Day 13

We woke up early Tuesday morning to get started with our very long day of travel. We spent some time saying our goodbyes to the Henderson's and then headed out the door not knowing the adventure that awaited us. We got to the train station to get on the train that would take us to the airport. 

The thought had not occurred that we would be going to the airport during rush hour on the trains. Just to say the train was packed would not describe the situation we found ourselves in.

The train was so full that when the doors opened there was no space to step in. When the first train came we were quickly disheartened and abandoned our futile attempt to breach the human shield that faced us. We regrouped and decided to split up between the different train cars so that we had the best chance of everyone getting on. To get on the train, we had to push to barely get in so that the doors could close and then still more people would push there way into the train at the other various stops. You had almost no control of where you ended up on the train. You had to just go where you were pushed and somehow there was always more room.

When we got on the train Sam Katon was not able to get on, but his flight did not leave till the evening. This was the last we were able to see him before leaving and were not able to get a proper goodbye. The rest of us got off on our first train stop to transfer to our final train to the airport. Myself, Shari and Christin were able to push onto the train, but Jackson, Charis and Alvin were not able to. They waited for the next train. We were already running a little later than we had wanted. Shari, Christin and I successfully made it to the airport. Once we arrived Alvin realized that the train they got on was in fact not heading to the airport. 

The 3 of them finally got back on track to the airport while Christin, Shari and I started to check in and head through security. I decided to wait for the other 3. They arrived with enough extra time to not have to rush to our gate....or so we thought. There was an issue checking them in and it took a lot of time. By the time we had everything finished and were heading for security we had just a little bit of time before the boarding process for our flight started. Thankfully God was gracious and we got through security very quickly and made it to our gate just as the boarding started.

Sounds like the fun should end there right? Well hold on it keeps going. We got on the very uneventful 13 hour flight to New York ready to get home. Once in New York we all made it through customs and security easily, except Shari who almost wasn't allowed through because of her ticket name not matching her passport name (totally my fault). Thankfully they allowed her through. We then had a couple of hours before our flight left. The time finally came to board our flight and we all got on and were excited to finally get home! Then we waited and waited and waited. Turns out ATC could not find a route for our flight to take through all the storms. We had to head back to the terminal and get off the plane. After a little bit they seemed to think were would finally be able to take off so we all loaded back on the plane and waited again. After almost an hour or 2 they finally cancelled the flight and there was no flight that we would be able to take until Thursday afternoon and we really wanted to get home. We wanted to try to rent a car and drive home through the night. This was almost an identical repeat of our flight home last year including Mark Groman driving to Cleveland and waiting for us only for it to get cancelled. Thanks Mark!!

Turns out that flights have been getting cancelled like this for over a week here. Which meant that all the rental cars and nearby hotels had been booked already. We spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out our plan. After taking the New York metro we ended up getting a hotel in downtown Manhattan, right near Times Square. The difference from a big city like Tokyo and Manhattan is quite noticable! After finding a late night dinner we headed over to Times Square to walk around for a little bit. 

We got back to the hotel to get some sleep, hopeful that in the morning we could find a rental car and drive back home. One bonus day on this trip is more than enough for us! At this point it had been around 30 hours since we left the Airbnb in Tokyo and we all had had very little sleep. Shari and I got up early Wednesday morning and walked to a couple of the nearest rental car companies all of who were completely booked. We were finally able to find a couple online at the Newark airport. Online they only showed smaller cars, so we reserved two.

We called an Uber and headed to the rental company. Once at the rental company they had one large SUV left so we were able to change our reservation and all drive home in the same vehicle. After picking everyone else up from the hotel we started on our 11 hour drive home. 

It was a very uneventful drive which if you know all the goings on on this entire trip, that seems like a surprise. There was plenty of laughs reminiscing over all the events from the past two weeks. All in all it was a fun drive home. We met up with Charis' mom along the way, so she could get home. We were back down to the original 5 that left Cornerstone a little over two weeks ago. We finally arrived at Cornerstone by 10pm and all parted ways to get home and get some much needed sleep. We miss everyone we met in Japan, but are glad to be home.

God has been so good and we are grateful for all of your prayers! We can't wait to see everyone and tell you more about the trip. Till then - Matthew Somers

Day 12

We had an absolutely amazing last day in Japan. Praise the Lord! We had the opportunity to sightsee in Tokyo again. We started off by going to Bills (not the bills donuts we all know and love). Bills was a Japanese breakfast place and it was amazing. Then we went off to get coffee from Glitch. Which is a very famous coffee place. Josiah and all the coffee lovers really enjoyed it. Shortly after that we headed down to Enoshima island. But first we stopped at the Cup Noodle Museum. Seeing the sunset at the island was most definitely the highlight of the day though. God's creation truly is beautiful! After that we made our way home. It was the end to an absolutely amazing trip. Thank you so much for your prayer and support. It meant so much! The Lord is working in Japan and it was a privilege to witness it first hand. Please keep the Henderson’s in your prayer and Little Light Church. We’re headed back now and can’t wait to get home!

- Jackson

Day 11

Hello everyone,

This was our last day in Takasaki. We packed up our belongings as we spent our final morning with our host families. The ladies had another round of English Cafe.

In the afternoon we had an extended worship service where all the families of the VBS children were invited. The kids got to present everything that they learned including songs and verses. Because of the larger size, we held this event in a part of the city convention center. We had a great turnout. Charis and Jackson got to share their testimonies with the church. Pray for all the families who came and got to hear the gospel preached clearly.

Afterwards we were invited to a festival at the community center (the same place we held the VBS, across the street from the coffee shop). There were several activities and food vendors. There was a lot of dance and conversation. At the close of the evening we all hung out in the coffee shop and said our goodbyes to the other church members, especially our host families. It was a good chance to reflect on our time here. God is good and it’s been cool to see all that he’s been doing.

We took a train back to Tokyo with the Hendersons with all of our belongings. We settled in to an Airbnb for the night. We have one more full day here before we take off early Tuesday morning.

Thanks for tuning in,

Alvin

Day 10

At the beginning of our trip, my plane ticket said that I had a 300 hour layover in Japan. It was a great way for me to start numbering my days… or in this case hours. I now have a less than 60 hours left of my “layover.”

Today, we spent our morning in various activities such as browsing Costco, stocking up on snacks and drinks from a local supermarket, enjoying snacks at an Owl Cafe, staining Little Light Coffee. It was wonderful to have a relaxed morning to enjoy conversations with new friends.

The afternoon brought our last regular day of English summer camp. The children were in high spirits as they sang “Jesus is my Light” and made butterflies in craft time and snack time to signify new life they can have in Jesus. I worshipped as I was able to teach and contemplate what the New Heaven and New Earth will be like. Please continue to pray for the young lives that were touched by the Gospel this week. They have heard the truth that Jesus came to save them from their sins many times and in many ways this week. Please pray that their parents will come and their hearts will be soft to the Holy Spirit’s prompting at the end of camp presentation tomorrow afternoon. 

Then we ate dinner at a traditional style Japanese restaurant with all the summer camp volunteers from Little Light Church.

As I reflect on the past 240 hours, I feel that in many ways I have been blessed far more than I have blessed others. I have been stuffed with delicious food so often that each meal seems better than the previous one. I have been encouraged by my sisters and brothers in Christ who often feel more comfortable praying in a language I doubt I could ever understand but exude a hope and joy that can only come from Jesus Christ. 

Lord willing, the ladies plan to participate in one more English cafe conversations tomorrow morning. Then we will complete our time in Takasaki with a summer camp presentation and church service. 

Thank you all for your prayers. We serve such a good and awesome God. 

- Christin Shaeffer

Day 9

FRIDAY

Wow!  The time here has flown by so fast!  Just when I started adjusting to the time, it's almost time to come home.  We are having an amazing time here!

This morning we had the opportunity to bless the Henderson's and the doctor who owns their property with a work day.  Charis, Christin, and Sam stained and sealed the coffee shop exterior while Alvin and I pulled weeds. (Jackson hasn't been feeling well so he was resting and Matthew is always busy serving us in a variety of ways.) Although it was exhausting, it brought satisfaction to bless those who have served us so well!

 After praying for each of the kids coming to the VBS with members from Little Light Church, the kids came in full of much energy today!  They are doing a great job learning the Bible verses, the gospel bracelet, and they sing with much enthusiasm.  It brings incredible joy to look out into their eyes as we all sing the truths of the gospel.  Pray God will give them understanding of these amazing truths!

I have also really enjoyed getting to know the believers here at Little Light Church and serve alongside them and pray with them! We have had a little time to hear more of how God has used Little Light Church in their lives!  I am so thankful to have the opportunity to come alongside these believers in the work God is doing in Japan and encourage them!

I have also enjoyed a lot of great time with my host family and have had a lot of great conversations with Rio. We have also had the opportunity to read and talk through some Scriptures together and she is very open about her struggles and joys!  She is incredibly kind, insightful, and has a strong desire to learn, grow, and glorify God with her life!

Please pray...

1.  We will have strength and clear thought as we teach our last day of English Summer Camp. And that God will give the children attentive minds and understanding hearts.

2.  God gives us more opportunities to talk with members of Little Light Church these last 2 days with them.  Pray also for unity for them.

3.  Pray for all of the parents and children who will hear the gospel on Sunday for our closing program.   The children will sing the songs and say their Bible verses.  A couple people from our team will share their testimonies, and Josiah will share the gospel in his sermon as well.  There should be 50 children and their parents there!

4.  Pray for strength and wisdom for Josiah and Noel.  They have an incredible amount on their shoulders.

5. Pray for Christin, Charis, and I as we will have one more English Cafe on Sunday.  These are incredible opportunities to share the gospel with those women as we are sitting around the table drinking coffee and talking.

6. Pray for our journey back home.

Love and miss you all,  Thank you so much for your prayers!!!  And for allowing me to have a part of this incredible ministry! -  Shari Vine

Day 8

Hello Cornerstone!

Today started off with the team going back to the junior high school nearby that we went to last year. This year we were only able to spend one hour of the morning with them (last year we went on 2 mornings), but we had a mixed group of boys and girls. There is a new principal of the school who seemed like he may not have allowed us to go, but the tennis club teacher remembered us from last year and helped work it out so that we could go back! It was a very enjoyable time and the team loved being able to interact with students. 

After introducing ourselves we played a game and had some small group discussion time. Since it's a school Noel was only able to tell them about summer camp and the coffee shop, but because of Alvin mentioning something about church she was able to explain about that a little bit. Thank God for giving her that opportunity even though it may seem small. 

The rest of the day was spent preparing for English camp day 2. I feel the camp went a lot more smoothly than day 1, since everyone had a better idea of what to expect! The kids also seemed much more comfortable today. I'm greatly enjoying teaching the middle age group again this year. There are many kids in my group that I got to be with last year and I recognize a few from the other groups as well. Still lots of new faces which is great! 

Last year there were a lot of kids who only signed up to come for a couple days, but this year almost all of the kids are coming every day. There are around 50 kids who are signed up. 

Each day before summer camp we gather into different groups to pray for the different age groups of kids by name. It's a very encouraging time and is growing our relationships with the Little Light Church members as well.

We are very excited to continue English camp tomorrow and teach the kids more about the gospel!

-Matthew Somers

Day 7

We had an amazing first day of English Summer Camp! Praise the Lord! First we did some preparation before camp started and got all ready for the kids. Come 1:30 the kids came flooding in! We started off with introducing ourselves to the kids and introducing Summer Camp itself. Then we sung Jesus is my light and did a funny skit. After that the kids had so much fun learning Bible stories and were really engaged. They also learned some English with the English project. Then they went to make crafts and made some cool bug jars. Then they played games and had amazing snacks in little light coffee! Finally they came back and sung and learned the motions of Jesus is my light! Over all we had a great day at summer camp and really had multiple and unique ways to share the gospel with these kids. Please keep them in your prayers that the lord will work in their heart and lead them to him! Also please keep the Ohio team and the other volunteers in your prayers that we continue to glorify the Lord in everything that we do! We can’t wait for day 2!! - Matthew Somers

Day 6

Hello Cornerstone!

Today, the team spent time prepping for the VBS children’s camp tomorrow. We spent time decorating the community center, helping prepare crafts, practicing skits, and practicing songs. Some of the team also ran to the 100 yen store around noon to finish buying everything we needed for VBS, and also bought some chips and drinks for lunch.

After the trip to the store, we headed back to little light for an amazing lunch consisting of homemade smoked chicken sandwiches (from little light), and the rest of the snacks we bought from the store. After our meal, we continued to prep by decorating the community center, and finished other miscellaneous tasks to prepare for VBS.

Later in the evening, the team helped out with another English cafe to help the people attending to learn English, and to open up potential Gospel conversations. The ladies were the first to help with the English cafe. Once the ladies were done helping with the English cafe, the guys helped out as well. 

The night ended with a delicious ramen restaurant after we were done helping with the English cafe. The ladies and the guys ate at separate times due to the different schedules pertaining to the English cafe. Afterwards, all of us headed back to our host homes for a good night’s rest.

Please pray for us as we prepare to host VBS and that we would be bold to share the Gospel tomorrow. Also pray for the kid’s hearts that they would come to an understanding of the Gospel and come to know the love of God.

- Samuel Katon

Day 5

Hello Cornerstone!

This morning included sightseeing in Gunma. Shari and Sam went with Shari’s host family to an African Safari while the rest of us with Josiah and Kat (the pastry chef for Little Light Coffee) drove into the mountains.

Along the way, we passed a huge white statue far away on the top of a range of hills, and Josiah told us the statue was a Buddhist statue called the protector of the city, and people would go there to pray for fertility or other things they wanted. For the Japanese people, Buddhism or Shintoism is all about the benefits they can receive and many only go to pray when they need something specific like help passing a test. 

While passing numerous other statutes and shrines along the way, the conversation turned to Japanese churches. Josiah told us that the most of the few Christian churches in Japan are very shallow or have strange doctrines. Others are very controlling and don’t allow associations with any other churches or small groups.

We also discussed the education system in Japan and how it, and the security it brings, are some of the biggest idols in Japanese culture. There is great pressure for children to do well in school and pass the exam to get into university so they can eventually get a job. Some parents even plan out the full track from preschool for their children so that they can get into university. It’s considered very shameful to be jobless and this results in many people even committing suicide.

We then arrived at another shrine. Before you get to the actual shrine there is a torri, (we’d also seen several of these along the way) which is a red gate that symbolizes entering into the spirit realm. Josiah explained it was said that demons used to inhabit those mountains and that was why they built the shrine. After this shrine there was a series of other statues and shrines as well as the regular shops where you could buy fortunes and good luck charms. 

After this we went to Mount Haruna, a beautiful mountain covered in trees surrounded by other mountains and a lake in the middle. After a lot of sweat we hiked to the top of the mountain where there was a gorgeous view that made all the effort worth it. But sadly at the very top of this mountain was another shrine amidst all the beauty of Gods creation. We then took the gondola back down the mountain and had a perfect view of the beautiful blue lake. After this we ate lunch nearby which included soba, udon, and tempura, different cold noodles dipped in sauce and served alongside fried fish and vegetables which were all very good. 

We then drove back to Takasaki to the community center by Little Light Coffee where we will be hosting the VBS summer camp. For a few hours we did some prep like organizing posters, learning songs, and talking through the logistics. Tomorrow we plan to do much more prep as we prepare for the VBS on Wednesday. After this most of the team went out to eat sushi for dinner while I ate with my host family and another church friend. 

Please pray for the Japanese people that they would see the only one who can provide true satisfaction and set them truly free. Also that God would strengthen the churches in Japan and would bless the faithful efforts of the Little Light Church members and other Christians in Japan as they seek to spread the gospel. 

-Charis Lauer

Day 4

Hello friends,

We all began this morning with our host families. Church was later in the afternoon, so we ended up doing other things with our hosts. For some this included going to the zoo or visiting other churches. Mine showed me a local Shinto shrine where weddings and birthday parties can be hosted—but most just out of “good luck” superstitions. The place was beautifully designed and included a few peacocks.

The men on the team went to Little Light Coffee for what’s called “English Café” to speak with some of the local people. The premise is, people who want to learn more English can come to the Café to practice having conversations with believing English speakers. We were all placed in different parts of the Coffee shop and English learners were placed with us. This provided us with opportunities to bring biblical truths into the conversations we had.

We then went to church. The songs and the message were both in English and Japanese. Our CBC team was introduced to the church. Josiah taught on the Lord’s supper and then we partook in it together with the church. It was joy to see other parts of Christ’s global cause. We also got to see the leaders of the church work through a situation in the body in a wise and biblical way.

Following the service, we got to join our host families and other church members and enjoy a wonderful Japanese dinner together.

Pray for Josiah and the other leaders who are involved in the English Café ministry and Little Light church as they seek to be faithful in proclaiming God’s message. Also pray for the hearts of the people that they would be receptive to truth and unified in the Spirit. -Alvin Solomon

Day 3

Hello from Takasaki!

This morning we began today’s tour of Tokyo with a stop at the Tsukiji Nippon Fish Port Market. There we were able to enjoy a variety of flavors from eel and octopus to vanilla ice cream.

Next we experienced a couple exhibits at the Mori Art Museum that were an intriguing mix of an African American artist paying homage to the Japanese traditions and Taiwanese video art. That was followed by an exhilarating walk to get our bags from the hotel to the train station.

We rode the bullet train to Takasaki. There we separated as a team and have spent the evening getting to know our host families.

Thank you for your prayers as we have adjusted our internal clocks to Japan time and begun to experience Japanese culture.
Our focused days of adjustment and sharing experiences solely as a team have been completed. We are now entering the more intense times of ministering the Gospel.
Please continue to pray for us as we build relationships with members of the Little Light Church (especially our host families) for the purpose of building each other up to maturity. Tomorrow we look forward to spending time with our host families, the men will be participating in English conversations at the coffee house, and everyone will meet up for worship service at church. - Christin Shaeffer

Day 2

Hello from Tokyo,

I first wanted to thank you all for your prayers, support, and encouragement.  We who are here in Japan are ambassadors for Christ and we are an extension of all of you as we boldly and lovingly share the good news of Jesus Christ.  Please continue to pray for us!

We were joined this morning by the Hendersen family:  Josiah, Noel, Shinji, and Reina who took the train early from Takasaki to guide us around Tokyo.  They were all incredible troopers for what was a very long, hot but fun day!

We first went to the Sensoji Temple and market.  To be Japanese is to be Shinto and Buddhist.  However, most Japanese would consider themselves atheists and just come to the Shinto temple so to honor their heritage.  This temple is also for tourism, so we spent the next two hours shopping and discovering some yummy Japanese food and drink.

Next we went to the Tokyo Sky Tree which is an incredible site of Tokyo at 634 meters (2067 feet or 29 floors) in the air.  

To close out the day we went to the Tokyo Tower, which resembles the Eiffel tower.  From the top of it, we saw a beautiful view of Tokyo at night.

The highlight of the day was the conversations on the subways or while walking as we learned all that is going on with ministry at Little Light Church - much to be in prayer for and to praise our for which to praise our mighty Savior!  I was so incredibly happy to learn that my host mom, Rio, has trusted Christ as her Savior and desires to be baptized soon!!!  I can’t wait to talk more with her and encourage her with the word!  Her 8 year old daughter, Nagisa, also confesses to be a Christian and can articulate the gospel clearly!  Praise the Lord!!! - Shari Vine

Day 1

Hello Cornerstone! 

After too many hours of travel we have all arrived safely in Tokyo! We left Cornerstone as a team of 5 and along the way met up with Charis and Sam bringing us to our final number of 7. 

We've already been able to go out and have some fun in Tokyo! We first headed to the Imperial Palace where there was going to be a floating lantern festival on the moat, but sadly that had been cancelled so we headed over to the Shibuya crossing and had a wonderful dinner. Since most of us have had very little sleep since getting to the Cleveland airport we decided to call it a night and get back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

We are looking forward to meeting up with Josiah and Noel on Friday to tour some more of the popular spots around the city!