WHO ARE THE GARNERS?

Some have wondered, from past photos, if God sent a missionary couple. He didn't have to. Scot and Chiaki Garner were faithful members of a church for Christian military families on the island, and God sent them to help at Gushikawa Baptist. They now have grown children who have families of their own. Scot, retired from the service, is an administrator of a Japanese air conditioning company and has helped many find jobs. Chiaki is gifted in the kitchen and full of church fellowship ideas.

Scot and Chiaki's seasoned walk, readiness to work and pray, also to build tender relationships (I know...these are two separate photographs. But Scot and Lilia really ARE best friends! This is something we see practically every week!) and keep confidences have become a vital part of the church. What can I say--I'd be happy if God always kept them here, altho' I'd feel happy for any flock He'd want to give them to...like He did when He brought the Garners to us here!

THOUGHTS FROM BED...

I guess I overdid it in the heat yesterday and need to take it easy today again, so here's an "easy post". Here are a few more photos taken with my cell. Usually, Purples don't show up in photographs, but this time, the lavender wildflowers don't look a powder blue! (are cameras partial to wildlife in Okinawa, I wonder.) Thank you, Lord. Altho' this pink hibiscus was one of the first blooms on my walk, I noticed yesterday a lot of them were blooming just across street from the Gushikawa Baptist Church.

Come to think of it, it's not just cell. THESE were taken with the compact camera. Last month, Chiaki Garner, who goes to Gushikawa BC, sent over to our home a loaf of her famous zucchini bread...and I didn't think to take a picture until I was about to eat the last slice!

Last week, it got cool enough for me to get out for worship service plus pot luck, and I went again this week for something more yummy than Chiaki's zucchini bread.

At the last half of the message, the preacher mentioned how our self-worth had to be grounded in the reality that God loves us so much Jesus died for us on the Cross. Simple Gospel. We say we believe it, then we easily get upset by other things.

I so needed to hear that. I've been having issues with Kinya. I know, I know; I'll put my eyes back on the Cross (this is Sze Wan's drawing on the bookshelf at the back of the church) and remember to do so for now; probably will forget about it tomorrow and will need another reminder then...but God, tap me on top of the head whenever I need it, OK?

I mean, it's been over 50 years I've been walking with Him, and I STILL forget what you would think are the easiest things.

I'm so glad we have a merciful Savior!