It might seem strange to think that in Japan the summer holiday season really only lasts about a month, but what a fast and furious month it is! Typically school vacation starts at the end of July and finishes sometime before the end of August. It seems ever so short compared to the several months worth of part-time jobs, summer camps, and other random busyness of an American summer. But nonetheless we try and make the most of what we do have.
Typical weekends are mountain bike tours or events of some kind. For example, this weekend will be the annual road bike hill climb from the center of the village to the top of the mountain. This is one of the foremost hill climbs in all of Japan with a maximum occupancy of 3,000 riders climbing 21 kilometers up 6~15% grade roads! The streets, lodges, and facilities of every kind are packed to the brim and probably then some. We are all looking forward to this year’s competition, although only one staff, the director, will be participating in the event. We will be cheering everyone on.
Norikura Hill Climb
Wedding Visit
The following week I am excited to be returning to America for a short week for my older brother’s wedding over the Labor Day weekend. Looking forward to sharing in his special day and welcoming his fiance into the family. They will be moving back to my family’s place in rural South Dakota to farm with my father, uncle, and grandpa. Praying for their new life together as one.
Fall
This summer, we have had incredible difficulty finding fall season staff. For whatever reason, we have not been able to find good contacts who would be able to come on an adventure to Japan for several months to serve alongside us. God has continually brought quality interns every year, so we do not doubt His supply for this year. But we will continue to pray and search for the right persons to be at NORTHSTAR this fall.
The opening of our fall season will be the Banff Film Festival World Tour, held right here in beautiful Norikura Highlands. If the skies are clear, the films will be shown at an outdoor stage near us with activities the whole day through. This is one of my favorite events of the year because of not only the atmosphere of the adventure films, but because it is a reminder of the adventure of living life with God. Living a Spirit-filled life is not only about learning doctrine but about living the kind of trust filled life that Jesus speaks of in Matthew chapter six. Many of my favorite portions of Scripture are from that very chapter.
Backpacking Camp
I just came back from a backpacking trip last week in the Northern Japanese Alps during which we looked at a few different examples from King David’s life – a time before he was king while living in fear and a time of rejoicing in God’s abounding blessings. It was good to remember the promises given to David in relationship to his previous fears and unbelief. Remembering that God’s promises to us do not come because of our own making and the fruits of our own labors, but because He loves us despite our faults since He made us.
Sunrise Silhouette
Walking in that kind of path is true freedom. Along the way during our trip over mountain peaks and beside lively rivers we were able to discuss what kind of path we are on – the paths of our own making or the path that God has prepared for each and every one of us. Do we really understand what the path of God really looks like? Sometimes our own perceptions are actually quite different from the ways of God.
Despite much rain during our trip and strong winds on the major peak ascent and descent, everyone survived the challenge. It is good to have a healthy respect for the natural world, and I think some of that was learned this week. We made a lot of fun stories together, many of which will be retold countless times I’m sure.
Picture Perfect
So excited to meet some of you during the week in America. See you soon.
Prayer Requests:
• Thanksgiving for a great backpacking expedition.
• Thanksgiving for acceptance and renewal of my three year visa! All my paperwork was processed and I am ready to go.
• Thanksgiving for a strong summer despite all of the challenges after the triple disasters in Japan.
• Please pray for our urgent need for fall staff!
• Please pray for staff as we wrap up the summer this weekend and prepare for the fall.
