Artisans Fair Ajigasawa

On Saturday, July 5th the team including the Mortley's, a family the Ghents have known for many years went to C-point. C-point being the artisans fair which comes to this area once a year. We spent close to 2 and a half hours there enjoying the seaside breeze and looking at all the different creations of artists from all over Japan. The works of art included everything from sculptures to jewelry to wood carvings. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we were able to visit the kiosk set up by the Ityanagi Chapel's Coffee House. It was very nice to see the local artists work and to be able to encourage the Ityanagi Chapel's workers.

- Jordan

7-8-08

Let me introduce you to our team baby. Yes, we have a baby on our team and she is a very important member of the team. Her name is Madelynn and she is almost 11 months old. Madelynn, or “Maddie,” as she is affectionaltely called, is here with her parents, Nghi and Jessica.

Maddie has become our team mascot in a way. She is an encourager. She makes us smile and laugh – a lot – even when we’re feeling stressed or tired. And her energy is amazing. Not only that, she is one of the happiest, most pleasant babies I have ever met. She has a smile for everyone, and she has willingly adopted all of us as her surrogate aunts and uncles.

She comes to every one of us, and, on occasion has allowed some of us to feed her, change her and even put her to bed, so that her parents can do ministry together or just have some down time. Because as lovable as she is, being a baby on the go, sometimes her parents just need a little break.

Madelynn is also a little missionary in her own way. The Lord has used her to start conversations with other moms at cooking classes. She has made people smile on trains and basically, everywhere she goes. People are curious. They will offer help or simply come up to her parents and ask questions, practicing their English. She opens doors that otherwise might not be opened. The Lord has a special purpose for Maddie on this missions trip, and I, for one, and very thankful to God for bringing her and her parents here to Japan.

And oh, by the way, keep your eyes posted…she may be walking on her own soon. Who knows, maybe those first independent steps, already ordained by God, will take place here in Itayanagi. The Lord bless you, Madelynn.

-Kathie