Here is a video from our Hawaii Festival in Higashi Matsushima last month.

Hawaii Matsuri 2011-8-2 in Higashi Matsushima from Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa on Vimeo.

Howzit everyone.  Aloha from Tokorozawa.
Just thought I'd give everyone a quick update of what's been going on during this busy summer season here.  We have had a couple of teams out here from Hawaii.  A small group from Calvary Chapel Downtown Honolulu and a youth group from Calvary Chapel Windward Oahu. 
So the big thing this time around was the Hawaii Matsuri (Festival) in Higashi Matsushima.  After going up there many times, the Lord put it on our hearts to do a summer festival.  We had heard that many of the summer festivals in the area would be cancelled this year and understandably.  So we thought, since the Hawaii teams would be here, why not do a Hawaii Matsuri up there?  Instead of the Bon dancing for the dead, we would have hula dancing for the Living Lord.  So we prayed and made a few phone calls to find a venue.  We had heard that they were going to close all the evacuation centers in the city at the end of July so we called the city hall in Higashi Matsushima to see what would be available to use.  Ideally, it would have been nice to do something in Ushiami but the city hall folks pointed us to a civic center in a place called Ono, not even a mile away.  So we went and checked it out and saw the green light from the Lord to go do it there.  After talking it over with the guys... Santo, Rich, Kiyo and some others, we planned the date and started planning the event.  We hoped three weeks would be enough.  We got the word out with posters and fliers, visited up there a couple more times and then had all the church people praying.  We wanted to have the church folks come up and help out, to meet folks and to really shine God's love to the area.  After all, Jesus said that they would know we are Christians by our love for one another and that would be a perfect opportunity to do so.  All together, we had close to 70 folks sign up to go and help out.  CC Tokorozawa, CC West Tokyo, CC Fuchu, Logos Christian Fellowship, our pastor friend from Shizuoka whose son used to come to our home fellowship, Kazuto Kenjo brought a few people, and a team from CC Ginowan in Okinawa came to help up.  Roy Toma, who originally is from Okinawa but moved up to Sendai to help with relief work also came and helped out.  It really was fun.  Lots of cars had to caravan.  That definitely made the journey interesting and fun for sure.
After loading up we got there on Monday night just in time to eat dinner and check into our hotel.  Because of the size of the group we decided to stay in a small hotel.  And since they gave us a discounted rate, we all slept in one big room divided into a guy section and a girl section.  It really was just like a camp/short term missions trip.  Fun for all... I think.
The next morning we all saddled up and headed to Ono Civic Center to set up for our matsuri.  With all the hands it was easy to set up.  The food was started... hotdogs, hamburgers, and shoyu chicken plate lunches as well as shave ice.  The games and bouncy castles were set up.  Hawaiian crafts, balloons, bibles and tracts and the entertainment tent too.  Here in Japan evangelizing in a city run facility isn't usually allowed but we had a green light to share and set up a Bible and tract table there which was really cool  And then about 12:30 we prayed again and then started.  It really was a blessed time.  We had ongoing entertainment.  Hula and music by the Calvary Windward group.  Yoshiya Santo, Pastor Santo's son played and sang.  Kazuto did some country music.  The Calvary Downtown crew did hula too.  We even had some Samoan dancing.  The Gospel went out freely.  And the Lord brought tons of people out.  The center even let us use a car with a bullhorn to drive around town to invite more people and apparently it worked! More and more people came.  The food ran out too soon... so Chiba san even gave us more rice and plates.  All in all I think if I calculated correctly the amount of food that went out fed more than 1000 people.  There were kids, high schoolers, older folks.  And the Lord allowed us to just love on each other and everyone else and share with them the joy of the Lord and His Good News.  I know they all have stories to tell and I've personally heard many.  I know 4 months have passed and for some that's a long time and for others it isn't, but for five hours that day the Lord used us to share His love with the people of Higashi Matsushima.  I know I've said this over and over but it really was a blessed time.  And we thank the Lord and give all glory to Him.
Around 6PM we began cleaning up while there was still light and then another Mr. Chiba, who was in charge at the civic center came and shared a word of thanks with everyone.  We then prayed for the city.  Prayed for the place and then caravaned our way back to the hotel.
The next day we headed to Tsukihama beach where about a month ago we cleaned up with a team from CC Honolulu.  And there Kiyo had a baptism. Etsuko Seya was baptized that day.  Kiyo's parents and some friends joined us out there as well.  There really is such a great joy to witness someone exclaiming their faith in water baptism.  We sang and fellowshipped.  The kids picked sea shells.  I gotta tell you, my kids have never been to the beach in Japan.  Growing up in Hawaii I took it for granted.  In fact someone asked me if I missed Hawaii... I told them just the beach.  Anyway... it was a fun, blessed time.
After we drove through Ishinomaki we headed home.

I can't begin to express the thankfulness we have to the Lord first then for everyone who prayed and helped out.  We'll continue to pray for the folks up there that they may receive God's love and forgiveness of sin.  To be totally honest, they have all heard the gospel, some numerous times... the seed has been planted and now we pray that the Lord bring the harvest.  This month for sure it looks as though the folks in Higashi Matsushima will be moved to temporary track homes.  It looks like we will be doing ministry in these different communities in the near future.  We thank the Lord for the relationships made.  Already some of the folks are asking when we will be back.  I don't know for sure but we continue to pray for them.  If for now we need to meet physical needs we will continue to do so, but we pray for spiritual needs to be met.  That the temporary help given is good, but they realize that the hope they have in Jesus Christ is eternally better.  Again, thanks for the prayers and support.  We thank God for our family in Christ.

This month is summer break for the kids so we'll probably do some swimming.  Actually next week I head off for a few days to CC Iwakuni, near Hiroshima to attend a worship conference.  Then the following week we are helping out at the matsuri in our neighborhood again.  A good time to be salt and light.  And then at the end of the month, Dawn and some of the other gals are planning a Women's conference.  So we have a busy month and really covet the prayers.  Just be reminded that you guys all are joining in with us with the prayers.  Those that pray and stay with the stuff definitely share in the reward. 

I did say this was a quick update right?  Anyway, God bless you all.  And we'll keep everyone in the loop as far as other ministry and life going on here in Tokorozawa and Japan.
If you're on facebook, ask to be my friend and I'm trying to share a bunch of the pictures and albums that people have posted.

--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Here’s an update from our latest journey up to Miyagi prefecture, namely Higashi Matushima City.

 

As you guys probably know, the last trip up there happened in the last week of May.  Things constantly change up there week to week, day to day, so as we were planning to take a team up there this past week, we thought it would be a good idea to head up there a week early to see what’s been going on.

 

So, on June 13^th, Dawn and I took Erika and Evan out of school for a couple of days to go up to Ushiami.  I had talked on the phone with Chiba san and he offered us a place to stay in the evacuation center, so we thought it would be a good experience for Dawn and the kids to see what’s been going on up there.  I explained to Chiba san that we would be bringing a team up the following Monday to Wednesday and so this time he invited us to just come and stay there for a night.  We headed up there early Monday morning. 

Now this report isn’t about this trip but the next, but it was a good couple of days just meeting with the folks, catching up on what has been going on as well as visiting another evacuation center, promising to return.  Dawn and the kids made some new friends and it did give me a good perspective on the ministry opportunities we would have the following week.

 

Then, the following week, the things were gathered, the teams were prepared and we were ready to head out again.

This trip consisted of myself, Michael (missionary at CC Tokorozawa), Pastor Santo, as well as a team of 7 from CC Honolulu (Pastor James, Pat, Rod, Donna, Mike, Susan, and Kara).  Also we met up a team of 10 from Logos Christian Fellowship (Kiyomasa) as well as a group of 5 from the Bible College in Ginowan, Okinawa led by Chuck and Yumi Robb.  So if you do the math… 25 or so in total.  Biggest group yet.

 

MONDAY, June 20^th

 

We packed up early in the morning and headed out in two vans.  We would be meeting the LCF group and the group from Okinawa up there.  The drive was smooth as usual, we stopped by Matsushima along the way and after lunch arrived in Ushiami.  This time since the group was a little larger, we pitched a tent outside the evacuation center.  It was good seeing the folks there.  The group was noticeably smaller, even from a week earlier when Dawn and the kids were there.  Slowly the evacuees are being relocated to temporary track homes.  Still Chiba-san, the Fukuhara’s, the Imaizumi’s and many of the faces we know were there.

After just hanging out for a while it was time to prep dinner.  This time we would cook here at Ushiami but we would also cook for an evacuation center 15 minutes away in the next town of Misato and a place called Shimonigo.  The evacuees there are all from the Ushiami/Hamaichi area but since their homes were totally destroyed, there was no need to be near.  Essentially there is nothing to clean, so the city moved them a little further way.  This would be my 3^rd time to this place but first time to cook there.

Kiyo and the LCF team would be meeting us there to serve the meals and do a little country music concert with Pastor Kazuto from Shizuoka, so Santo, Chuck, Aya, Fukiko and myself headed up there.  We started on dinner, shoyu chicken and sausages and salad, and I headed back to Ushiami to prep dinner there.  We wanted to do a Hawaiian thing there so the menu was Kalua Pig and cabbage with lomi lomi salmon.  Santo and the gang with Kiyo’s group stayed in Shimonigo and the team from Hawaii and myself prepped the dinner in Ushiami.  The Hawaii gang did a great job of chopping and mixing and cooking.  And again as always, I just got to taste.

I wasn’t there in Shimonigo but I heard that they had a great time serving and sharing the gospel with the people there.  On the Ushiami side we served dinner and hung out.  We didn’t do any music this time but I had a good time just talking and catching up with the folks there.  The Japan Self Defense Force had gone home the day before so the makeshift bathhouse was gone.  But they had set up some showers in a tent so we all took a bath and called it a night.

 

TUESDAY, June 21^st

 

Again, as always, up at 4:30am.  The sun is up, the people are up… you just have to get up.  I slept in the van, pretty comfy, it wasn’t hot at all.  In fact it got really cool overnight.

Around 7:30, Chuck and the guys from Hawaii went to Okumatsushima (still part of Higashi Matsushima) to help out Kiyomasa and their team there.  They had been ministering to Kimura san, helping him find stuff in his destroyed home and helping the neighborhood cleaning up the beach.  Lots of debris.  Lots of junk.  And they want to get that place clean for the summer season since they are so reliant on tourism in the area.  So the guys went.  We learned that this would be the hottest day of the year so far… very high 80’s with sweltering humidity.

Back at the evacuation center, Chiba-san arranged a meeting with some folks in the neighborhood, the Saito’s.  He was hoping in the future we could stay at their place and host BBQ’s and outreaches for the neighborhood even after the evacuation center was done and the people were relocated.  I had met Mrs. Saito in the past.  In fact on our first trip when we dug up that piano and played it, she was the one with all the requests.  Her daughter is an opera singer in Sendai city.  Well, Mr. Saito is a retired contractor and so they have  a couple of buildings on their property.  So at their request, we gathered the rest of the team, walked over and began cleaning.  Lots of wiping down and washing shelves.  Mopping the floors.  Moving furniture.  The whole gang did an amazing job.  And just as soon as we began we were done and heading back over to the evacuation center to make lunch.  The gang from Hawaii had prepared all the fixings for some spam musubis so they made a whole bunch.  In fact they made it with some of the ladies there.  I don’t know about most people, but I love the stuff.  In Hawaii it is practically a staple food.  And sure enough it was a hit. 

Around 1PM Santo and I headed back to Shimonigo to get started on the night’s dinner.  They really wanted to eat spaghetti.  Rice and bentos everyday get a little boring.  So we made spaghetti with meat sauce.  By 3PM the sauce was done and I headed back to prep at Ushiami.  Kiyo and their gang would be serving there and we would be at Shimonigo.  Switched venues for the night.

Actually when I arrived back at Ushiami, half of the team from Hawaii was busy sharing a craft with the kids  and some of the ladies.  I was so blessed to see the interaction and the love of Christ being shown… in spite of the language barrier.

We hurried and made the shoyu chicken and stuff and then headed back up to Shimonigo to finish up for dinner at 6PM.

The group at Shimonigo was smaller, just 40 people or so.  And we served the spaghetti and set up in the meeting room next door for our little concert.  The Hawaii gang and the Okinawa gang showed up along with Kimura-san and a couple of volunteers from Okumatsushima.

Unlike before, instead of singing in the living area, we set up in a side area so people who wanted to come could and we wouldn’t be a nuisance for those who wanted to be left alone.  And so a handful of the folks came in and we started.  The team ate spaghetti and I played a few songs.  Then Aya came and shared her testimony.  I played a bit more than James shared on why the group from Hawaii was there.  The simple Gospel was preached.  The love of Christ was shone.  Then we sang a couple more songs and called it a night.  After the music some of the gals shared with the folks in the hallway outside and we cleaned up to get back.  It was a blessed time for sure.

We arrived back, showered up and spent a couple hours fellowshipping.  Then we called it a night.

 

WEDNESDAY, June 22^nd

 

Up and at up early again.  Today we didn’t have much planned.  Lunch there.  Actually, the LCF crew would be making boiled gyoza.  So after breakfast we all headed back to Okumatsushima.  And we cleaned up the beach some more.  Man it was hot.  Like Africa hot.  But many hands make the work easy and we got a lot done.  The gang was just awesome.  Sweating in the Spirit.  We finished around 11 and then headed back for lunch.  Actually, I jumped in the ocean for a swim.  I couldn’t help it.  Tokorozawa is landlocked and the place looked too beautiful.  As I was wading in I looked across the small bay and saw that James and Rod had done the same.  Something about sweat, sand and being from Hawaii.  It sure felt good.

Back at the center we had lunch and fellowshipped some more.  Chiba san had gone to work so I wanted to stay at least until he came back.  He said he would skip lunch and come back early at 4PM.  So we fellowshipped, cleaned up, packed up.  James and some of the guys were playing catch in the street.  We’ve gotten to know Takashi Fukuhara and his family there a bit.  His wife Misae exchanges emails with Dawn.  Takashi is a soccer coach and loves sports so he and James hit it off.  Again, just building relationships.  Being salt and light.  Jesus said, “They will know you are Christians by your love one for another.”  Chiba san came back and we wrapped things up.  This time so many of the folks came out to see us off.  We prayed for them.  It was a little sad because we know that that evacuation center isn’t going to be around forever.  I know that we are going to have many more ministry opportunities at the temporary housing places, but all the people in Ushiami have the potential to be scattered around.  So it was a little sad.  But we praise the Lord for the chance to be here and meet these wonderful folks.  Around 5PM and we headed for home.

 

One thing I noticed this trip was that things here in Ushiami had been cleaned up quite a bit.  We went to Ishinomaki and Okumatsushima and some other places and saw that things still were pretty messed up.  Still a lot of work to be done. And I know there are many who are helping. But looking around here in Ushiami, I was reminded of Luke 10. When Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest…”  Then He goes on to say, “But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of this wages.  Do not go from house to house.  Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.  And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

Believe it or not, it has been such a blessing so far to be here in Ushiami.  They have been such a blessing to us.  And they have been welcoming.  And I don’t want to over-spiritualize anything here, but I see that the Lord has been good to them as well.  That somehow there is some peace there.  But beyond all of that we continue to pray the hearts will be softened and people will receive the love of Jesus Christ.

 

There are many we’ve met.  And I don’t remember all of them by name.  But I do remember some and we will be praying that the Lord gets a hold of them.  Please remember them in your prayers.

Pray for Chiba-san.  From the Fukuhara’s.  For the Imaizumi’s.  For the Saito’s.  For the Odashima’s.  For the other Chiba families.  Pray for Kimura-san.  There is power in prayer.  And the Lord loves them so much.

 

This time up there there were so many things going on.  So many moving parts.  And I know I didn’t elaborate on all of them.  But I hope this paints a little better picture of what is going on here. 

 

We are looking to head up there again in a few weeks.  We’re not sure if folks will still be there or exactly where they will be so I will be in touch with them up there.

 

We were so blessed and encouraged by everyone.  The Hawaii gang.  The Oki folks.  The LCF crew.  And we continue to look with expectation for what the Lord is going to do.

--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Howzit everyone.  Well, I just got back last night from another trip to Ushiami in Higashi Matsushima City near Sendai so I'll give another update.

This trip four of us went.  Santo (CC West Tokyo), Rich (CC Fuchu), Michael (CC Tokorozawa Missionary) and myself.  I'll try to give the day by day, play by play... another long one.


Monday, May 23rd

We met in Tokorozawa at 6:30am to pack up the van and go.  We were prepared to cook two meals while we were there as well as do whatever else was needed.  This time Chiba-san would let us stay in the evacuation center with them so we just packed sleeping bags.  At 7:00am, we hopped in and left.  The drive out was smooth, after a stop for gas and to stretch our legs, we arrived up there around 11:30am.  Since we were early, we drove up to Ishinomaki.  This was Michael's first time so we drove around and let him see some of what happened up here.  The last time I was here was a little over a month ago and just as I thought, a lot had been cleaned up.  There were still a lot of things that weren't touched, some parts of the town without traffic lights, but it was definitely much better than before.
We stopped for lunch at a supermarket in Higashi Matsushima and then headed to the evacuation center.  We took our time and arrived at around 1PM.  I don't know if you guys know this, but as bad as the destruction was, a mile or two away from the ocean and everything is back and running as if nothing happened.  Big supermarket, ToysRUs, 100yen store, tons of restaurants.  So it definitely was convenient to have a car and stores to go to.  We would visit this Max-Value supermarket 3-4 times this trip.
After we arrived in Ushiami, we were greeted by everyone.  In the tatami room we were going to sleep in, there was a volunteer group who had massage tables set up.  They were there giving the people massages.  Sure looked good.  I was trying to figure out a way to get in there myself... joking.  We said hello to the folks we knew.  Many familiar faces.  The kids were off of school that day since on Saturday they had an open house.  So we hung out.  We talked.  We listened.  There wasn't much cleaning to do.  Actually, in that area, most were nearly done and there were many volunteer groups who were coming through to clean so they didn't have anything for us to do in that department.  Again, so we chatted it up with the folks.  Quickly, 3PM rolled along and we began to prep for dinner.  Tonight's menu... Hawaiian style Beef stew and macaroni salad. Once again, the folks graciously let us use the kitchen and their big soup rig and we started... actually we let Santo the chef loose.  Yuko, who used to come to our church in Tokorozawa before she moved back to Sendai, drove down to help.  Actually Santo did the chopping... I did the seasoning and tasting.  I think I got the better end of the deal.
As dinner time started we did notice that the number of people here went down.  Some are moving back into the 2nd stories of their homes.  But they still come for meals, so it was good to see familiar faces.  As dinner winded down, Chiba-san reminded us that we could take a bath in their jimmy-rigged tent bath house, courtesy of the Japanese Self-Defense Force so they didn't have to twist our arms too much.  We took a bath.  Not sure how many of you have taken a bath in Japan before but it is definitely a good time of fellowship in there too.
By 8 or 9PM many were already winding down for bed so we did too.  We all went to sleep around 10.


Tuesday, May 24th

Thing about going to bed early is that you get up early.  Pretty simple lifestyle here.  Go to bed with the sun, get up with the sun.  So by 5AM we were up and ready to go.  Some folks were up  at least an hour already, cleaning, doing what they do.  We had our morning devotions and Chiba-san came in and gave us some bananas and pastries for breakfast.  He had to get some work done and left so again we hung out to see what people would need.  Many of the guys leave for work... not cleaning their homes any more, but regular work..  So we chatted with the folks again.  It was neat waiting with the kids to go to the bus stop before school.  Just simple stuff, but a blessing for sure.
We had planned to cook dinner two nights at the very least and since their wasn't any hard labor to do this morning, we figured we'd cook lunch too.  So we asked what many of the folks there wanted to eat.  The consensus... pasta and fish.  So... off to the store.  Well, actually we drove around the neighborhood to see how much things had changed since the last time we were here.  And then we went to the store.  We cooked spaghetti and shoyu aku poke.  There were leftovers and we heard that the kids really wanted some but were at school so we saved afternoon snacks for them.  
A little side story... while we were prepping lunch a couple of gals came from the city hall.  They go to the different evacuation centers to see if anyone wants to talk.  One of the gals helped us prep lunch.  She shared with us her story.  Her mom died in the tsunami.  Her father is still missing.  So she began to work part time in the city hall so that if any news came in about her father she would be there to hear it right away.  Again, lots of stories like this.  We continue to pray for comfort.  We continue to pray for the peace that comes through knowing Jesus.

We spent more of the afternoon being with the folks, hearing the situation there.  By the end of summer, it looks like this evacuation center, if not all in the area, will be shut down and everyone will be moved to temporary housing.  The government is building these prefab track homes and the people can live there 2 years rent free.  Right now people are receiving them by lottery but in a couple months enough will be built for everyone.
More things we learned:
- The population here is about 40000.  Pretty spread out.  Higashi Matsushima used to be 3 or 4 smaller towns.  A few years ago they were all combined into Higashi Matsushima.  So it's pretty spread out.  Country.
- Ishinomaki is the next town over, 200,000.  Much bigger.  As we were chatting with the JSDF crew at the evacuation center, I asked the guy in charge if there was anything that he had seen or done in the last couple of months that he would like to share with us.  Interestingly... and he did say this kind of in secret... though he doesn't speak English and won't be reading my newsletter... but he did say that Ishinomaki is getting tons of help.  Why?  Because of all of the media attention.  TV shows.  Actors.  Lots of coverage.  Don't misunderstand, they need it.  It is a much bigger town.  But his point was that many of the outlying, more country areas, were not getting the same help.  Again, this was just his observation and opinion.  Interesting to say the least.  And just a little more confirmation in why the Lord had led us here.
- People are getting more cars, which definitely help in getting around and getting things.
- While we were there on this day, the government sent a group to meet with the folks in the area to find out what they were going to do with their homes..  About half the people in the area were going to knock them down.  The other half was going to try and rebuild.  There are about 800 or so families that live in this specific area, Ushiami/Hamaichi.
- The rebuilding process will take time.  There is not enough building materials.  A lot of the building material supplies got messed up in the earthquake and tsunami.  Some of the folks we talked to didn't think they would be able to do anything till the end of summer.
- Lot of the folks out here have the same last names.  Lots of Chiba's.  Lots of Odashima's.  There were a few others.
- That day the evacuation center changed from the JDSF cooking rice and soup to them delivering bentos (box lunches) for everyone.  Actually we heard this would happen even before we came up here, but talking to Chiba-san on the phone, he wanted us to come and cook anyway, so we did.

Around 3 in the afternoon we began our dinner prep.  Yuko came to help again..  Also Kiyomasa and Masaru from CC Naha were in Sendai looking for a big house to host American relief teams so when they were finished they came out to Ushiami too.  The menu... Shoyu chicken, sausages, and tossed greens.  Inexpensive and broke da mout for sure. (Delicious, for you non Hawaiian pidgin speaking people.)  
After dinner we promised to do some music so we set up right in the middle of the people inside.  I did a little music with the guitar.  Michael banged around the cajon.  Played along for a couple of the older guys that wanted to sing.  It was fun.  At the end I shared a little bit as Kiyo translated.  I shared how grateful we were to be able to be with them.  To serve them.  To love them.  To sleep with them and eat their food.  See, volunteers come through here but there really is no personal connection.  They do good work and are definitely appreciated.  But they come and go.  I shared how we appreciate being welcomed always.  It really is a foreign place for us.  You can correct me if I'm wrong, but from my understanding Tohoku people are kind of closed to outsiders.  Even their dialect is difficult to understand.  Santo kept mentioning how he could only understand 50-70% of what was being said and he's Japanese.  Imagine Rich, or Michael or myself.  It would be like taking a group of haoles from North Dakota and dropping them off in Waimanalo.  Yet by the grace of God we have a connection.  I mentioned many times how we know that the Lord had led us here.  And we want to continue to share with them about God's love.  We want to show them God's love.  We shared the gospel and we know in God's timing He makes all things beautiful.  We know things take time.  Building relationships takes time.  But again, we are so grateful for the opportunity we have now.  I know I mentioned this before, but just as Elisha lay hand to hand, mouth to mouth, head to head with the boy who died, we have been given the same opportunity.  They know we are Christians.  They know we are pastors.  But our prayer is that they see we are Christians by our love one for another and then want to receive that same love.  Anyway, we praise the Lord for the opportunity to plant more seeds for His kingdom.
We cleaned up and then spent a lot of time this evening chatting with Chiba-san.  We talked about all kinds of stuff.  Sure tsunami stuff.  Sure future and near-future plans.  But also we learned that he and Santo are the same age.  We shared fishing stories.  How he hunted and ate birds in the area.  We talked about Rich and Kiyo and how loud they talk.  How that is why all the kids love Rich. (I'm just kidding... but Chiba-san really did say that.)  We learned some Tohoku dialect.  Of course Kiyo already knows it so we just had to make sure they weren't telling any secrets about us.  Otherwise I goin have to bus'out my Bu Laia with Rich.
We talked about church.  We talked about family.  We talked.  (Right about now as my wife is reading this she is probably wondering why I don't talk this much at home...)  It wasn't all me talking... Santo talked a lot too.  A lot...  It was just a good time.  Again, so grateful to the Lord for times like this.
Then we got ready for bed.  Chiba-san gets up at 3AM so we probably kept him up past his bedtime.  Which is probably around 8-9PM.  Oh well, it was a good time.  Did I say that already?


Wednesday, May 25th

Up early again.  And again breakfast provided by Chiba-san.  So grateful.  We had our morning devotions together and got ready for the day.  Same as the day before, seeing the kids off to school, chatting.  Putting stuff away.  Chiba-san left for a while but told us to wait for him until he got back at 9AM.  When you wake up so early in the morning, you really get so much done.  We weren't in a rush to get home so when Chiba-san returned we hopped in his new-used car which he just got today and he took us around.  First he took us to one of the temporary home communities.  Knowing that most people will be living here and that the evacuation shelter will not be around forever, it was a good chance to see it.  In fact, we visited folks we had met in previous trips to Ushiami.  We had some tea with another Chiba family there... some distant relative.  Spent time talking again, listening.  Hearing about the situations.  They mentioned previous trips.  Hula.  Warm meals.  Music.  So, so welcoming.  Very Japanese... we go there to say hello, they welcome us in and offer us snacks and drinks.  In their humble little prefab homes.  We joked that we're used to living in small spaces out here in Tokorozawa and Tokyo, just our rent is a lot higher.
After that we headed to another evacuation center further up in the mountains.  They people there are from the same neighborhood as Ushiami/Hamaichi but they lived nearer to the water so their houses are gone.  There is nothing to clean or fix so they don't need to be near.  Interesting there, there was a younger crowd.  It was mentioned that maybe because the younger folks want to just start again, less nostalgia so they don't need to be nearer to their places.  Not sure.  While there we met more folks.  We met a young gal, Hitomi.  Same age as Santo's oldest son Yoshiya, early twenties.  She loves music..  She plays the bass in a rock band.  She goes to work every day in a care home.  She lost everything too.  One of the things she shared with us when we asked her how things were going is that folks there seem to have their basic needs met.  But now she said she notices that it is not so much the physical needs but the psychological needs.  We know there are spiritual needs.  Chiba-san knew many of the people there and so we made a plan to be back there.  To have a BBQ and a mini concert the next time we go.  The place was nice.  Brand new.  And the parking lot was enormous.
Next we headed to another prefab city.  Here 800 units were being built.  Actually Chiba's family is already there but he chooses to stay and help in the evacuation center.
Then we began back to Ushiami.  We visited the seashore there.  Barely a half mile from the evacuation center.  Nothing like the smell of the ocean.  Certain places there were just concrete foundations left over.  But much cleaner than before.  Then we headed to Chiba's house where we planted watermelon, zucchini, and eggplant.  That was interesting.  All around was piles of junk but Chiba-san wanted to plant a garden so we could be back and enjoy the fruit with them. It really was a Jesus moment to realize that seeds were planted, there is some tending and watering, and in the Lord's timing, a harvest will come.  Beautiful stuff.
We headed back to the evacuation center and before we left Chiba-san wanted to cook us some yakitori.  He used to have a little yakitori truck on the weekends before the tsunami.  Remember how he laughed at our fire making skills the first time we came?  Well, this time he would show us how the pros do it.  And it was delicious.
Then we said our goodbyes.  Just in time for the kids to come home from school.  Then we headed home.  
A quick 4 hour drive... a very spiritual drive because Santo prayed the whole way home... something about me driving too fast.

Continue to pray for the folks there.  For the seeds planted.  For the relationships that were built.  We are looking to head up there in a few weeks again.  Next week no one will be there as the government had arranged a hot springs tour for the folks.
We are praying about doing more cooking/music/outreach stuff.  If not at the evacuation centers, then at the prefab house "cities."  As we were talking, it was mentioned that we come and do "takidashi."  It kind of means like "soup kitchen" in Japanese.  I mentioned that we use that word a lot but from now on let's just call it BBQ party or Block party.  Then it's not so much about US coming to feed YOU.  Like somehow we're better.  But if it's a party, then we are all the same.  Enjoying each other's company.  Loving on each other.  And we know in God's timing He will soften hearts to receive.  We just want to be available.
Thanks for reading this.  So grateful for your prayers.  Again, help is no good without hope so we continue to pray that the Lord blesses and ministers to these folks here.


--
Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Howzit everyone.  Well, I just got back from Tohoku again last night.  This was the second trip up there, this time with Rich and Lewis (CC Fuchu), Santo (CC West Tokyo), Joanna, Zach, Takako, Taliya and Alex (CC Ginowan/Okinawa).  Last week Kiyo had gone with another group and so we decided this week to head up there to Ushiami in Higashi Matsushima and help out a little more.  We had heard from Chiba-san, the leader in the evacuation center, that they were beginning to receive more things from the government (a good thing) but there was still a lot of cleaning to be done. Last time up there we stayed with Kiyomasa's parents in Sendai and we absolutely loved the fellowship and company, but the commute was over and hour one way and so this time Kiyo had found us a great rate at a little hotel in Matsushima, about 15 minutes from Ushiami.  After talking with Santo and Rich, we planned our trip.  There really is so much to be done everywhere, and there are seems to be many volunteers and groups helping out, and so we decided to stick with the community that the Lord had led us to last time and just simply spend a couple days in the evacuation center there in Ushiami.  I'm not much of a strategizer and I definitely don't believe in coincidence.  The Lord had led us here for a reason and we believe strongly that this is part of it. We essentially would focus on three things.
1) BBQ.  The folks there were still having rice, miso soup so we decided again this time to bring up some food.  We prepared for one meal each of the two days, about 400 servings all together.  The Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF) guys (and some gals) were there as well so we thought we'd feed them all.  We even brought a couple of guitars and a cajon. Food and fellowship.  Hey, Jesus did it all the time so we figured it would be a good idea for us too.  Can't go wrong imitating Jesus, for sure.
2) We had learned that the kids would begin school again on Thursday so we decided to plan to spend time with them on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Joanna and the gang from Okinawa prepped crafts and games for them.  We brought more balloons, stuff to draw and color, soccer balls and other little things.  Jesus hung out with kids too, right?
3) Clean.  We figured that if we were just around, as people were coming and going, cleaning their houses and stuff we would tag along.  Get to know some of the folks better, hear more of their stories and, if they would let us and as the Lord leads, make lasting relationships with them.  Anyway, there is nothing better for building relationships than just perspiring and getting dirty together.

Monday, 4/18
The crew gathered in Tokorozawa, packed up and left around 4PM.  Chiba-san, the leader at the evacuation center there had told us that they really didn't need any more relief supplies per se, and a week earlier, Kiyo and the gang that went up had already picked up some wheelbarrows and shovels from Samaritan's Purse in Sendai, so we loaded our 2 vehicles up this time with food and kids' stuff.
The drive up there was pretty smooth, after stopping about half way for dinner at a highway stop, we arrived in Matsushima at the Hotel Daimatsu Sou at around 9:30PM.  It wasn't that big but the place seemed pretty packed.  The parking lot was full.  Full of what looked like a lot of relief vehicles.  We learned that groups of medical teams, construction teams, and other relief teams were staying there and at many of the other little hotels in the area.  We took a bath and called it a night, ready for an early start.

Tuesday, 4/19
Up at 5, I hopped in my van to take a look around and find somewhere to pick up some breakfast for everyone.  Since we arrived at night yesterday, I didn't realize how near we were to the ocean.  Matsushima Bay was right across the street.  Matsushima is a famous place, labeled one of the 3 most scenic places in all of Japan.  The bay is spotted with little rock islands with pine trees.  Really beautiful.  I found a convenience store, bought some onigiri (rice balls) and doughnuts, and headed back for morning devos at 6:30AM.  I shared out of 2 Kings 4.  How Elisha spent time with the Shunamite woman. Built a relationship. And when a crisis occured, he sent his servant Gahazi and Gahazi asks her if everything is ok and she promptly tells him that everything is ok... even though it wasn't.  Why?  Because she had the relationship with Elisha.  And she went to Elisha.  Her son had died and I'm sure you know the story.  Elisha prayed... then lay on her son.  Mouth to mouth.  Eyes to eyes.  Hands to hands.  He wasn't greater.  He wasn't lesser.  He was on the same level.  Again, relationship.  And God performed a miracle.  New life.  That is our desire.  In the times of crisis... here and back at home in Tokorozawa or anywhere else... to some alongside people.  To be with them and then to be a part of their lives as the Lord does His work.  I wish I could say that my approach or my speech or my actions can save.  It can't.  Only God can save.  We're here to go along for the ride and give glory where glory is due.  It was definitely a good time of worship.  Good time of fellowship.  Definitely a blessed reminder to start the day. 
Then at around 7:30 we headed out.  I figured that since this was the first time for the Okinawa crew, we'd drive up to Ishinomaki and take a look around.  And so we did that for a bit.  Frankly speaking, it's kind of strange how after you see the devastation a little, there is a tiny bit of this numbing effect... everything starts to look the same.  The initial shock and emotion is there, but then there seems to be a little bit of detachment.  You take it in now all in context but then at some point it turns into the same pictures we've seen over and over again in the news.  Definitely a reminder to pray, for sure.  Well, we only spent about 10-15 minutes driving when we then decided it was just time to head back into Higashi Matsushima to the evacuation center in Ushiami.  We pulled in around 9:00 and were greeted by Chiba-san and some of the kids.  It was neat to see that they remembered us and even our names.  We went in and greeted the folks there again.  We talked with Chiba-san about the plan for the day and he decided that cooking dinner would be better than lunch, so we just went in and started chatting with the folks.  At 10, about 20 kids had gathered and a teacher drove in to have a study time with them.  It started to rain so we just kind of hung out.  But after 10-15 minutes the rain stopped so Chiba-san gathered 5 of the guys and we grabbed some gloves, a few shovels and a couple of wheelbarrows and walked over a couple minutes to his house to begin cleaning.  He has been so busy helping out and managing the evacuation center that he hadn't even really had a chance to do anything with his place.  And it was a mess.  So we cleaned.  Moved junk, furniture, tons of this black, salty mud.  We could see the water lines, it had come up about six feet in his home.  There was junk and muck everywhere.  But the time flew by and soon it was lunch time.  We planned on just jumping in the car and going to get a few things from the store but Chiba-san insisted that we eat with them so we did.  Rice, miso soup, kombu (sea kelp) and some pickled garlic.  At first we were kind of hesitant eating their stuff, but at the same time we were so grateful and blessed to be there.  While we were cleaning, Joanna, Takako, Taliya and Alex had stayed back so when the kids finished their studying, they played some games with them. 
After lunch the kids hung around and made some crafts that the Okinawa crew had prepared.  And before we knew it it was time to begin the dinner prep.  It was raining again so instead of BBQ, the JSDF guys and Chiba-san decided to let us use their humongous gas soup pot to cook.  I want one of these things.  It was pretty sweet.  We threw in a good 70 lbs of chicken and started cooking.  The menu tonight:  Shoyu chicken, sausages, tossed greens, and rice.  We even drove by the store later and picked up some ice cream for dessert.  Santo headed up the kitchen crew.  This guy is a pro.  It really was good to have him here.  You guys know that he was a cook for over 10 years before he became a pastor and it was really impressive.  As he was chopping cabbage like a well-oiled machine, I stuck my head into the room with all a folks and announced that the iron chef was at work.  Some of the ladies came into the kitchen to watch.  It was like a cooking show.  "Santo Can Cook... so can you!"  He was chatting up with the ladies, giving them pointers.  Fun time.
Dinner was served... again it was raining so everyone was inside.  The JSDF guys came and ate too.  Then while everyone was eating we grabbed a guitar and a cajon and started playing.  A few songs in people wanted me to play some Hawaiian stuff and wanted hula.  I gently explained that if I did a hula, there might be another earthquake so... I called on Taliya to display her skills.  Taliya is from Okinawa but her mom is from Hawaii and is a gifted hula instructor.  I didn't know that Taliya didn't like the hula... unless it was hip hop hula, but after a little coaxing she agreed to entertain the folks.  She said the only song she knew was "Pearly Shells," so "Pearly Shells" it was.  She did a great job.  Soon after I explained to the folks that long ago, hula was done by the guys only, so I called Rich for some assistance.  The entire room began to chant, "Ri-chi, Ri-chi, Ri-chi," and so he came up.  Then one of the ladies came up.  And then 6 of the JSDF guys came in and joined it too.  Pearly Shells... it was quite the scene.  People were roaring with laughter.  Chiba-san later told me that that was the highlight of our trip this time to see everyone having such a great time.  He was laughing so hard!  I have to admit, these are the little things that we take for granted.  What a privilege to be used by the Lord to share a little joy!  I know a lot of video was taken, so I'll try and get a hold of some of that and post it.  We were joking with the JSDF guys that they would be famous on YouTube.  What a blessed night. 
We headed out around 8PM back to the hotel ready for round two tomorrow.

Wednesday, 4/20
Another early morning.  Another great time of fellowship in the Word.  Rich shared a good word from 1 Thessalonians 2.
"Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.  But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.  So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us."
I really like the, "we were pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives."  We want to impart the Good News of Jesus.  I truly believe that is why we exist.  If we only existed to be saved, we'd all be in heaven already.  But as we seek those opportunities to share, I don't want to overlook any of those opportunities.  To impart our lives.
We arrived at the evacuation center at 9:00AM.  Immediately Santo, myself and the ladies began to prep for the BBQ.  Rich and the rest of the guys headed out to Chiba-san's house to do more cleaning.  I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but man, Santo is impressive when it comes to food prep.  I learned a lot for sure.  And the ladies were amazing as well.  It really is awesome to see the different giftings the Lord gives and to see them all in motion at the same time.  Today's menu:  Japanese style hamburger steak, with daikon and ponzu, sausages, tossed greens and rice.  We lined up the little grills we had bought the last time we were here, this time we brought good old fashioned American briquettes (after our fiasco with Japanese coals and gasoline last time) and we fired up the grills.
Funny story, as Santo and I are grilling, a medical team came through to do check ups.  They thought we were evacuees.  I shouldn't have taken the free medical exams.  Nah, I didn't.  But I was tempted to.
The crew came back from cleaning and after washing up, we prayed together for the food and lunch was served.  It was great to see the same people again, being able to recognize faces more and more.  God is good.
After lunch all the guys went back to Chiba-san's place and did one last push to clean it out.  Lewis, Rich, Alex, Zach, Santo, Chiba-san.  All getting down and dirty.  It was quite the experience... really like an episode of Dirty Jobs.  I couldn't stop laughing when Alex started to dry heave from the funny smells that were everywhere.  But we got it pretty clean.  So clean that we may just stay there the next time we come.  Chiba-san mentioned that we could.  We'll see though.  No water, electricity or plumbing... but a roof and wooden floors good enough for sleeping bags.  Right when we finished, Chiba-san's older sister and parents came.  He didn't really want his parents worrying about the place so he waited til it was all clean for them to come and check it out again.  Nice folks.  All they need now is Jesus. By now it was around 4PM and we were getting ready to head back to Tokorozawa.  We said our goodbyes... our "see-you-later's".  We asked Chiba-san if we could pray for him and the folks again.  And we loaded up and headed home.  We had a smooth ride home, playing some games between the vehicles with the walkie-talkies Bill had brought last time.
Again, after stopping for dinner halfway home we arrived in Tokorozawa around 11:00PM.  Pretty tired, but thankful for the time we had together.

We're continuing to pray about going to the same place and ministering in the same way.  In a couple of weeks, both Kiyo and Rich will be heading up with some folks from their churches and our church.  We continue to pray for many open doors to invest in people's lives.  One example, when we were up there, Chiba-san kept telling us how he wanted us to meet a young gal who had an incredible story.  Finally before dinner on Tuesday, Santo, Rich and I met her.  Her name is Hitomi Ito, a single mother.  Her story was heart-wrenching.  I almost didn't want to hear it because I didn't want to have her relive the moment again with her words.  In a nutshell, she shared what happened.  How both her parents drowned.  How her one year-old son drowned.  Her only child.  How she found her baby a couple weeks later. A couple weeks.  Why?  Because it was too dangerous to look for him any sooner.  Again, what do you say to her?  We were all at a loss for words.  We just listened.  We invited her if she wanted to to come down to Tokyo or Tokorozawa and spend some time away from Higashi Matsushima.  We prayed with her.  For her. She was open to it but she didn't know what to expect or what to do.  Takako shared with her to just close her eyes and listen.  All of this happened just a month ago.  Speechless.  But as much as we were moved, we know how much the Lord loves her.  And so we will continue to pray for her.  Pray that the enemy doesn't cause confusion or anger or bitterness.  Pray with us, please.
All that to say, there are stories like that everywhere you go.  Stories that will move you to tears.  Stories that will stir up emotions and make us want to hike up our britches and save the world.  But in the end we know we are tools fit for the Master's use.  And so we continue to seek His guiding.  His timing.  His leading.

I know many of you want to come and minister in some way here.  I don't think it is a bad idea at all.  We will continue to keep you all in the loop with what is going on.  Again, this is not a short term deal.  I believe we will have many opportunities.  In fact Chiba-san was sharing with us how it looks like the soonest that some of the older people can be placed in temporary housing is August or September.  So we're looking at the summer to do some stuff out there.  Chiba-san kept assuring us that it wouldn't be as hot as Tokorozawa.  The Lord will open many doors that no man can shut.  And so we will continue to pray.  We will continue to listen.  The Lord is faithful for sure.


God bless and aloha,
Pastor Travis

Howzit everyone.  I just got back from the Tohoku area last night and I thought I'd give an update on the trip while stuff is still fresh on the brain.  I know I'm not going to remember everything, but I'll try to be as thorough as possible.  I figure the longer I wait to write this down, the stories will get more and more spectacular so I better hurry so these true tales don't become tall tales.  You know how that is. So get out your reading glasses, it's going to be a long one... or just read a little at a time... and sorry for no pictures.

Day 1.  Monday, April 4th.
We loaded up the van at 6 in the morning here in Tokorozawa.  Pastor Bill Stonebraker from Calvary Chapel Honolulu was there.  So was Pastor Rich Rose from CC Fuchu in Tokyo and Mr. Hirota, a father of one of the kids who attend the kindergarten there at CC Fuchu.  As well as myself.  It didn't take too long, to load up our boxes in two mini vans.  Logan came over to help us load up too.  Then we headed into Ayase, Tokyo to pick up Kiyomasa and Taeko Akashi (Logos Christian Fellowship) and their stuff.
In no time we were headed up to the Tohoku Region.  Everything fit in the vans... I didn't have to strap anything to the roof rack.  We made some magnetic signs for our cars saying we were bringing in relief in hopes that they would treat us as official vehicles and allow us to ride on the expressway without paying any tolls.  It was worth a shot. And praise the Lord it worked.  Just some little blessings along the way.
After a quick stop on the way for lunch at a highway stop, and some light snow flurries, we made it to Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture around noon.  We were going to stay at Kiyomasa's parents house in West Sendai.  Their house wasn't affected at all by the earthquake three weeks ago and they were too way inland for any tsunami.  Mr. and Mrs. Saito, Kiyo's parents were such a joy.  Sparkplugs for Jesus.  So full of love for the Lord and so willing to share the Gospel with people.  Both of them received Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior about 8 years ago and are quick to remind everyone that it's never too late to do so.   He shared their experience the past few weeks.  He shared with us the stats on the tsunami.  They had measured that in some places the tsunami had reached heights of over 120 feet.
After rearranging some of our supplies, we headed northeast to a peninsula called Shichigahama, about 20 miles, a 90 minute drive.  We learned that essentially all the roads would be opened, and that just that day gas stations were returning to normal.  People were regaining water, gas and electricity.  The Saito's had some family friends who were in an evacuation shelter there who wanted a few things.  As we drove out of the city we began to see the destruction.  Mud, debris, smashed cars, fallen houses.  Stuff you see on the news. We arrived at the evac center and they let us go in and check things out.  We went into one of the rooms, probably about 7 or 8 families were in there.  We proceeded to hand out some things, blow up a couple of air mattresses for some of the older folks, and hand out some snacks and gospel tracts.  We had brought some stuff for the kids so we handed those out as well.  Rich and I made a few balloons.  Fun... until they pop! 
We began to hear many of the stories of what happened.  What is there to say to them?  There was a gal in her late teens/early 20's who was reading one of the tracts so Kiyo approached her and asked her about what she thought.  She mentioned she was a Christian.  She proceeded to share her experience.  She was at a public bath ready to go in when the original earthquake hit.  She quickly threw on a robe and ran outside to her car.  As she was getting into her car people were shouting about the tsunami.  And as she looked up, there it was, before she could get in.  She was swept away before a stranger grabbed her and pulled her to safety.  Praise the Lord for His protection for her.  As she's telling the story, her hands were shaking, I tried to picture the scene in my head but couldn't even imagine how it all happened.  What she felt, what she saw.  Again, what do you say?  Kiyo prayed with her.  The best medicine for sure. 
After we left Shichigahama we headed a few miles west to Rifu and Tagajo.  Kiyo's sister and her family live in Rifu on higher ground so their home was safe from the tsunami.  We arrived there early evening, greeted by Kiyo's sister and middle school nephew.  She shared her story with us as well.  She worked for Sony in Tagajo.  As the earthquake hit, all the workers ran outside to do a head count. Then as the tsunami was coming in, they all ran back inside.  Remember, they were a few miles inland.  But the tsunami still came through, destroying the first floors of the buildings, she and many others saw their cars washed away.  She shared how it got dark.  They had to spend the night there, 200-300 of them.  No one was hurt.  They didn't have food.  No communication.  She shared how throughout the night they could hear people outside calling for help but couldn't see where they were as the tsunami pushed through.  The next morning, no help arrived so they all proceeded to walk home in knee-high, freezing, sea water.  Quite a story.  We praise the Lord she was safe.  We continue to pray for her and her family that she may come to know the Lord in a personal way.
We headed home and from there and called it a night.


Day 2.  Tuesday, April 5th.
Up at 6.  Breakfast and devotions.  Hirota-san, from Fuchu, is not a Christian, but he joined in.  We're praying that through this whole experience we would realize the need for a Savior.  And receive the grace given us.  Jesus died on the cross for us and shed His blood so we can have eternal life, a relationship with Him.  Doesn't get easier than that.  We're praying for Hirota-san for sure.
We headed out around 8 am.  This time Mr. and Mrs. Saito remained back so there was just the six of us.  We made plans to head up to Ishinomaki, 25m northeast along the coast.  Ishinomaki was hit really hard by the tsunami, and up until today they had the most casualties as well.  Rich had a family in the school with relatives that were in need of some things so we headed out there to bring the supplies.  As we headed up there, about an hour/halfway in, we decided to head into one of the smaller towns along the way and see if they needed anything.  We pulled into a small convenience store in Higashi Matsushima city, in little town of about 800 homes called, Ushiami.  As Kiyo stuck his head into the empty store to see if anyone needed anything, an old man came out to his truck and proceeded to lead us to a community evacuation center.  As we drive up to the building, we see a few Japanese Self Defense force trucks and some guys dressed in camouflage.  We see pockets of kids playing in the street so... we get out and start playing.  Rich is a kid magnet.  The foreigner with the strawberry nose.  Gifted for sure.  Rich and I start chatting with the kids.  The rest of the gang go into the building.  We offer whatever we have.  And it really wasn't accepted much.  And frankly speaking, I don't blame them... a bunch of foreigners coming in offering to help.  But we just continued to chat and listen.  We heard some amazing stories.  We heard from a teen mom, how her friend threw her two kids into the car and tried to drive away from the tsunami.  The next day the husband found the car, with his family in it, dead.  Tragic stories.  Again, what do you say?  So we listened.
We swapped fishing stories with some of the guys who work on the tuna boats.  Eventually we met the head of the center, Mr. Chiba.  He reminded me of a friend in Molokai, Junior.  Don't know if you're reading this Junior, but I found your Japanese twin.  We were instructed to register with the government.  Do things through all the former channels before we could help.  And so we continued to listen.  And we heard more and more.  We heard how this particular evac center had essential needs, but otherwise were overlooked by the government.  As we looked around we could understand why.  Many houses were standing, but were unlivable.  About six feet of water had roared right through taking out the bottom floors of structures.  But the destruction was nowhere near as bad as some of the other places that you see in the news.  From where I was standing, it was bad... but I guess compared to other towns not as bad.  So we continued to chat and listen.  We learned that for three weeks they've been cleaning.  No way to wash their clothes.  They had basic utilities... water, gas, and electricity... but no washing machines.  So we made a few phone calls and with the donations of many of you were able to secure 6 little washing machines.  It's such a blessing to be a part of the body of Christ.  We thought of shipping it up as we heard that the delivery trucks were now able to come, but Rich had called a guy, Mr. Miwa, from his church who had a truck and he was willing to drive it all up the next day.  Again, praise the Lord for the family we have in Him.  We continued to chat and listen.  And the Lord allowed us to find favor with the folks.   There was another crew of guys from CC Okinawa, CC Naha, CC Iwakuni and CC Kokubunji who had lots of relief supplies and were on their way to Ishinomaki and we were able to hook up and they brought their blessings to share as well.  Jackets, underwear, gas stoves... you name it, they had it.  Praise the Lord!  Two huge vans full!  The folks were stoked to receive such blessings.  I thank the Lord for all the fellas.  I thank the Lord for all His provision.
As we were getting ready to leave, we had heard that they had onigiri (rice balls) and miso soup provided for them for meals every day, so we asked if we could bring some other meat and have a BBQ the next day.  We figured, hey why not eat something other than rice and soup.  And, hey, we know BBQ.  And they gratefully accepted.  We were excited.  We made some calls down to Mr. Miwa and he got together some frozen chickens, BBQ grills and other things we needed.  Around Sendai, things were slim pickings, so it was a blessing to have Miwa for sure to drive some of those things up the next day.  So we said our goodbyes... looking forward to seeing them the next day. 
In the afternoon we followed the Calvary Tohoku Relief gang up to Ishinomaki.  You can read lots of their updates and calvarytohokurelief.blogspot.com.  They have been ministering up in Ishinomaki for the past couple weeks.  Ishinomaki was surreal, to say the least.  Everything you see on the news, we saw.  Cars piled up.  Mangled trees.  Buildings flattened.  The smell of mud and sea water... for you Hawaii people, imagine the Ala Wai Canal in one nostril and Pearl Harbor in the other.  Ishinomaki has a big fish processing plant on the water and as the tsunami came through it scattered frozen fish and seafood all around.  The smell was incredible.  We were led to a supermarket where on the rooftop there was a parking lot.  Up on the second floor, folks had gathered and were living there.  So we drove up there and handed out some supplies.  Continue to pray for those folks.  For this town of Ishinomaki.  For the relief work.  Many people are helping.  Pray that through all of this the love of the Lord will be preeminent. 
We split up in Ishinomaki from the other crew and headed back to Sendai to shop for stuff for the BBQ.  We pushed 8-10 baskets of stuff down the aisles.  God a lot of looks.  But we always get a lot of looks anyway.

Day 3.  Wednesday, April 6th.
Early morning breakfast and devos again.  Then we made a plan to try and get up north to Onagawa, in the north part of Ishinomaki Bay.  We figured we'd sing some worship songs at the BBQ so the Saito's made a few phone calls and found a guitar we could use so we went to get it along the way.  Today we had the whole group, 8 of us.  We drove to Shiogama on Matsuhima Bay to get the guitar at a salt plant from a family acquaintance.  You could see the water damage here as well.  Mr. Saito, on fire for Jesus, continued to share the Gospel with the gentleman who lent us his guitar.  Kiyo's parents used to own a karaoke restaurant/pub and so they have all these people that they minister to. 
So we continue up further north but the traffic was pretty bad.  So we didn't make it to Onagawa.  We didn't want to be late to the Higashi Matsushima folks so we took a detour back into Ishinomaki and headed for the waterfront.  We drove around in the mangled chaos and looked for folks who needed stuff.  We dropped off a stove and gas to a hospital, and to people along the way.  We continued to pray for divine appointments and those in need.  I can get a little overwhelming seeing everything, wanting to help people... it's easy to get emotional, so we asked the Lord to continue to guide our steps.
Then we proceeded back the the BBQ.  Mr. Miwa was almost there and we met up with him on the way.  We drove all the stuff in and presented it to the evac center. The washing machines, and other stuff.   Then we proceeded to light up the grills.  We had some 3 stooges moments, Bill and I, trying to use gasoline to fast-start the Japanese coals.  Come to find out, Mr. Chiba was an owner of a yakitori stand.  We could tell he was laughing at us inside as we were prepping.  Where are the fire starter and briquettes when you need them?  Eventually we got it all going.  Everyone as pitching in.  Someone had even donated a box of salmon.  And the grilling began.  We thought dinner time was at 5:30, but by 4:45 the line had formed.  We were told about 200 people would come and eat, and it looked it.  Fun stuff for sure.  Nothing like getting busy for the Lord.  The other crew came back, Rick, Glenn, Masaru, Robert, Mike Silva and his son Jacob.  Also Maxx, Chihiro, Toki and a couple other kids from the L'abri Church in Sendai where they were staying.  They set up more clothes and goods. and the block party began!  Teriyaki chicken.  Sausages.  Grilled salmon.  Cabbage salad.  What a blessing from the Lord to have this stuff to share.  Great to be reminded of the entire body of Christ, here and abroad, praying and supporting the Lord's work.
One side story.  Yesterday, as we were driving around Bill had seen a Yamaha upright piano upside-down, half buried in mud on the side of the road.  He was wondering if it worked, so today as we were setting up, we drove the truck to the piano, flipped it over, pounded some of the keys and saw that it essentially worked, and then hauled it back to the evac center.  As the night went on, Mr. Chiba set up some lights around the piano and we worshiped the Lord with it. I told the folks I only knew worship songs and they didn't mind at all, we played and sang.  They requested Amazing Grace.  Mr. Saito even got up and danced as sang , "Lord, I Lift Your Name On High" with the guitar.  Definitely a Jesus moment.  The scripture that came to mind was in Isaiah 61.

Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” 4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. 5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, And the sons of the foreigner Shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 6 But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. 7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. 8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant. 9 Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the LORD has blessed.” 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

What was left for destruction and despair... this dirty, damaged piano... was used to glorify the Lord of Heaven and Earth.  What a picture of His amazing grace!
After all the people had eaten, we called the Japanese Self Defense Force guys over and they ate as well, all 40 of them.  There was enough food for everyone!  Praise the Lord!
As the night winded down, Mr. Chiba and some of the other men joined in the cleaning and told us that they would take care of the rest in the morning.  And we asked if we could pray.  So we all joined hands, made a big circle and just prayed for them.  We prayed for the Lord's strength and blessing.  Again, the reality is, we go home, they stay and clean and continue to deal with all of this.  This one night was in some ways a return to normalcy for some.  Food and fellowship... that is how the Lord did it. 
We told them we look forward to being back.  That if there were any needs at all to give us a call.   We are looking to plan more visits out here to just be with them to share the Love of Christ and to help with whatever they need... cleaning, hauling, watching kids, whatever.  The Lord led us here and so we just want to be obedient so it looks like here is where we will be returning to help.  Remember them all in your prayers.  Mr. Chiba.  The folks in Ushiama, Higashi Matsushima City.  We know unless the Lord softens hearts to receive, all the strength and strategy in the world won't matter.  So we continue to pray.
Great night.  Praise the Lord.  Absolutely a God moment.  The Holy Spirit was here today.

Day 4.  Thursday, April 7th.
Last day before heading home.  We're going to miss Kiyo's parents.  Those are the kinds of folks you'd just love to have in your church.  We'll see them again soon, I'm sure. 
In the morning we headed to Wakabayashi-ku in East Sendai to visit Yuko.  Yuko used to be at our church in Tokorozawa before moving to the Tohoku region to be closer to family a few years ago.  We heard soon after the earthquake that she was safe and we continued to stay in contact.  We were so looking forward to seeing her again and fellowshipping with her.  She shared with us her story.  She was at the train station when everything went down.  The she couldn't return to her apartment because the tsunami was on it's way.  Praise the Lord it didn't reach her apartment, but came about 5 blocks from it.  The airport near her was demolished.  In fact, it was in Wakabayashi-ku where, on the night of the tsunami, they found 200-300 dead bodies.  From her apartment we could see the surrounding areas.  We thanked the Lord she was safe and prayed that the Lord would continue to use her as salt and light in the area.  So good to see another sister.  We hope to see her again very soon.
We headed out once again and on the way home we decided to do some grunt work.  Kiyo's folks and friends in Soma, Fukushima who had a farm that needed some work.  The tsunami came through and covered everything in salty, gray mud.  So after buying a few supplies we headed down there.  As we approached, the devastation there was crazy.  The ocean must have been at least 3-4 miles away and you could see a straight shot there... mud and junk.  Well we arrived at the Takahashi's and proceeded to remove stuff from their storage barn.  Lots of mud.  Fishing equipment.  Farming equipment.  It was like we were in our own episode of Dirty Jobs.  Kiyo and Rich removed all the tatami from inside the house.  Bill and Hirota-san were beasts when it came to taking out all kinds of debris in the dark mud.  The time flew by and soon we had to head out to get Bill to the airport.  We said our goodbyes.  We told them we'd like to come back and help more, which we intend on doing, and we hit the road.  The drive was a little longer than we thought because we couldn't use the expressway because that would have passed us right by the Nuclear plant.  No way they would let us through there.  So we drove around it.  Eventually we all returned home safely.  I got home after midnight.  Took a good shower and lay down next to my wife in my bed.  Nice.

Great trip.  So blessed to see the Lord do His thing and allow us to come along for the ride.  And we continue to pray for the folks there.  Again, we want to help, but more than that we want to give hope.  So that is what went on.  I know it's kind of long.  We know there are so many helping.  So many praying.  So many in need.  And our prayer is that the Lord simply leads, each one of us individually.  And when we as Christians are led that way, we all end up together.
Please continue to pray.  For the folks in Ushiami, Higashi Matsushima.  For those in Shichigahama.  For those in Ishinomaki.  For those in Shiogama and Rifu and Tagajo.  Pray for Kiyo's family.  Pray for Hirota-san and his family.  Pray for all the groups helping.  For Crash Japan, (crashjapan.org).  For Calvary Tohoku Relief (calvarytohokurelief.blogspot.com).  For all the other organizations reaching out to the community with physical and spiritual needs.  On the way home there was another big earthquake in the region.  Some places power went out.  Some places had another tsunami warning... small one.  People are frazzled.  Pray that the seeds planted, through love, Bibles, tracts, friendships will sprout much fruit for the Kingdom of God.


Til the last one's saved,
Aloha and God bless you,
Travis, Dawn, Erika and Evan Takamiya
Calvary Chapel Tokorozawa

www.calvarytokorozawa.com

Here is the latest report we recieved.
------------------------------------------------------------------- begin forwarded message

Hi Everyone - here's the latest from Nephew. He's not written in a while since there's not been much new to report.  -- Caroline

Date: Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 5:08 PM
Subject: Fwd: General Update


ALCON,

       Just to give you guys an update: The electricians are still working; I know I sound like a broken record.  They have recovered AC power to plants 5&6 with partial power to the #3 plant.  They have the lines laid to all the plants and are conducting inspections prior to energizing each electrical bus.  They have to do this to prevent the whole system from overloading when they turn it on should their be damage to individual electrical gear.
       Other than that the situation is as stable as it has been with rad levels slightly lower or mostly the same as the last week.  As soon as electrical power is on to all the control rooms we will have a much better idea where casualty control is going and how fast.  Until then we're pretty much in a waiting game.
       As a reminder if you live outside the 30km zone you are fine for now and if you are outside the 80km zone which included Tokyo (~160km or more) you are much to far away to feel any real effects at this point.






------------------------------------------------- end of forwarded message


God bless, Jesus loves Japan,
Travis

This is the latest update I've received regarding the power plant stuff.  Seems people want to still know what's up...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------  forwarded info--------------------------
       Workers are still working around the clock to restore power.  Cabling is now hooked up to the #2 plant and they are performing critical inspections on the electrical gear prior to turning power on.  They are still running cable to the other plants.  There was a bit of a scare last night when some unexplained smoke emitted from the #3 plant and workers were temporarily evacuated for their own safety but they have been able to return.
       Rad levels both on and off site are consistent with the last three or four days.  There is no cause for concern outside the 30KM zone.
       Reactor plants 1-4 remain the concern along with their respective spent fuel pools.  Reactors 5&6 are effectively safe at this point.
       Lots of talk in the news media about the contaminated food.  Shipment of food from the affected area has been put on hold so their is no need for alarm.  The Wold Heath Organization made a statement this morning stating that they are monitoring the situation and the rad levels and Japan has made the right decisions in halting affected shipments but that in any event, nothing found thus far is of immediate danger to anyone even if they did eat it.
       We're all keeping our fingers crossed for those electricians as they race to connect power which will not only restore normal cooling but it will restore the vital instrumentation that will let us have a much better picture of the status of each reactor plant.

As usual I will continue to send updates as I get information.

----------------------------------------------------- end of update-----------------------------------------------

Actually this is more of an update about the nuclear situation.  Just thought I'll fill folks in with some info we're getting from folks we know who are in the know.  These were sent to me on Saturday, less than 2 days ago.  I probably should have posted this earlier.  I understand that this is a fluid situation and stuff is changing daily, even hourly, but this is the info I'm getting.





ALCON,

       As with my last couple of emails there is little new to report.  They are still working on the electrical cabling and water drops from helicopters and fire trucks continues.  Rad levels downwind at the east gate of the facility have dropped to ~280microsieverts which is less than half of what it was on Wednesday.
       There seems to be surge of news articles with misleading scary headlines; none that I have read have any basis in any new facts.  Many of them have commented on how the last resort if nothing else works will be to bury the entire facility in tons of sand, powders lead, and potassium-tetra-boron-tetra-