For all 2010 Texas Super Summer Global participants!
iGo Global flies to Tokyo
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Welcome!
Hey 2010 TSSG participants! Hope y'all enjoy using this blog to get to know each other before base camp arrives! Spend time asking each other questions, sharing prayer requests, and challenging each other as your trip approaches. Have fun! - jami
Hello all. My name is Amber Allee as you can already see. I live in central texas and wouldn't trade it for the world. i have had many horrible things have happen to me but nothing that God hasn't helped me with. my favorite hobbies are watching PBR, Football(Am.), curling up with a good book, and numerous church activities. you can always find me either at home, at school, at "my second families house", or somewhere at the chruch.
heyy guys! (: my name is molly smith. i'm from garland & i'm a fishie at garland high. it's pretty much theee best. (; i hope we can all get to know each other super well & i am definitely wayyy pumped for our trip! <3
hey! :) my name is ally jane bagby, i live in ganado texas and my dad is a football coach. i love to watch football play sports cheer and spend time with God. I'm so excited and nervous at the same time about our trip!!! i cant wait to meet everyone and go on this adventure that God has laid before me and challenged me with! <3
Hey everyone. I'm Chad Terrell and I've very excited about this trip. I live in a small town name Quitman. I've grown up in East Texas my entire life. I'm excited to meet all of ya'll and to get going to this amazing trip! :)
hey yall! my name is mandi and i am from round rock, texas. i am a junior and i am the only person from my church going on this trip so i am excited to get to meet everyone. :)
chad: yes mandi mcwhirter (should be the only one ..) you can add me if you would like.. for anyone reading this yall can just make a note bout japan plzz. :) so i can talk to some of yall and not be soo alone :D
hey guys im megan i live in corsicana. im a sophomoreat corsicana high school. im a varsity soccer player for my high school. if im not at church or doing things with my church im usually at the soccer field. im extremly excited about the trip! i have a facebook if u would like to look me up megan clagett(i should be the only one)
Hello ALL! My name is Nicholas Patton (Chad you are not alone). I was born and raised in Olathe, Kansas. I like to play pretty much every sport you've ever heard of, read, and play a decent video game (I'm a nerd). I know three people going to Japan on mission this summer, but they are going at a different time, but its still awesome! I'm really excited to go to Japan and share God's word! Oh and I'm excited to meet all of you too of course =)
Hey everybody! I'm Kelsan Wolverton. I live in Adamsville, Tx. I go to Evant High School. I play volleyball and basketball. I like to read, act, sing, watch movies, hangout with family & friends, and pretty much dance wherever i'm at. I'm so excited to meet all of you and get to know you personally. I'm delighted, nervous, excited, and ready for what God has store for me.
Hey guys. I'm Rebekah. But I prefer Beka. My life has been pretty crazy lately so I haven't had time to do this but I am definitely looking forward to meeting you guys! I am one of three Juniors from my church going on this trip. I'm extremely nervous and kind of shy too but I'm also excited about all thats gonna happen. I know God has something amazing planed. I hope you all had an amazing Christmas
Chad: along with me there are two guys going from my churcg. Drew and Bob. Mandi knows Drew and he's a follower of this blog. Bob isn't though. :-) Don't worry Chad, you won't be alone!
I'm Allison Overton from Dickinson Texas, (that's halfway between Houston and Galveston). I am the only one from my church going on this trip and can't wait to meet everyone. I am a junior at Dickinson High School and can't wait to graduate and get my life started. I am EXTREMELY quiet but I promise to try to come out of my shell for this trip. Can't wait unti the summer! Have a great New Year everybody!
I hope everyone had a great new year's eve! I am so excited because I know God has something amazing planned for this year! I pray each of you would be sensitive to His voice. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Happy New Year! I am Dennis Jacobs. I am a student minister in Kilgore, Texas. this will be my third trip to Tokyo. Be prepared to be amazed by God's work!
My name is Reagan Williams--I'm a Junior at Dallas Baptist University. I think I'm one of four from my church going to Tokyo. I was raised in Midlothian, TX and graduated from there in 2007. I'm super stoked about going to Tokyo and I can NOT wait to make him famous! This will be my first trip overseas and I'm a little anxious about the plane ride, but I super excited to see what God is going to do in Tokyo. :)
God does work in some interesting ways though. All the stuff that has happened in Tokyo since IGo has started ministering there has been God's plan since the beginning of time. He's been preparing hearts for the words they'll hear since their birth. Its so amazing to think that God loves us that much.
If I had a blog I would, but thanks Dennis that's a good idea. I might make one. So instead I guess I'll just open up discussion here. How has everyone been doing with the January Monthly Challenge? Anything anyone wants to share? Or anything that we can pray about?
I have been doing pretty well this month I think. I've been very intentional with what I say to those around me. Not only does it help reach to the lost kids around me it helps me to encourage the other Christians at my school. And I've noticed that even at home my words are less sharp towards my siblings. I can see the difference in my life I just hope everyone else does too.
Okay so I need some prayer. I've been at my school since September but I've known some of the people there my whole life. I live in Liberty and go to school in Hardin. Long story. Well in Liberty there weren't many people that I really wanted to hang out with so I became a loner of sorts. Well now that I'm able to go to school with the people I want to be with I'm having touble coming out of my shell. I've been the loner for so long I don't know what to do. Its hard for me to keep up a conversation for very long unless the other person is a chatterer. Its even kind of hard for me to talk to the people I've known since Kindergarten. Any prayers and advice will be welcome because I'm really struggling. I'm tired of being the loner and I don't know how to show others that.
Hello. I'm probably the first person to post who is from New Mexico. I think I am going to the third session. Beka I think it's really cool that your are bold enough to share the state of your current situation with strangers. It shows that you are slowly transforming from your formal loner self. I will pray that you make the most of the opportunities you are given. I look forward to getting to know everyone. :)
Beka, hang in there. Focus on following God daily and being you and the rest will come. There are more people who talk than listen in the world, so your quietness has special value.
Brenna, where do you live in New Mexico? A minister friend lived in Clovis for several years before moving to Canyon, Texas.
Would y'all be interested in creating a facebook group for this summer's trip? The iGo group is awesome, but there is also a group for the 2008 and 2009 groups that went.
If you are my friend on facebook, let me know if you would like me to suggest a few friends. There are 4-5 students who took their first trip last summer who will be interns this summer.
And to add fuel to your Tokyo fire, last week I was at Walgreens and met a Japanese student at Kilgore College who is from Tokyo and will be there next summer.
Hey everyone. Im Kathryn Durham and im a senior from south texas. i cant wait to see how God will use us on this trip. Im really excited. Im pretty shy so I would love to get to know you all before the trip. feel free to add me on facebook :) Beka: i am praying for you girl Dennis: i know 3 people who have been to Tokyo over the past 2 years
Thanks for all the prayers guys. I really need them. I can't give details but I screwed up with something pretty bad recently. I've gotten forgiveness from the person I hurt and from God but I'm also having trouble forgiving myself. I feel like a crummy friend for what I did. Thanks also for the advice. It means so much
Hello my name is Payton Browning but i go by Grant. I am from Brownfield and i have just been through the toughest thing ive ever been through, a death of one of my best friends. But God has been carrying me and my church through it all and it was also a life changing experience for me. I am sorry i have been sort of out of the loop because of this but i am here now and i am so excited so get to know all of you!
Hey, Grant! One of the interns next summer lives in Earth, TX. Sorry to hear about the death of your friend. That stinks. I am praying for you at this time of loss.
God has a really cool plan for you this summer. You will spend one week on the other side of the Pacific Ocean with brothers and sisters in Christ that you barely know and see God work through the group.
Grant: I am so sorry about your friend. I know there are no words that help because I've been through the same thing. I lost my brother in '07. He was a Marine and was KIA in Iraq. Its been almost 3 years but its hard. I'm praying for you man. I can tell you from my experience that God is indeed the ultimate comforter. He loves you and will always be here when no one else is.
Hey guys! Just to let you know I've started a blog of my own to accompany this one. There will be specific places for prayer requests and praise reports! Its www.TokyoBoundForChrist.blogspot.com I hope everyone is doing well! Can't wait to see you this summer!
heyy everyone.!! Im allison but u can call me alli i live in Kaufman, TX and so excited and a little nervous about tokyo and ready to make him Famous.!!!! I am a very outgoing person and love to meet new people. I cheer, play volleyball and basketball, and run track.! I am 1 of 3 people going from my church going to Tokyo. I am very excited to get to know everyone and hope ya'll have a awesome dayyy =)
hey everyone! (: i'm michelle renae pickard. (: I'm a junior, and ready to be a senior! haha. (: i'm so excited to meet everyone, and share some amazing times together! (: I live in Brownwood, and I go to Coggin Ave. Baptist Church. I'm a very outgoing person, and I love to meet new people. So don't be afraid to ask me something! (: I'm really easy to get along with, and I don't get embarrassed easily at all. My passion is singing. It's what I hope to continue to do after high school and college. (: anything else??? just ask. (:
Hey everyone. Glad to see more people are still joining! I hope everyone is having a good year. I'm still struggling with feeling lonely at school but I have one friend in particular who is helping me hang on. He's a senior and I'll miss him when he leaves.
School is getting better! I am getting along with one girl in particular and we are becoming amazing friends. Thank you so much for all the prayers and advice.
so was anyone else as excited as i was to get their packing instructions...?? a ball and chain?? really? hahah! buuuut. there is a loophole. you can't bring in on your CARRY-ON, but you CAN put it in your suitcase. hahha. maybe i'm the only one who thought that was at least a little humorous. hahha.
Yes Dennis I do know James and Penny. They are really good people. I don't go to their church but small town equals all church kids know all youth pastors :)
We should start a countdown to when we leave for Tokyo. That would be exhilarating.
Since asking that question I was chatting with Penny and they said they knew your youth pastor. Yep, that small town ministers connection is quite cool.
For those of you who didn't know, there is a facebook group for this summer's trip. The group name is iGo to Tokyo 2010. Six of the members in the group will be interns in Tokyo this summer and went to Tokyo last year. The one and only Jami Gainey is there, too.
Wow! It's so great to read everything y'all are posting on here! Keep it up! I am excited to meet all of y'all in July, and would love to do so before if y'all are ever in the Dallas area. I travel a lot too, so if I'm ever in y'all's area - maybe we can get together some time for coffee or something.
Remember...if y'all have any questions, shoot me an email and I can hopefully answer y'all.
I'm currently looking into getting a countdown on here for y'all - how exciting!
I'm praying for each of you. Remember...stay in the Word, and stay in the Word with the Church. Pray for your trip, for each other, for God to ruin your lives, and for the nation of Japan.
Excited about what God's going to do for his fame through y'all this summer!
It's in parts, but here is the packing list information for Tokyo:
TSSG 2010 PACKING INSTRUCTIONS As you begin to pack, we want you to remember a few important things: Things NOT to bring: DO NOT BRING CELL PHONES. This is non-negotiable. Cellular telephones are not allowed on the trip starting at Base Camp. Whether or not you have a cell phone and/or international service is irrelevant. Phone cards and phones are available at the hostel where we are staying. Some of you may desire a cell phone for security reasons, but please understand that each student will be with at least two leaders who will have a cell phone on them at all times. Be sure to pass this information along to your parents so that they do not purchase one for that purpose.
Also, there is no reason for you to bring a laptop. Computers are available at the hostel where we are staying (about 100 yen, or $1.00 for ten minutes). Carrying a laptop would simply be added weight and an additional item for you to keep up with.
It is not necessary that you bring bedding for the trip. The hostel where we are staying provides bedding. However, as noted below on the packing list, you do need to bring towels for while we are there.
You do not need a bunch of snacks or food. Part of the missions experience involves becoming familiar with a different culture. You will experience some new foods, but we will make sure that you do not starve.
Be SURE to bring the following, Prepared, to Base Camp:
Do bring a backpack or large bag. You will spend a lot of time on foot and sometimes will not return to your room until late in the evening.
You are allowed to bring ONE SMALL SUITCASE AND ONE CARRY-ON BAG on this trip. Please know that this will be strictly enforced. You will not get any help with a bag that is too heavy during those times that we have to carry our luggage with us. Pack what you need and no more. In the occasion that we have to hurry/run through an airport to catch a connecting flight, carrying an extra-heavy bag could create a serious problem. Most airlines charge extra for bags that weigh over 50 pounds. A well-worth-it prize will be given to any participant who packs a lesser amount than Jami (your team coordinator) does. However, we doubt it can be done.
We will expect you to be very punctual, so make sure you have appropriate time keeping tools. You will need some form of a watch to carry during the day and a travel alarm clock with fresh batteries. (You cannot use a cell phone as an alarm clock.)
While we are in Tokyo, you will travel through the train system using a train card called a Suica. Suicas are the size of a debit/credit card and are scanned each time you enter/leave the train stations. You will receive a Suica your first or second day in Japan, and all of your travel money will already be charged to the card. It is VERY valuable and CANNOT be lost. Therefore, we suggest bringing a small, thin wallet to keep your Suica in. Most of the time, as you enter train stations through the ticket wickets, you will be able to scan your Suica without removing it from a thin wallet. This will help you keep up with this VERY important part of your trip, and will furthermore lower the possibilities of losing it. Please note: If you do lose your Suica, you are responsible for purchasing a new card and replacing whatever money was on your card – so, PLEASE take whatever measures necessary to keep up with it!
Helpful Hints
Carry-On: There is always the possibility of an airline losing your luggage on an international flight. As a precaution, it is advised that you pack one change of clothes and some essential items in your carry-on bag. Remember that you are not allowed to pack sharp objects or anything else that could be considered a weapon in carry-on bags. This includes pocketknives, Swiss army knives, razors, fingernail clippers, firearms, swords, javelins, ball and chain, boxes of staples, ice picks, double bladed axes, shovels, wooden stakes, railroad spikes, flathead screwdrivers, etc. If you bring any of those items, you must pack them in your checked suitcase. We recommend that you leave pocketknives at home.
Spending Money: We get many phone calls each year from people asking us to recommend a specific amount of spending money. You can easily get by on $150, but you are free to bring more. We will only have one day for shopping. Please understand that whatever souvenirs you purchase must be bought with your own personal money. The money that you will be given when we arrive in Tokyo is solely for food/travel/ministry…not your souvenirs.
Cash is Best: It is recommended that you bring cash for your additional spending money. Make sure the bills are in good condition, no marks, tears, etc. You will have a chance to exchange this money into the appropriate currency once we land in Tokyo. We recommend bringing about $150 for souvenirs and gifts that you may want to buy. Travelers’ checks are not accepted many places and can create unnecessary problems and confusion. The same goes with debit/credit cards. Most ATM machines will eat your card if you use it overseas because they think someone is trying to steal your identity.
Exchange Rate: Keep in mind that right now one U.S. dollar will give you around 100 Japanese yen in exchange. An item that would cost about one dollar in the U.S. will cost about 100 yen in Japan. This means that you can plan on your money keeping its value in the exchange, and you will want to bring to Japan the same amount of money you think you would need for snacks and souvenirs if you were going somewhere in the United States.
Clothing: This is not a fashion show. You do not need 5 pairs of shoes and a different outfit for every day of the trip. Pack comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. Pack enough clothes to make it through ten days.
It is going to be VERY hot and VERY humid in Tokyo. Pack clothes that you can stay cool in. Unlike camp, you will stay in the same outfit all day, so you won't need dress-up clothes for any reason. The Japanese culture is one of order, so you should try and look nice, but still as comfortable as you can. You can wear shorts as long as they are knee-length. It is recommended that you not bring shirts with Christian messages on them.
Dress modestly. We don’t really care what is in fashion, and neither will the missionaries or nationals you work with. Modesty should be placed above fashion when you choose your clothes for the trip. Some examples of this would include NO sleeveless shirts or tank tops, no short shorts, no spaghetti straps, no clothes that are extra tight, etc. You get the picture. If you have to ask, you should probably find something else to pack.
Packing Checklist________________________________________ Below is a brief list of things you need to remember to bring. Feel free to email us with any questions regarding packing. Remember, less is best.
Bible Passport Photos from home Sunglasses Chap-stick Anti-bacterial lotion Insect repellent Backpack/daypack Clothes for 10 days Toiletry items Comfortable shoes Travel alarm clock Underwear/socks Pajamas Camera and film Prescription medications Watch Towels MP3/portable CD player light rain jacket small travel pillow Compact Umbrella small, thin wallet
Buddy Brents, missionary to Japan, will be at a Japan Fellowship this Saturday, February 27th at 7pm at the Baptist Student Ministry building at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. Some of the Japanese students from Kilgore College will be cooking (yum!). We are inviting all people who are from, passionate about, Japan. As many as 10 Japanese college students may be there as well as those who have been to Tokyo throught iGo Global and those who are going. Let me know if you can make it. It will be a blast!
Hey everyone! I've continued reading over the posts on here, and am enjoying getting to know each of you a little bit.
As I search for ways to pray for y'all, I notice that many of you have experienced a great deal of heartache over the past several months, even since you've applied and been accepted for this trip. Several people on our team have experienced the death of family members and close friends.
In August, a week after returning from last year's trip to Japan, my Dad died of cancer. I'm not going to say that I understand how each of you are feeling, but please know that I can hurt with you and pray for and alongside you. I am confident God is in control of all things, and that he allows things to happen for a reason.
I encourage and challenge you, as I do myself, to strive to learn more about God through difficult times - my sweetest, most intimate times with Christ have been since my Daddy's death. It's neat to see what God teaches us during these moments, and how he's preparing us to make Him famous, and even doing so in the midst of our pain.
I will continue praying for y'all. Please know that you can call or email me anytime! I'm excited to serve alongside a group of students whom its obvious that God is at work in.
Hey everyone!! My name is Amanda Ferguson and I am a Junior at Legacy High School in Mansfield, TX!! I attend Walnut Ridge Baptist Church and I am one of three girls from my church that will be attending Tokyo this summer!!!! I am so stoked to get to meet all of you. You can add me on facebook just make sure you say something about tokyo...i gave fb up for lent though, so it might be easiest right now to email me!! my email is amanda.ferguson3@yahoo.com!! I wish we were going to Tokyo NOW, i seriously cant wait!! If there is anything that you would like to get to know about me, dont be afraid to ask!!(:
Hey y'all! :) My name is Maddie James and I LOVE sports! And reading! I know 6 people from my church going on this trip with us! SO excited to meet y'all! Chad: I have a grandmother and she lives in Quitman, Texas! I love going up there for visits! I live in San Angelo, Texas! I'm really lookin' forward to seeing all God is going to be doing in and through us! I can't wait to meet y'all! :)
it's been a while since i've posted here! :b as for super summer, my church is going to session 4. i'm the only one at my church going to tokyo, but i've gotten a lot of support, & that helps a lotttt. (: & i don't know anyone who went to tokyo last year. except for you, dennis, if you count. :P
anywaysss! i'm definitely praying for all of y'all that have been through some struggle lately. never forget that God is right there next to you every step of the way. (:
i am soo excited for this! seriously, i think about it every day. :D
heyy, i've got a question for everyone! what are some things that y'all have done to get the money for your trip? are you paying yourself, fundraiser, asking for donations, etc. (:
i sent out letters!! i got about 600 from that!! other than that my parents are paying for the rest unless i stop being lazy and get out there and start fundraising!!!(:
I have a hugeee family soo that helped from letters. otherwise I cleaned out my garage and took the unwanted stuff to goodwill and got a tax write off and did that amount to my church. if that made since... and then i am spoiled and my daddy is paying the rest. :)
I have been working at my moms resuraunt. Earning tips and my regular paycheck. I also sent out letters not too long ago and have recieved over 800 dollars just from letters. God is just bringing it all in. My dad is a narcotics cop and my moms buisness is new, just started in October but has been a blessing to work in for extra. A couple of us girls from my church that are going is trying to put together a garage sale. :) My churhc is going to session 2 at hardon simmons, anyone elses church going then? :)
i'm going to session 2 at hardin simmons. (: and i sent out letters, and my whole trip was paid for in about 5 months, and none of it came from mine or my parent's pocket. Which is another reason God is amazing. (: he always provides. (:
Hey everyone, just wanted to share something that I've been reading with ya'll. Some of you may find this encouraging, others challenging. But my point in sending this is to implore you to stay fully engaged in your local church. I was reading a commentary of 1 Timothy 3:15 where Paul says the church is "The pillar and support of the truth." Here's what one of my favorite authors wrote about that verse.
"Is not the church the mother of all believers? Does she not regenerate them by the word of God, educate and nourish them through their whole life, strengthen, and bring them at length to absolute perfection?... The office of administering doctrine, which God has placed in her hands, is the only instrument of preserving the truth."
I think that's relevant to our trip, and here's why. YOU are not the pillar of truth. iGo Global is not the pillar of truth. Falls Creek is not the pillar of truth. The church, and the church alone, has been given this authority and responsibility.
So if you're seeking to make known this truth and you are not engaged in your church, serving in your church, submitting to your church leaders, and being sent by your church, then you are acting as an impostor. Mission trips are not for lone ranger Christians. If you're trying to proclaim and spread The Gospel without going through a local church, then what you are doing is unbiblical. You (as a single person) are not the bride of Christ, the pillar of truth, the means for spreading The Gospel. The church is, and we must live and serve through her in order to remain faithful to Christ.
Today we are exactly 18 weeks away from flying to Tokyo! There is a weekly prayer guide produced by IMB Tokyo. If I can find mine, excerpts from that guide will be posted here and on the "iGo to Tokyo 2010" Facebook group page.
There's a bunch of cool stuff to check out by going to imbtokyo.org, especially the resources link. One is a link to a calendar with requests for each day about God's work in Japan. http://pacrimjo.org/prayer/jpip.html
hey, I'm grace wallace I also go to Paulann Baptist Church in San Angelo with Maddie and I'm a freshman this year. God has really provided for me during this whole experience and i am so excited to be able to go! I love acting, singing, reading, and hanging out with my friends. I am so thrilled to meet all of you and I know God has such a perfect and marvelous plan through this mission trip. I'm praying for all of you :)
Hey guys I am Kayla and I am a freshman at Rockwall-Heath High School! I am HUGE into dance!! I dance competively and am the lieutenant on the school drill team. I also love going to my small groups with Jami Gainey. I love her and my group soooo much!! If I am not at dance or with my small group I am hanging out with friends, homework, or relaxing!(: I am a very outgoing person and love to meet new people! If you want to add me on facebook you can, just put a note about Japan! As far as the trip goes I got started very late but am determined to raise the $3000! I feel like God is truly calling me to do this!this will be my first official mission trip and I am very excited!! I can't wait to meet you guys!!
Hey guys! I'm Amanda. I live in the middle of nowhere, aka Crane, Texas. This will be my second time to go to Tokyo, and I'm uber excited! I spend a lot of time with kids. If I'm not doing that, I'm at the church, acting, or studying. You can add me on facebook, and I can't wait to see how God will use us this summer. =) Is anyone going to session 5 at HSU?
Hey guys I just thought I would share what I have been reading in the Word. I recently read 2 Timothy 3 and it just spoke to me in many ways about Japan! In verse 16 it talks about ALL scripture being God-derived, even if he didn't physically write it, it came from him. Later on it talks about being applicable to any situation we have! Verse 17 was very cool because it mentioned us humans as "man of God", that comment made me feel special and humble at the same time. Special because God chose to call us that, and humble because we do NOT deserve that title at all, and for him of all people to call us that just is amazing! Later in the passage it mentions being "thoroughly equipped for every good work", I personally have been going through numerous struggles and that part just made me realize that I will be ready to go out and minister to people whether that be in Japan or the U.S. .... I just thought I would share that with you guys!! If ya'll could pray for me in that I get the funds to go and have my parents full permission to go, that would be amazing...thanks guys!!(:
hey everyone! i know i havent been on in forever..i really need some prayer today my uncle was mugged by 3 black teenagers near his work while on the phone with my cousin who is off at college and my family is worried bout him hes in the hospital now. and i dont usually ask or share anything personal so i would really appreciate yall pray for my family. thanks everyone.
dear mandi, i'm definitely praying for you too. those kinds of things are definitely scary, but only God can get y'all through it. (: & dear kayla, i'm totally praying for you too! money can be a tough thing, especially right now in this economy. "if God brought you to it, He'll bring you through it!" (((:
answer to my own question: letters & selling some notecards we made with my photos on them. my favorite was the letters, though... mostly because of the surprising responses. the biggest donations i got weren't from rich people or anything, but from the people that were struggling the most. like, people without jobs, big families, or things like that. haha, getting those made my heart flutter. ((: God is so awesome!!! :D
ps. i also need some prayers... i got a fever for 2 days straight this week & when we went to the doc, they labeled it as walking pneumonia. it's basically the same as the regular pneumonia, except this one is more curable. they said it still might stick around for awhile, & it's just been really stressful cause i've missed all week of school. i know God will get me through this, though, i just need to keep praying & relying on Him! (((:
i love you guysss & i can't wait for our trippp! <3
Here is a link to a train map of Tokyo. http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf
Right in the middle of the map is Shinjuku with five different colors running through it. Look just to the right and you will see Iidabashi, which where the Tokyo International Hostel is located.
We are less than 12 weeks from heading to Tokyo! College classes are about over, and high school is in the home stretch. Anyone have a prayer need at this point?
I am a big believer in Romans 12:4-8. God made each of us differently. It is through those differences that we are able to reach different people. There are LOTS of people in Tokyo who need reaching. So let me encourage you during this preparation time that God will use you as you are to tell others about His love.
Jami sent an email to the adults in mid-March saying that once the Tokyo folks let her know exactly how many trek groups they needed she would divide all of us up into trek groups.
Jami also mentioned in that email a packet that would be mailed to the adults in May.
Last year the first email I sent to the students in my trek group on May 31. I would like to say that I sent that first email pretty soon after receiving that packet, but I'm not sure.
Hey everyone - the black trek group, as well as two more students from other groups - did not receive theirs yet. I ran out of YEC tickets and was waiting on them to come in before sending the 16 packets I had left - so NO WORRIES. :) You are NOT kicked off the team.
I mailed the packets TODAY so you should have them soon!
hey everyone! i hope all of yall are as excited to leave and spread the word of Christ as i am. i have a prayer request. a really good friend of mine tried to commit suicide last night because of his alcoholic father's actions. he is alive but still in the house with his mom and father.please pray for him to be able to leave safely with his mom. thanks! GOD BLESS YALL!! :)
Hello all. My name is Amber Allee as you can already see. I live in central texas and wouldn't trade it for the world. i have had many horrible things have happen to me but nothing that God hasn't helped me with. my favorite hobbies are watching PBR, Football(Am.), curling up with a good book, and numerous church activities. you can always find me either at home, at school, at "my second families house", or somewhere at the chruch.
ReplyDeleteheyy guys! (:
ReplyDeletemy name is molly smith. i'm from garland & i'm a fishie at garland high. it's pretty much theee best. (;
i hope we can all get to know each other super well & i am definitely wayyy pumped for our trip!
<3
hey! :)
ReplyDeletemy name is ally jane bagby, i live in ganado texas and my dad is a football coach. i love to watch football play sports cheer and spend time with God. I'm so excited and nervous at the same time about our trip!!!
i cant wait to meet everyone and go on this adventure that God has laid before me and challenged me with! <3
Hey everyone. I'm Chad Terrell and I've very excited about this trip. I live in a small town name Quitman. I've grown up in East Texas my entire life. I'm excited to meet all of ya'll and to get going to this amazing trip! :)
ReplyDeletehey yall!
ReplyDeletemy name is mandi and i am from round rock, texas. i am a junior and i am the only person from my church going on this trip so i am excited to get to meet everyone. :)
Mandi I also the only one in my church going.... :(
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChad : thats cool .. do u know anyone from your super summer group going?
ReplyDeleteMandi : No.... I'm going with no one that i know.. :( But it's a good thing I'm a social person!
ReplyDeleteMandi : Do you have a facebook?
ReplyDeleteChad: thats cool .. i am usually kinda quiet soo this is kinda going to be interesting for me. i have one friend going. :)
ReplyDeletechad: yes mandi mcwhirter (should be the only one ..) you can add me if you would like.. for anyone reading this yall can just make a note bout japan plzz. :) so i can talk to some of yall and not be soo alone :D
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if any guys are going... As of right now all i see is girls.. :(
ReplyDeletehey guys im megan i live in corsicana. im a sophomoreat corsicana high school. im a varsity soccer player for my high school. if im not at church or doing things with my church im usually at the soccer field. im extremly excited about the trip! i have a facebook if u would like to look me up megan clagett(i should be the only one)
ReplyDeleteHello ALL! My name is Nicholas Patton (Chad you are not alone). I was born and raised in Olathe, Kansas. I like to play pretty much every sport you've ever heard of, read, and play a decent video game (I'm a nerd). I know three people going to Japan on mission this summer, but they are going at a different time, but its still awesome! I'm really excited to go to Japan and share God's word! Oh and I'm excited to meet all of you too of course =)
ReplyDeleteHey y'all it's nice to see more people on here. I would love to get to know y'all before we leave
ReplyDeleteHey everybody! I'm Kelsan Wolverton. I live in Adamsville, Tx. I go to Evant High School. I play volleyball and basketball. I like to read, act, sing, watch movies, hangout with family & friends, and pretty much dance wherever i'm at. I'm so excited to meet all of you and get to know you personally. I'm delighted, nervous, excited, and ready for what God has store for me.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jesus! (((:
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! <3
First off Merry Christmas!!!!!! =]
ReplyDeleteSecondly does anyone know how to create a new thread on this blog?
merry belated christmas!! haha and no i dont know how to do that . sorry nicholas.
ReplyDeleteHey guys. I'm Rebekah. But I prefer Beka. My life has been pretty crazy lately so I haven't had time to do this but I am definitely looking forward to meeting you guys!
ReplyDeleteI am one of three Juniors from my church going on this trip. I'm extremely nervous and kind of shy too but I'm also excited about all thats gonna happen. I know God has something amazing planed.
I hope you all had an amazing Christmas
Chad: along with me there are two guys going from my churcg. Drew and Bob. Mandi knows Drew and he's a follower of this blog. Bob isn't though. :-) Don't worry Chad, you won't be alone!
ReplyDeleteI'm Allison Overton from Dickinson Texas, (that's halfway between Houston and Galveston). I am the only one from my church going on this trip and can't wait to meet everyone. I am a junior at Dickinson High School and can't wait to graduate and get my life started. I am EXTREMELY quiet but I promise to try to come out of my shell for this trip. Can't wait unti the summer! Have a great New Year everybody!
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone had a great new year's eve! I am so excited because I know God has something amazing planned for this year! I pray each of you would be sensitive to His voice.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Happy New Year! I am Dennis Jacobs. I am a student minister in Kilgore, Texas. this will be my third trip to Tokyo. Be prepared to be amazed by God's work!
ReplyDeleteUsing my old account now.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to request me on Facebook, but please include something about Tokyo.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Do any of you know someone who has been to Tokyo with iGo?
My name is Reagan Williams--I'm a Junior at Dallas Baptist University. I think I'm one of four from my church going to Tokyo. I was raised in Midlothian, TX and graduated from there in 2007. I'm super stoked about going to Tokyo and I can NOT wait to make him famous! This will be my first trip overseas and I'm a little anxious about the plane ride, but I super excited to see what God is going to do in Tokyo. :)
ReplyDeleteI know one person who went to Tokyo last year. Why do you ask?
ReplyDeleteDennis: I don't know anyone who has been to Tokyo but a friend of mine went to Germany. Why?
ReplyDeleteThere were some people who went last summer who knew people who went in 2008. It is interesting to see how God works that way.
ReplyDeleteNext question - what session of Super Summer will you be attending? I am going to session 3.
My church usually goes the 1st session.
ReplyDeleteGod does work in some interesting ways though. All the stuff that has happened in Tokyo since IGo has started ministering there has been God's plan since the beginning of time. He's been preparing hearts for the words they'll hear since their birth.
Its so amazing to think that God loves us that much.
Nicholas, I can't tell how to start another thread. Maybe you could post on your personal blog and link to it?
ReplyDeleteIf I had a blog I would, but thanks Dennis that's a good idea. I might make one.
ReplyDeleteSo instead I guess I'll just open up discussion here. How has everyone been doing with the January Monthly Challenge? Anything anyone wants to share? Or anything that we can pray about?
I have been doing pretty well this month I think. I've been very intentional with what I say to those around me.
ReplyDeleteNot only does it help reach to the lost kids around me it helps me to encourage the other Christians at my school. And I've noticed that even at home my words are less sharp towards my siblings.
I can see the difference in my life I just hope everyone else does too.
i have been doing good. :) i dont think i have anything to share though..
ReplyDeleteOkay so I need some prayer. I've been at my school since September but I've known some of the people there my whole life. I live in Liberty and go to school in Hardin. Long story. Well in Liberty there weren't many people that I really wanted to hang out with so I became a loner of sorts. Well now that I'm able to go to school with the people I want to be with I'm having touble coming out of my shell.
ReplyDeleteI've been the loner for so long I don't know what to do. Its hard for me to keep up a conversation for very long unless the other person is a chatterer. Its even kind of hard for me to talk to the people I've known since Kindergarten.
Any prayers and advice will be welcome because I'm really struggling.
I'm tired of being the loner and I don't know how to show others that.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably the first person to post who is from New Mexico. I think I am going to the third session.
Beka I think it's really cool that your are bold enough to share the state of your current situation with strangers. It shows that you are slowly transforming from your formal loner self. I will pray that you make the most of the opportunities you are given.
I look forward to getting to know everyone. :)
Beka, hang in there. Focus on following God daily and being you and the rest will come. There are more people who talk than listen in the world, so your quietness has special value.
ReplyDeleteBrenna, where do you live in New Mexico? A minister friend lived in Clovis for several years before moving to Canyon, Texas.
Would y'all be interested in creating a facebook group for this summer's trip? The iGo group is awesome, but there is also a group for the 2008 and 2009 groups that went.
If you are my friend on facebook, let me know if you would like me to suggest a few friends. There are 4-5 students who took their first trip last summer who will be interns this summer.
And to add fuel to your Tokyo fire, last week I was at Walgreens and met a Japanese student at Kilgore College who is from Tokyo and will be there next summer.
Hey everyone. Im Kathryn Durham and im a senior from south texas. i cant wait to see how God will use us on this trip. Im really excited. Im pretty shy so I would love to get to know you all before the trip. feel free to add me on facebook :)
ReplyDeleteBeka: i am praying for you girl
Dennis: i know 3 people who have been to Tokyo over the past 2 years
Thanks for all the prayers guys. I really need them. I can't give details but I screwed up with something pretty bad recently.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten forgiveness from the person I hurt and from God but I'm also having trouble forgiving myself.
I feel like a crummy friend for what I did.
Thanks also for the advice. It means so much
I am from Artesia, NM, Dennis. It's a small town about two and a half hours from Clovis.
ReplyDeleteArtesia? Isn't your high school mascot a well?
ReplyDeletehaha good one. No it's not a well. It's a bulldog. But I'm not much for school spirit.
ReplyDeleteHello my name is Payton Browning but i go by Grant. I am from Brownfield and i have just been through the toughest thing ive ever been through, a death of one of my best friends. But God has been carrying me and my church through it all and it was also a life changing experience for me. I am sorry i have been sort of out of the loop because of this but i am here now and i am so excited so get to know all of you!
ReplyDeleteHey, Grant! One of the interns next summer lives in Earth, TX. Sorry to hear about the death of your friend. That stinks. I am praying for you at this time of loss.
ReplyDeleteGod has a really cool plan for you this summer. You will spend one week on the other side of the Pacific Ocean with brothers and sisters in Christ that you barely know and see God work through the group.
Grant: I am so sorry about your friend. I know there are no words that help because I've been through the same thing. I lost my brother in '07. He was a Marine and was KIA in Iraq. Its been almost 3 years but its hard.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you man.
I can tell you from my experience that God is indeed the ultimate comforter. He loves you and will always be here when no one else is.
hey Grant. i will be praying for you and ur church. i am glad you will be joining us on the trip. God will really use you through that experience. :)
ReplyDeletethanks guys your prayers and uplifting are very much appreciated =)
ReplyDeleteHey guys!
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know I've started a blog of my own to accompany this one. There will be specific places for prayer requests and praise reports!
Its www.TokyoBoundForChrist.blogspot.com
I hope everyone is doing well! Can't wait to see you this summer!
heyy everyone.!!
ReplyDeleteIm allison but u can call me alli
i live in Kaufman, TX and so excited and a little nervous about tokyo and ready to make him Famous.!!!! I am a very outgoing person and love to meet new people. I cheer, play volleyball and basketball, and run track.! I am 1 of 3 people going from my church going to Tokyo. I am very excited to get to know everyone and hope ya'll have a awesome dayyy =)
hey everyone! (:
ReplyDeletei'm michelle renae pickard. (:
I'm a junior, and ready to be a senior!
haha. (:
i'm so excited to meet everyone, and share some amazing times together! (:
I live in Brownwood, and I go to Coggin Ave. Baptist Church.
I'm a very outgoing person, and I love to meet new people. So don't be afraid to ask me something! (: I'm really easy to get along with, and I don't get embarrassed easily at all.
My passion is singing. It's what I hope to continue to do after high school and college. (:
anything else???
just ask. (:
hey michelle! =)
ReplyDeleteHey Alli and Michelle! Do yall have facebooks?
ReplyDeleteAw, Chad, I was going to ask that question. A couple of weeks ago I asked who was going to Super Summer and which session.
ReplyDeleteBrenna, do you know James and Penny Rodgers?
ReplyDeleteHey everyone.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see more people are still joining!
I hope everyone is having a good year.
I'm still struggling with feeling lonely at school but I have one friend in particular who is helping me hang on. He's a senior and I'll miss him when he leaves.
yes i do have a facebook! (: just search michelle renae pickard. i SHOULD be the only one. (: anybody feel free to add me! (:
ReplyDeleteSchool is getting better! I am getting along with one girl in particular and we are becoming amazing friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the prayers and advice.
so was anyone else as excited as i was to get their packing instructions...??
ReplyDeletea ball and chain?? really?
hahah!
buuuut. there is a loophole.
you can't bring in on your CARRY-ON, but you CAN put it in your suitcase.
hahha.
maybe i'm the only one who thought that was at least a little humorous.
hahha.
Ha ha. Yes, you can put it on your suitcase, but it will be quite heavy.
ReplyDeleteYes Dennis I do know James and Penny. They are really good people. I don't go to their church but small town equals all church kids know all youth pastors :)
ReplyDeleteWe should start a countdown to when we leave for Tokyo. That would be exhilarating.
Since asking that question I was chatting with Penny and they said they knew your youth pastor. Yep, that small town ministers connection is quite cool.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who didn't know, there is a facebook group for this summer's trip. The group name is iGo to Tokyo 2010. Six of the members in the group will be interns in Tokyo this summer and went to Tokyo last year. The one and only Jami Gainey is there, too.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with Brenna.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking we need a countdown. (:
Wow! It's so great to read everything y'all are posting on here! Keep it up! I am excited to meet all of y'all in July, and would love to do so before if y'all are ever in the Dallas area. I travel a lot too, so if I'm ever in y'all's area - maybe we can get together some time for coffee or something.
ReplyDeleteRemember...if y'all have any questions, shoot me an email and I can hopefully answer y'all.
I'm currently looking into getting a countdown on here for y'all - how exciting!
I'm praying for each of you. Remember...stay in the Word, and stay in the Word with the Church. Pray for your trip, for each other, for God to ruin your lives, and for the nation of Japan.
Excited about what God's going to do for his fame through y'all this summer!
-jami lee
It's in parts, but here is the packing list information for Tokyo:
ReplyDeleteTSSG 2010 PACKING INSTRUCTIONS
As you begin to pack, we want you to remember a few important things:
Things NOT to bring:
DO NOT BRING CELL PHONES. This is non-negotiable. Cellular telephones are not allowed on the trip starting at Base Camp. Whether or not you have a cell phone and/or international service is irrelevant. Phone cards and phones are available at the hostel where we are staying. Some of you may desire a cell phone for security reasons, but please understand that each student will be with at least two leaders who will have a cell phone on them at all times. Be sure to pass this information along to your parents so that they do not purchase one for that purpose.
Also, there is no reason for you to bring a laptop. Computers are available at the hostel where we are staying (about 100 yen, or $1.00 for ten minutes). Carrying a laptop would simply be added weight and an additional item for you to keep up with.
It is not necessary that you bring bedding for the trip. The hostel where we are staying provides bedding. However, as noted below on the packing list, you do need to bring towels for while we are there.
You do not need a bunch of snacks or food. Part of the missions experience involves becoming familiar with a different culture. You will experience some new foods, but we will make sure that you do not starve.
Be SURE to bring the following, Prepared, to Base Camp:
Do bring a backpack or large bag. You will spend a lot of time on foot and sometimes will not return to your room until late in the evening.
You are allowed to bring ONE SMALL SUITCASE AND ONE CARRY-ON BAG on this trip. Please know that this will be strictly enforced. You will not get any help with a bag that is too heavy during those times that we have to carry our luggage with us. Pack what you need and no more. In the occasion that we have to hurry/run through an airport to catch a connecting flight, carrying an extra-heavy bag could create a serious problem. Most airlines charge extra for bags that weigh over 50 pounds. A well-worth-it prize will be given to any participant who packs a lesser amount than Jami (your team coordinator) does. However, we doubt it can be done.
Packing list continued:
ReplyDeleteWe will expect you to be very punctual, so make sure you have appropriate time keeping tools. You will need some form of a watch to carry during the day and a travel alarm
clock with fresh batteries. (You cannot use a cell phone as an alarm clock.)
While we are in Tokyo, you will travel through the train system using a train card called a Suica. Suicas are the size of a debit/credit card and are scanned each time you enter/leave the train stations. You will receive a Suica your first or second day in Japan, and all of your travel money will already be charged to the card. It is VERY valuable and CANNOT be lost. Therefore, we suggest bringing a small, thin wallet to keep your Suica in. Most of the time, as you enter train stations through the ticket wickets, you will be able to scan your Suica without removing it from a thin wallet. This will help you keep up with this VERY important part of your trip, and will furthermore lower the possibilities of losing it. Please note: If you do lose your Suica, you are responsible for purchasing a new card and replacing whatever money was on your card – so, PLEASE take whatever measures necessary to keep up with it!
Helpful Hints
Carry-On: There is always the possibility of an airline losing your luggage on an international flight. As a precaution, it is advised that you pack one change of clothes and some essential
items in your carry-on bag.
Remember that you are not allowed to pack sharp objects or anything else that could be
considered a weapon in carry-on bags. This includes pocketknives, Swiss army knives,
razors, fingernail clippers, firearms, swords, javelins, ball and chain, boxes of staples, ice
picks, double bladed axes, shovels, wooden stakes, railroad spikes, flathead
screwdrivers, etc. If you bring any of those items, you must pack them in your checked
suitcase. We recommend that you leave pocketknives at home.
Spending Money: We get many phone calls each year from people asking us to recommend a specific amount of spending money. You can easily get by on $150, but you are free to bring
more. We will only have one day for shopping. Please understand that whatever souvenirs you purchase must be bought with your own personal money. The money that you will be given when we arrive in Tokyo is solely for food/travel/ministry…not your souvenirs.
Cash is Best: It is recommended that you bring cash for your additional spending
money. Make sure the bills are in good condition, no marks, tears, etc. You will have a
chance to exchange this money into the appropriate currency once we land in Tokyo.
We recommend bringing about $150 for souvenirs and gifts that you may want to buy.
Travelers’ checks are not accepted many places and can create unnecessary problems
and confusion. The same goes with debit/credit cards. Most ATM machines will eat your card if
you use it overseas because they think someone is trying to steal your identity.
Exchange Rate: Keep in mind that right now one U.S. dollar will give you around 100
ReplyDeleteJapanese yen in exchange. An item that would cost about one dollar in the U.S. will cost
about 100 yen in Japan. This means that you can plan on your money keeping its value
in the exchange, and you will want to bring to Japan the same amount of money you
think you would need for snacks and souvenirs if you were going somewhere in the
United States.
Clothing: This is not a fashion show. You do not need 5 pairs of shoes and a different outfit for
every day of the trip. Pack comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. Pack enough
clothes to make it through ten days.
It is going to be VERY hot and VERY humid in Tokyo. Pack clothes that you can stay
cool in. Unlike camp, you will stay in the same outfit all day, so you won't need dress-up clothes for any reason. The Japanese culture is one of order, so you should try and
look nice, but still as comfortable as you can. You can wear shorts as long as they are knee-length. It is recommended that you not bring shirts with Christian messages on them.
Dress modestly. We don’t really care what is in fashion, and neither will the missionaries
or nationals you work with. Modesty should be placed above fashion when you choose
your clothes for the trip. Some examples of this would include NO sleeveless shirts or
tank tops, no short shorts, no spaghetti straps, no clothes that are extra tight, etc. You
get the picture. If you have to ask, you should probably find something else to pack.
Packing Checklist________________________________________
Below is a brief list of things you need to remember to bring. Feel free to email us with
any questions regarding packing. Remember, less is best.
Bible Passport Photos from home
Sunglasses Chap-stick Anti-bacterial lotion
Insect repellent Backpack/daypack Clothes for 10 days
Toiletry items Comfortable shoes Travel alarm clock
Underwear/socks Pajamas Camera and film
Prescription medications Watch Towels
MP3/portable CD player light rain jacket small travel pillow
Compact Umbrella small, thin wallet
Buddy Brents, missionary to Japan, will be at a Japan Fellowship this Saturday, February 27th at 7pm at the Baptist Student Ministry building at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. Some of the Japanese students from Kilgore College will be cooking (yum!). We are inviting all people who are from, passionate about, Japan. As many as 10 Japanese college students may be there as well as those who have been to Tokyo throught iGo Global and those who are going. Let me know if you can make it. It will be a blast!
ReplyDeleteHey everyone! I've continued reading over the posts on here, and am enjoying getting to know each of you a little bit.
ReplyDeleteAs I search for ways to pray for y'all, I notice that many of you have experienced a great deal of heartache over the past several months, even since you've applied and been accepted for this trip. Several people on our team have experienced the death of family members and close friends.
In August, a week after returning from last year's trip to Japan, my Dad died of cancer. I'm not going to say that I understand how each of you are feeling, but please know that I can hurt with you and pray for and alongside you. I am confident God is in control of all things, and that he allows things to happen for a reason.
I encourage and challenge you, as I do myself, to strive to learn more about God through difficult times - my sweetest, most intimate times with Christ have been since my Daddy's death. It's neat to see what God teaches us during these moments, and how he's preparing us to make Him famous, and even doing so in the midst of our pain.
I will continue praying for y'all. Please know that you can call or email me anytime! I'm excited to serve alongside a group of students whom its obvious that God is at work in.
Hey everyone!! My name is Amanda Ferguson and I am a Junior at Legacy High School in Mansfield, TX!! I attend Walnut Ridge Baptist Church and I am one of three girls from my church that will be attending Tokyo this summer!!!! I am so stoked to get to meet all of you. You can add me on facebook just make sure you say something about tokyo...i gave fb up for lent though, so it might be easiest right now to email me!! my email is amanda.ferguson3@yahoo.com!! I wish we were going to Tokyo NOW, i seriously cant wait!! If there is anything that you would like to get to know about me, dont be afraid to ask!!(:
ReplyDeleteHey y'all! :)
ReplyDeleteMy name is Maddie James and I LOVE sports! And reading! I know 6 people from my church going on this trip with us! SO excited to meet y'all! Chad: I have a grandmother and she lives in Quitman, Texas! I love going up there for visits! I live in San Angelo, Texas! I'm really lookin' forward to seeing all God is going to be doing in and through us! I can't wait to meet y'all! :)
it's been a while since i've posted here! :b
ReplyDeleteas for super summer, my church is going to session 4.
i'm the only one at my church going to tokyo, but i've gotten a lot of support, & that helps a lotttt. (:
& i don't know anyone who went to tokyo last year. except for you, dennis, if you count. :P
anywaysss!
i'm definitely praying for all of y'all that have been through some struggle lately. never forget that God is right there next to you every step of the way. (:
i am soo excited for this! seriously, i think about it every day. :D
heyy, i've got a question for everyone!
what are some things that y'all have done to get the money for your trip? are you paying yourself, fundraiser, asking for donations, etc.
(:
i sent out letters!! i got about 600 from that!! other than that my parents are paying for the rest unless i stop being lazy and get out there and start fundraising!!!(:
ReplyDeleteLetters mostly for fundraising. The church here helps with overseas mission trips, so that is a plus.
ReplyDeleteBase camp is only 4 1/2 months away!
I have a hugeee family soo that helped from letters. otherwise I cleaned out my garage and took the unwanted stuff to goodwill and got a tax write off and did that amount to my church. if that made since... and then i am spoiled and my daddy is paying the rest. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been working at my moms resuraunt. Earning tips and my regular paycheck. I also sent out letters not too long ago and have recieved over 800 dollars just from letters. God is just bringing it all in. My dad is a narcotics cop and my moms buisness is new, just started in October but has been a blessing to work in for extra. A couple of us girls from my church that are going is trying to put together a garage sale. :)
ReplyDeleteMy churhc is going to session 2 at hardon simmons, anyone elses church going then? :)
i'm going to session 2 at hardin simmons. (:
ReplyDeleteand i sent out letters, and my whole trip was paid for in about 5 months, and none of it came from mine or my parent's pocket. Which is another reason God is amazing. (: he always provides. (:
That's SO amazing! God is so good! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! what school color are you? :)
Hey everyone, just wanted to share something that I've been reading with ya'll. Some of you may find this encouraging, others challenging. But my point in sending this is to implore you to stay fully engaged in your local church. I was reading a commentary of 1 Timothy 3:15 where Paul says the church is "The pillar and support of the truth." Here's what one of my favorite authors wrote about that verse.
ReplyDelete"Is not the church the mother of all believers? Does she not regenerate them by the word of God, educate and nourish them through their whole life, strengthen, and bring them at length to absolute perfection?... The office of administering doctrine, which God has placed in her hands, is the only instrument of preserving the truth."
I think that's relevant to our trip, and here's why. YOU are not the pillar of truth. iGo Global is not the pillar of truth. Falls Creek is not the pillar of truth. The church, and the church alone, has been given this authority and responsibility.
So if you're seeking to make known this truth and you are not engaged in your church, serving in your church, submitting to your church leaders, and being sent by your church, then you are acting as an impostor. Mission trips are not for lone ranger Christians. If you're trying to proclaim and spread The Gospel without going through a local church, then what you are doing is unbiblical. You (as a single person) are not the bride of Christ, the pillar of truth, the means for spreading The Gospel. The church is, and we must live and serve through her in order to remain faithful to Christ.
Today we are exactly 18 weeks away from flying to Tokyo! There is a weekly prayer guide produced by IMB Tokyo. If I can find mine, excerpts from that guide will be posted here and on the "iGo to Tokyo 2010" Facebook group page.
ReplyDeleteThere's a bunch of cool stuff to check out by going to imbtokyo.org, especially the resources link. One is a link to a calendar with requests for each day about God's work in Japan.
ReplyDeletehttp://pacrimjo.org/prayer/jpip.html
hey,
ReplyDeleteI'm grace wallace I also go to Paulann Baptist Church in San Angelo with Maddie and I'm a freshman this year. God has really provided for me during this whole experience and i am so excited to be able to go! I love acting, singing, reading, and hanging out with my friends. I am so thrilled to meet all of you and I know God has such a perfect and marvelous plan through this mission trip. I'm praying for all of you :)
Hey guys I am Kayla and I am a freshman at Rockwall-Heath High School!
ReplyDeleteI am HUGE into dance!! I dance competively and am the lieutenant on the school drill team. I also love going to my small groups with Jami Gainey. I love her and my group soooo much!! If I am not at dance or with my small group I am hanging out with friends, homework, or relaxing!(: I am a very outgoing person and love to meet new people! If you want to add me on facebook you can, just put a note about Japan! As far as the trip goes I got started very late but am determined to raise the $3000! I feel like God is truly calling me to do this!this will be my first official mission trip and I am very excited!! I can't wait to meet you guys!!
i will be green school Maddie. (:
ReplyDeleteHey guys!
ReplyDeleteI'm Amanda.
I live in the middle of nowhere, aka Crane, Texas. This will be my second time to go to Tokyo, and I'm uber excited! I spend a lot of time with kids. If I'm not doing that, I'm at the church, acting, or studying. You can add me on facebook, and I can't wait to see how God will use us this summer. =) Is anyone going to session 5 at HSU?
I have sent letters and have a job at a restaurant here in my hometown.
ReplyDeleteI will be attending session five at Hardin Simmons :) Khaki school.
Hey guys I just thought I would share what I have been reading in the Word. I recently read 2 Timothy 3 and it just spoke to me in many ways about Japan! In verse 16 it talks about ALL scripture being God-derived, even if he didn't physically write it, it came from him. Later on it talks about being applicable to any situation we have! Verse 17 was very cool because it mentioned us humans as "man of God", that comment made me feel special and humble at the same time. Special because God chose to call us that, and humble because we do NOT deserve that title at all, and for him of all people to call us that just is amazing! Later in the passage it mentions being "thoroughly equipped for every good work", I personally have been going through numerous struggles and that part just made me realize that I will be ready to go out and minister to people whether that be in Japan or the U.S. .... I just thought I would share that with you guys!! If ya'll could pray for me in that I get the funds to go and have my parents full permission to go, that would be amazing...thanks guys!!(:
ReplyDeletehey everyone! i know i havent been on in forever..i really need some prayer today my uncle was mugged by 3 black teenagers near his work while on the phone with my cousin who is off at college and my family is worried bout him hes in the hospital now. and i dont usually ask or share anything personal so i would really appreciate yall pray for my family. thanks everyone.
ReplyDeleteWow, Mandi. I am definitely praying.
ReplyDeletethanks! hes home now with just pain and swelled up face and stitches. so hes okay :) the Lord is great! :)
ReplyDeletedear mandi, i'm definitely praying for you too. those kinds of things are definitely scary, but only God can get y'all through it. (:
ReplyDelete& dear kayla, i'm totally praying for you too! money can be a tough thing, especially right now in this economy. "if God brought you to it, He'll bring you through it!" (((:
answer to my own question:
letters & selling some notecards we made with my photos on them. my favorite was the letters, though... mostly because of the surprising responses. the biggest donations i got weren't from rich people or anything, but from the people that were struggling the most. like, people without jobs, big families, or things like that. haha, getting those made my heart flutter. ((: God is so awesome!!! :D
ps. i also need some prayers... i got a fever for 2 days straight this week & when we went to the doc, they labeled it as walking pneumonia. it's basically the same as the regular pneumonia, except this one is more curable. they said it still might stick around for awhile, & it's just been really stressful cause i've missed all week of school. i know God will get me through this, though, i just need to keep praying & relying on Him! (((:
i love you guysss & i can't wait for our trippp! <3
my church is going to session 3 at ETBU!!!
ReplyDeleteFourteen weeks and counting!
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to a train map of Tokyo.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf
Right in the middle of the map is Shinjuku with five different colors running through it. Look just to the right and you will see Iidabashi, which where the Tokyo International Hostel is located.
We are less than 12 weeks from heading to Tokyo! College classes are about over, and high school is in the home stretch. Anyone have a prayer need at this point?
ReplyDeleteI am a big believer in Romans 12:4-8. God made each of us differently. It is through those differences that we are able to reach different people. There are LOTS of people in Tokyo who need reaching. So let me encourage you during this preparation time that God will use you as you are to tell others about His love.
hey everyone! so i remember reading somewhere when we're getting our Trek groups, but I don't remember when it said. anybody know??
ReplyDeleteHey, Michelle!
ReplyDeleteJami sent an email to the adults in mid-March saying that once the Tokyo folks let her know exactly how many trek groups they needed she would divide all of us up into trek groups.
Jami also mentioned in that email a packet that would be mailed to the adults in May.
Last year the first email I sent to the students in my trek group on May 31. I would like to say that I sent that first email pretty soon after receiving that packet, but I'm not sure.
It'll be here before you know it!
okay! sounds good! (:
ReplyDeleteMy daughter Caroline got her packet for Tokyo today. I am still waiting. Anyone else get something?
ReplyDeleteNope, nothing. Hopefully it'll come tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteApparently others have received theirs because I got an email from someone in my trek group. Things are about to start picking up.
ReplyDeletei havent gotten mine yet! but i am really anxious
ReplyDeleteanyone still not have their group yet?? i dont know mine still..
ReplyDeleteHey everyone - the black trek group, as well as two more students from other groups - did not receive theirs yet. I ran out of YEC tickets and was waiting on them to come in before sending the 16 packets I had left - so NO WORRIES. :) You are NOT kicked off the team.
ReplyDeleteI mailed the packets TODAY so you should have them soon!
Thanks,
jami lee
hey everyone!
ReplyDeletei hope all of yall are as excited to leave and spread the word of Christ as i am.
i have a prayer request. a really good friend of mine tried to commit suicide last night because of his alcoholic father's actions. he is alive but still in the house with his mom and father.please pray for him to be able to leave safely with his mom. thanks! GOD BLESS YALL!! :)
I'm praying, Mandi. How is he now?
ReplyDeletehes been staying at friends houses while his father is drinking. he is doing alot better now. :)
ReplyDeletewho are we flying with? American Airlines?
ReplyDelete