How many times have I turned away
The number is the same as the sand on the shore
But every time You've taken me back
And now I pray You do it once more.
Please take from me my life
When I don't have the strength
To give it away to You
Please take from me my life
When I don't have the strength
To give it away to You, Jesus
How many times have I turned away
The number is the same as the stars in the sky
But every time You've taken me back
And now I pray You do it tonight
Please take from me my life
When I don't have the strength
To give it away to You
Please take from me my life
When I don't have the strength
To give it away to You, Jesus
Third Day - Take My Life
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Summer '07
Here are some random pictures from this summer showing a little of what I did and who I was with.
Friendship Party at Obirin University with a team of friends from my college ministry at Prince Avenue Baptist Church.
This was at the time a picture of the current Jmen on Eileen's last night in Japan. We miss her! (Amy, Eileen, Me, Josh)
Early in the summer some of the interns birthed the idea of a somewhat secret ministry specifically for the late night crowd. Shibuya, the place where I live and where the interns stayed, is lively most any time of the day but becomes a different kind of lively when night falls. The outreach to those who love the night life consisted of dressing up kind of crazy and handing out tracts or Christmas cds with the gospel. Christmas in July anyone?
Pictured with me here are the two amazing summer interns I had the privilege to work closely with. Sally (left) and Jami (right) were focused on Keio University with me, and the Lord used them both mightily. Through their efforts and obedience to God, many Japanese lives were changed as they shared the good news that is Jesus Christ. They developed meaningful relationships with so many people that I have remained busy since they left trying to meet with all of their friends. I appreciate these girls not only for the joy and encouragement they were but also for the many things the Lord taught me through them.
Over the summer I was blessed to witness the baptisms of four new brothers and sisters. This picture taken at a baptism in Tamagawa River shows us praying over our new brother Takao for the new life given to him in Christ.
Me and Chauncey. She's the coolest!
Friendship Party at Obirin University with a team of friends from my college ministry at Prince Avenue Baptist Church.
This was at the time a picture of the current Jmen on Eileen's last night in Japan. We miss her! (Amy, Eileen, Me, Josh)
Early in the summer some of the interns birthed the idea of a somewhat secret ministry specifically for the late night crowd. Shibuya, the place where I live and where the interns stayed, is lively most any time of the day but becomes a different kind of lively when night falls. The outreach to those who love the night life consisted of dressing up kind of crazy and handing out tracts or Christmas cds with the gospel. Christmas in July anyone?
Pictured with me here are the two amazing summer interns I had the privilege to work closely with. Sally (left) and Jami (right) were focused on Keio University with me, and the Lord used them both mightily. Through their efforts and obedience to God, many Japanese lives were changed as they shared the good news that is Jesus Christ. They developed meaningful relationships with so many people that I have remained busy since they left trying to meet with all of their friends. I appreciate these girls not only for the joy and encouragement they were but also for the many things the Lord taught me through them.
Over the summer I was blessed to witness the baptisms of four new brothers and sisters. This picture taken at a baptism in Tamagawa River shows us praying over our new brother Takao for the new life given to him in Christ.
Me and Chauncey. She's the coolest!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Victory Over Fuji
At this time two weeks ago, I had been climbing Mt. Fuji for three hours and was not quite halfway to the top. We started our climb at 8:30pm with the goal being to reach the top in time to watch the sunrise (we being most of the summer interns, a few of our Japanese friends and I). It was definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done. Nausea set in and I had troubles breathing which made my stomach hurt even worse. I took frequent breaks in attempts of regulating my breathing, but my fellow JMan Josh kept telling me we had to "push on." The group I climbed with arrived at the top around 3:30am which made our total climbing time seven hours. Without Josh and Adam I am confident it would have taken me longer to reach the top.
Upon arriving at the top, I expected to feel an enormous sense of accomplishment. However, what I felt was exhaustion and relief that I no longer had to "push on." Climbing was not too cold because the hard work warmed my body, but sitting at the top waiting for the sunrise was freezing. When the sun finally came up, I was a little more focused on rest, warmth and trying not to be sick. I did take two pictures, but I wish I had been able to enjoy the creativity and beauty of God more.
Once atop Fuji, you'd think the hard part would be over. But you'd be deceived. The descent is just as difficult if not more so. The paths are steep and full of rocks and soft dirt that are ideal for slipping, and I lost my footing frequently which made it terribly hard to stay balanced. What I should have done was buy a sled and just slide down the entire mountain. I'll have to remember that for next time, if I'm crazy enough for there to be a next time.
When I finally conquered Fuji (I would say you haven't conquered it until you've made it all the way down), my only positive memory was of the stars so bright and clear and numerous shining in the sky. One of my Japanese friends Takehiro and I marveled at the artistic ability and imagination of the Creator who designed and placed each one of those stars. We saw the Milky Way Galaxy and at least three shooting stars. It was a wonder to behold.
Below are a few pictures of my Fuji experience.
My hero Takehiro (a friend from Keio University) and me before the bus ride to Fuji
Kuni pictured with my backpack at the 8th Station. There are 10 Stations and we started at the 5th. Kuni carried my backpack most of the way up the mountain.
My supermen (Josh and Adam respectively) without whom I would have very possibly cried. Pictured here at the 8th Station. Josh literally pulled me up the mountain at a few points.
My dear friend Katy and me after finally making it together to the top. We don't look exhausted at all, do we?
Sunrise
Sunrise 2
The Three Amigas persevered together and by some miracle of God managed to make it to the top. Smiling after the sunrise and at the idea of being down off the mountain.
One of the only pictures I paused long enough to take on the descent. A great view, but my mind was focused on getting down.
Upon arriving at the top, I expected to feel an enormous sense of accomplishment. However, what I felt was exhaustion and relief that I no longer had to "push on." Climbing was not too cold because the hard work warmed my body, but sitting at the top waiting for the sunrise was freezing. When the sun finally came up, I was a little more focused on rest, warmth and trying not to be sick. I did take two pictures, but I wish I had been able to enjoy the creativity and beauty of God more.
Once atop Fuji, you'd think the hard part would be over. But you'd be deceived. The descent is just as difficult if not more so. The paths are steep and full of rocks and soft dirt that are ideal for slipping, and I lost my footing frequently which made it terribly hard to stay balanced. What I should have done was buy a sled and just slide down the entire mountain. I'll have to remember that for next time, if I'm crazy enough for there to be a next time.
When I finally conquered Fuji (I would say you haven't conquered it until you've made it all the way down), my only positive memory was of the stars so bright and clear and numerous shining in the sky. One of my Japanese friends Takehiro and I marveled at the artistic ability and imagination of the Creator who designed and placed each one of those stars. We saw the Milky Way Galaxy and at least three shooting stars. It was a wonder to behold.
Below are a few pictures of my Fuji experience.
My hero Takehiro (a friend from Keio University) and me before the bus ride to Fuji
Kuni pictured with my backpack at the 8th Station. There are 10 Stations and we started at the 5th. Kuni carried my backpack most of the way up the mountain.
My supermen (Josh and Adam respectively) without whom I would have very possibly cried. Pictured here at the 8th Station. Josh literally pulled me up the mountain at a few points.
My dear friend Katy and me after finally making it together to the top. We don't look exhausted at all, do we?
Sunrise
Sunrise 2
The Three Amigas persevered together and by some miracle of God managed to make it to the top. Smiling after the sunrise and at the idea of being down off the mountain.
One of the only pictures I paused long enough to take on the descent. A great view, but my mind was focused on getting down.
Girls of 201
There were three, then two, now three again. It was sad saying goodbye to Eileen at the end of July, but she had to go back to the States to get married. At first it was weird and quiet without her, but then Amy and I adjusted to life with just the two of us. Two weeks later our new roommate Audrey arrived just as things were getting crazy busy with our summer interns. The interns returned to the States a week ago, so Amy and Audrey and I have finally had some time to bond just the three of us. I know God is going to use us mightily in each other's lives for encouragement, accountability and refining.
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