week 8 Begins

Hey everyone,

Time is flying by! we are already halfway done with the semester!

Since I last posted we have had quite a bit happen here in Japan. The biggest things was the earthquake and tsunami that hit. Here in Okinawa we were not affected by it at all physically but we are all spiritually affected by it. We are all praying hard for Mainland Japan, for Fukushima, and for the Salvation of the lost. please be sure to remember them in your prayers as well.

There was another monumental event out here also and that was the wedding of Rob and Rika, it was a beautiful wedding and we were all soo blessed to be a part of it. please lift them up in your prayers that God would bless their marriage abundantly.

and on sunday night, Amanda and I played our first Hakugaijin show together. I have been playing on and off with the band since I got here (literally it was the first thing I did with pastor Tim at an old folks home). Amanda has been doing some singing lately with the band and now we are being integrated more into it. it was a huge blessing to be a part of it.

Here is a video

God bless

E.Diaz

Romans 10: 14-15

¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

already 6 weeks in

It feels like the semester just started but it's already six weeks in!

So much has already happened and yet i feel like it's been only a little that has happened.

This semester i've been teaching the class of Exodus for the first time and i have been loving every second of it. They are recording the classes for use by future semesters so i'm trying to make sure that i'm able to finish the whole book so that future semesters will have the whole lesson down.

In anycase it has been a huge blessing with many reminders of God's grace and the importance of obedience and submission in our lives.

The Wedding is coming along really well, Amanda and I have been extremely busy here at the Bible college so to be honest we haven't had as much time as we'd like to plan our wedding, but God has really shown us ALOT of favor in that we are blessed by other people who have stepped in alot to do things for us and help us out. Lord thank you soo much for the blessings that you have poured out on us. Thank you to everyone who is helping and making an effort to help us.

This semester the students are (again) a huge blessing, each of them has a different story of what is going on in their life, and what God is doing in their lives. everyone has such a special relationship with our Lord and yet it's still exactly what we have in common; and thru that God blesses every moment of fellowship. please continue to pray for the students, pray for God to help them with all the work that they have to do, pray for God to give them patience with all the staff (^-^), and above all pray for them to leave as a completely different person in the Lord, transformed, renewed, and refreshed by the Lord.

Please remember me in your prayers:

Pray for my health

Pray for God's provision to continue

Pray for God to continue to deepen my love for Him and His Word

Pray for God to keep the fire in my heart for the lost burning hot

Pray for the wedding

Pray for Me and Amanda's vision for the future.

In Christ

-E.Diaz

Break in a NutShell!

Hello everyone! sorry it's been so long but it has been a very busy break/not-really break time. Pastor Tom and most of the crew is back in the states enjoying their time out there and ministering in the States.

Well while everyone was Gone a surprising amount of cool stuff happened. We got invited by Sonoko-san to come and do an English class/Christmas Party for her. We put Josh, Anna, and Taliya in charge of that and they did FANTASTIC!!!!!

God really blessed all their efforts for His kingdom and in turn really blessed those children.

Then before Christmas we were invited by Teen Challenge to have a Nabe Christmas dinner, that was amazingly delicious! The fellowship was a blast, and over all it was just an awesome blessing from our dear brothers there at Teen Challenge.

Then on Christmas Day! We had a small group go and hangout with the Moran Family, it was a really great blessing to spend the day with Chris, Julie, and Julie's parentals!

New Years was pretty quiet, well that is until Joe Magnussen busted out the game 'Sorry!

what a fun time that was! we played games all the way into the New Year, we were blessed with American and Japanese company that evening. it was alot of fun and a huge blessing.

Now it is soon time for things to get started again, Manda has already come back from spending time with the Spearmans while Adelle was born and now we are getting ready for the next semester and were starting to plan things for the wedding (whoa!)

I love you all and miss you all! God Bless!

E.Diaz

We're Engaged!

Hello Family,

Well it happened now, i know some of you have been anticipating this for quite some time now and most of you have been praying for this moment but Manda and I are engaged now. I took her on a "photo-date" to some castle ruins in Yomitan, while we were there we took lot's of pictures and goofed off. We got up to a lookout point and i dropped to one knee and pulled out a Ring-pop and proposed, she asked if was serious and i said "no i'm just kidding but here's a ring-pop for you". We then headed up to the Castle and took lots of fun pictures, and then I got her in the Courts of the king. I looked at her and said, "I don't know of an better place to do this than in a Kings courts, You are the daughter of our King so this is how i should ask you, will you Marry me?" after some surprised responses she said "yes!"

we are truly blessed, God has given me many blessings out here in Okinawa. They all have a very special place in my heart but this one is the most amazing thing that He has done for me and it's the blessing that I treasure the most.

Keep us in prayers for the wedding cause we are praying for God's timing on when to do it. Pray for both of our ministries as they will begin to become one BIG ministry.

Thank you,

E.Diaz

Okuma

We are all back now in Oki. City, we were at Okuma beach up north for 3 days (Mon,Tues,Weds) and we all got refreshed in the word and blessed in fellowship.

We were blessed with a guest speaker and another surprise guest, it was Pastor Rich who taught and then the Newell Family paid us a surprise visit and we all got to meet little Tomoki Newell.

We had sessions in the Word, and prayer and fellowship by the bon-fire.

The focus of the retreat was in 2nd Timothy the whole book. Truly it was an amazing retreat, alot of things got brought out there from in our hearts alot of relationships were strengthened and restored too. God faithfully answered prayers out in Okuma.

2Ti 4:2

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Okutama

I was blessed to come out and be a part of the Tokyo Pastors and Leaders Retreat. Here is what it looked like at the site. There are more pics on my Facebook if you want to see them.

Sunday Morning

I was asked to come and teach the Sunday morning service in Tokorozawa. I was blessed to be given the opportunity. It went really well because nobody tried to stone me afterwards! (just kidding) It did go really well though. Praise Jesus! it was a blessed time. Travis translated for me, and Mike did worship. Travis is an amazing person, he didn't even need my notes! He just glanced over them and then just went at it in the message. over all it was great and I was blessed to share.

Tokyo! Rusty and Amber!

Hey everyone! so I'm here in Tokyo and upon arriving off the limo-bus from the airport I was greeted by Rusty!!!!! i got to hangout with them and go out to dinner with them. It was refreshing to see my friends again. Rusty is as lively as ever and Amber is just glowing!

Thank you Lord for my friends here in Tokorozawa.

More to come later!

2 Tim 2:15

What an awesome atmosphere there is here, such a passion for God's word. I pray that our lifestyle would be an encouragement to everyone out there. you don't need to be in Bible College to study God's word (it sure helps), take some time after you read this to sit down and read the book of God's love.

2 Timothy 2:15 (King James Version)

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Study Time!!!

On someday's we get the blessing to change the scenery up a little. On Monday we got to go on base and study at the big library, it really is a blessing to get some elbow room and study in an A/C building. We got alot of studying done and had some time to goof off too. Praise Jesus!

E.Diaz

Childrens Minsitry at Futenma

One of the blessings that I get here in Okinawa Japan is to teach the Children on base for the Sunday morning service. This day we had a teaching on Jonah and the Whale and after we did our project we got a blessing, we watched "Jonah" the Veggie Tales movie. It was alot of fun and the kids were blessed. Praise Jesus for their desire to hear God's word. Their hunger for God's word always surprises even me.

Thank you Jesus.

Tako-Yaki Night 2!!!!

Ok so here is that it is. Tako-Yaki is Octopus in a sort of pancake batter that is fried into a small ball. they are soft, juicy, and oh so very Good! this was our second night doing this and it was my second time having it! it was just as good the second time as it was the first!!!!

it was alot of fun and a huge blessing because lots of friends and family came out to fellowship and spend time with one another and get fat!!! lol.

Praise Jesus for these times also because they are short lived and easily forgotten, but remember to praise Jesus in the trails that he builds you up and forms His heart in yours.

God bless!

E.Diaz

Fall 2010 so far

There has been alot happening here, i wish i could capture it all in one take. I can't though.

I did want to put this up though because i have neglected this Blog for too long!!!!!

The students have all been a blessing this semester and all the Interns have been a huge blessing too. All of them have a passion and a desire for God's word and for God's work in their lives. I praise God every morning for the hearts of the students and I pray that i would continue to learn from their hearts and that my heart in that area would still grow. They for me have been a huge encouragement. Praise Jesus for faithful growing hearts this semester.

There is a new Chaplin at Futenma while Ken is in Afghanistan and he has been a blessing so far his name is Chaplin John Friedeberg. keep praying for the Chapel Ministries because we are going over the Christmas play and are going to begin to ask for people who are willing to volunteer to be in it or to help, and we need lots of help! lol.

I wish i could post pictures to show you more of what's going on but i had no batteries till now i bought some the other day and now i can start taking pictures again! praise Jesus! so i will be able to put up pictures, first thing you will see is the Tako-Yaki party we are having tonight!

Pray for me as God is beginning a new chapter in my life. God has taken me through alot here in Okinawa Japan, He has shown me alot of here too, He has shown me His love, my dependence on Him, His grace, His mercy, how to love like Him. i pray that i don't ever forget these things. God has been so good to me out here, far more than what I deserve. i know alot of it is because of the Beloved saints out there who are praying for me cause they know me too well to know that i'll prolly try to do it on my own. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayers and the prayers of the saints.

All you guys! My Beloved family in Christ. Thank you! thank you for your prayers.

Thank you So much

E.Diaz

Jonah 2:7-9 (King James Version)

⁷When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

⁸They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

⁹But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that Which I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

2 yrs and counting

It was two years ago today that i arrived on the Humid and beautiful Island that I now call home.

Looking back right now I can see all the things that God has done in my life, all the ways he has changed my heart and how He has and is using me. Thank you Lord for all you have done.

I love you Lord, You are so good to me.

E.Diaz

Difficulties

Hello Beloved!

it has been a while since i' ve last been able to put up a post, currently i'm using a borrowed computer and will not be able to up load any pictures but praise the Lord anyways!

We are currently going through what seems to me to be one of the busiest times of year and yet the most Fun! it's summer VBS time! it's alot of fun because we are helping at a VBS with Calvary Chapel Okinawa and we are serving at two other ministries which are on base and taking care of children and teaching the older kids. It's really blessed so far and God is only going to pour out more blessings on us.

Things to pray about:

Please pray that God would provide for things that are coming up

Pray that mine and Amanda's Drivers License process will be able to start soon (i'm waiting to finish my insurance payments)

Pray for the Health insurance that nothing would go wrong there.

Pray that God would provide me with another computer or provide me the finances to buy a new one.

Pray for my passion for the lost, that it would continue and not die out.

Pray for the Lost here in Okinawa Japan! pray we can reach them with the Love of JESUS.

Pray for the kids that we are doing ministry with, that we would be an awesome testimony of God's love to them so that they would desire the same love and greater!

Thank you guys soo much for the prayers you give already.

God Bless

E.Diaz

きらきら (kira kira) Beach!

Hey everyone!

The other day we got to go to the beach and just relax and get some time to just sit and talk with one another and watch Eder score goals on the students at beach soccer :D. It was a really blessed and gorgeous day! thank you Lord for all the blessings that you give us even beautiful days to enjoy and some loving friends to enjoy it with.










Here is something cool that really encouraged me in my devotions the other day.

2Cr 3:18 "But we all, with open [unveiled] face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord."


"We all with unveiled face": Paul here gives an invitation to every Christian. He will speak of an intimacy of relationship and a transforming power that is not the property of just a few privileged Christians. It can belong to everyone, everyone who has an unveiled face.

"Are being transformed": As we behold the glory of God, we will be transformed. God will change our lives, and change us from the inside-out. Though the old covenant had its glory, it could never transform lives through the law. God uses the new covenant to make us transformed people, not just “nice” people.

Jesus I love you, thank You for what You have done in my life and how You have transformed me, Lord I could never claim such a feat, It is so good to know that i'm not in this alone, it's so good to be reminded that this is a relationship i get to have with You and that just like my Father here on this earth is here for me, so will You.

Please continue to transform my life, to transform my very character to be more like you as I grow deeper in the knowledge and love of you.

For Your Kingdom
E.Diaz

Serving in the States

Ladies and Gentlemen, I managed to be a blessing back home in the states :D
actually I'm the one who was blessed! I was given the opportunity to lead in Worship and to Teach.
It was a blast to be back home with all you guys! keep on serving Jesus!

Andee's Graduation

Well as most of you know, i was back in the U.S. for my younger sisters graduation.
here are some pictures of it.




We are all extremely proud of her for her completion of High School with Honors! Please pray for her as she decides what she wants to do in the future, pray that she follows Jesus' guidance and not her own. I love you Andrea! I miss you! I am SO proud of you!

Back in Japan

Hello everyone! So i've been back in Okinawa Japan for close to a week now and already things are getting rolling. I have to prepare for a VBS that is going to start this friday, and soon we will be starting something with Foster which involves me and lot's of kids most likely climbing all over me and swinging on me. :D Praise the Lord!

Let's press forward for Jesus and see what He does next!

E.Diaz

Cinco De Mayo

This year Cinco de Mayo was fun but it also reminded me of something. It reminded me of the current state of Mexico. I thought it would be good to be reminded that we need to be praying for all those who are lost (if we aren't already). I pray that everyone is blessed and remembers to pray and stand in the gap for lost souls that are going to spend an eternity without Jesus in one of Torture and Torment.

Romans 10:14-15
¹⁴How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"