Summer's heating up!

This past week, it has gotten hotter here in Okinawa. But that also means it has become even more beautiful on this island, the clouds and blue sky, the color of the ocean becomes even brighter.

Well this past week has been busy, but really good. This past Sunday, we all drove down to play at an outreach concert. We both have been helping out in Hakugaijin, Tim's local band that plays around the island at different times. A year or two ago (about that much) they got the opportunity to produce a CD, and do a little mini tour around the cities on island. It's not anything huge, but that's not the focus or goal of it to begin with. We just want to get the music into people's ears, for them to hear about Jesus and for the Japanese Christian's to be encouraged.
So we got the opportunity to be a part of the groups that played at this outreach, with other Christian bands and groups from the island.
The Gushiken family was there to perform (traditional Okinawan music), a group called "String Hoppers" (i believe), that played violins, a two man rap group, solo with acoustic guitar, and a "Real" (i say real because they actually tour and are a band that has a CD and record deal) band from Sweden. It was really cool to see so many different people from all over the place with different backgrounds, come to sing for Jesus and share His message of love and hope.

On the drive.

The stage where the groups played.

CC Nago church came to watch! (most of them)

Waiting for everyone to arrive.

The Gushiken family! (minus Dad, and brothers).

Tamiko was there! the crew from Ginowan came to watch the event.

Intent crown.

One of the mom's from CC Ginowan, and her daughter Ayana.

The band from Sweden, "The Big Street Band".

Tom Cotton enjoying the "Jazz" rift in the song.

Drying out the sheet. (we had a temporary island downpour, lasted about 5 minutes or less, then cleared up).

Islanders! Yoshua, Kazuki, and Natsuki!

Beautiful sunset on the way back.





So we had a really great time at this event. We got to meet a lot of new people, a lot who are already friends with the Newell's. We are really started to get more and more excited about our new life up here in Nago.

Another cool newer thing, is the growing children's ministry here in Nago. Not too long ago, there were no kids on Sunday mornings. But now, there are 4-5 every week! We both get the chance to teach them and learn songs with them. But it also stretches us, because we do it all in Japanese.

These are all of them, minus one (he was sick i think). Left to Right: Hina, Eito (red shirt), Kago, and Masaki (Tim's oldest son). 

We learned about the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land.

So we are learning a lot, growing a lot, and just waiting upon God a lot. We are watching as He provides what we need, blesses us and others around us, and encourages us to keep waiting upon Him.

God bless you all, please keep us in your prayers. We are making decisions about apartments and things now, so keep praying for the Lord's guidance and provision.