here; he has risen!" Luke 24:6 NIV



The team from Atlanta arrived in Ube at about 8 PM local time Saturday night after an enjoyable and event-free journey. This morning the team enjoyed a wonderful service in Japanese led by Pastor Uchida at Ube Lighthouse Church and then a barbecue potluck lunch. Then there was a brief team meeting to discuss the construction plans and schedule for the week. There is a lot of work to do in the six days the team has for construction.

The team enjoyed a free afternoon at a local park and took in some of the local sites before ending the day with dinner.

Team Ube Departs Tomorrow!

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91 NIV

Please keep the team in prayer as we prepare to depart Friday morning. Our flight leaves from Atlanta at 1 PM and the team will arrive in Japan about 7:50 pm local time Saturday evening. Pray for strength to endure the long flight, ease of time through customs, short lines and wait times and pray that the team is prepared for the challenges that await. Pray that the team comes together in unity and purpose and fully serves God's purpose in Ube. Continue to pray for those preparing for the team's arrival.

Thank you so much to all who have supported us, those who continue to pray for us and to those who are preparing for the team's arrival. Look for the next update from the team on the most fitting of days, Easter Sunday, as we celebrate our risen Savior at Lighthouse Church.

The Team Departs in One Week!

"That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him." Ecclesiastes 3:13-14 NIV

Wow, just one week and the team will be heading to Japan to join Rick and Linda in Ube. Rick has updated the team frequently since their departure, he and Wes and the others continue work on the demolition to the point that it's possibly now complete, with electrical and plumbing work waiting on the team's arrival.

The team met for dinner Thursday evening around the Perimeter area and enjoyed a very blessed fellowship for a few hours. We tackled some administrative tasks, discussed what we were packing, and learning the art of flexibility as we learned that our flight time has been slightly altered next Friday, we now leave at 1 PM and have just under two hours to transfer planes in Seoul.

The team is meeting at FBA Sunday morning to attend service together and looking forward to serving together. Continue to pray for those in Japan, the Church in Ube, the Taylors, Burwells and Weinhofers and the team.

Greetings from the Taylors in Japan!

"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV


Map courtesy of Andy Summers, DC Mapping & GIS


Today, the team got an email from Rick!

"We arrived safe and sound. The flight from Atlanta to Seoul was long but very calm. We had a great Church service with the people. I gave them greeting from FBA and you. I shared with them that we are at 100% of our budget, but if anyone asks yes they can still contribute. After service we had a little lunch and then moved everything from the old church to the new location. It is really awesome. You’re really going to like it.

Also, it is much cooler here than we had anticipated. You might want to bring some sweat shirts and sweat pants. Just watch the weather.com for the temps. It could warm up some.

Also, Wes and I worked a few hours today and did some demo work. I can knock holes in walls. We still want to have it ready for you to do your thing.

You all have a good day and please continue to pray for us and other members of the team."

Rick

Meet Members of the Ube Team

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." Psalm 125:1 NIV

Continue to pray for the people of Ube, the missionaries there, the team and for Rick and Linda as they travel.



Members of the mission team to Ube have been invited to share something from their background, a brief testimony, or the reason why they are involved in this particular mission trip. Today we invite you to meet Stephanie Parker.



"My father was a handy man and I would assist him on some of his jobs. I was a tomboy and always wanted to build or put things together. Occasionally, my father gave me scraps of wood to work on.

I guess that's where my love for renovating and building things began. So, one Christmas, I asked for and received a tool kit. In high school when most girls took home economics I took wood shop and drafting.

And, as an adult I continue to find ways to keep using those skills. I've volunteered on several Habitat builds and worked with a ministry project to paint homes for low income senior citizens.

So, I was very excited when I saw the notice in the bulletin that there would be a mission trip to Japan to renovate a church. This is the perfect opportunity for me to use my spiritual gift of service.

I love learning about other cultures. But, more importantly, I like those in other countries to learn about the diverse American culture. As a girl, I had a pen pal in Turkey and Mexico.

This is my first mission trip and I will be quietly observing everything as I work. I hope our presence and hard work will help cultivate the seed that has already been planted by Wes and his family.

I've been a member of FBA for 7 years and a member of Chosen People Bible study just as long. I have grown so much in my Christian walk. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful Pastor and great Bible study teachers to guide me.
*****
Some of my interests are travel, photography and being active in my community. I am an Atlanta transplant from Kansas City, Missouri (not Kansas City, Kansas). I've lived here since 1988 and I don't miss those cold snowy winters one bit."