WEST COVINA CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1100 E. Cameron Ave. Covina, CA 9! AUGUST 2011

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CONTENTS

Page 1The Lord he wanted to see Pastor Kory Wenell Editor’s Comment

Page 2August BirthdaysPray for our Members Pray for our Missionaries

Page 3Missions

Page 4WCCC Annual Beach Camp Pictures

Page 5A Special Orange FamilyTime and Promotions

Jane SattariPictures from Father’s Day by Mayson Kodama

Page 6I and the Spirit of “The Tea Art” Yasuko Matsumura

Page 7“Samburu Land” Sharon Hommes

Page 8WCCC InformationCalendar

“The Lord he wanted to see”When I was a kid, we used to sing a song in Sunday School, “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see.” From this children’s carol I learned about this “short” man who was curious to catch a glimpse of Jesus. When Jesus did come by, “He said,‘Zacchaeus, you come down, for I’m going to your house today.’”

The attention the Lord showed this tax-collector changed his life. Zacchaeus immediately announced that he would give away half his wealth and pay back anyone he cheated four times as much. Jesus was delighted, not because he needed the money, but because a lost man was found and transformed (Luke 19:1-10).

While I sang the words as a little kid in Sunday School, as an adult my desire to “catch a glimpse of Jesus” has grown. With that Zacchaeus-heart, God has often given me an invitation to come and be in his presence. When Shelsea and I moved to West Covina Christian Church, it was with the hope that this was God’s inviting call in our lives again. After being here several months now, that call has been confirmed. We have felt God’s love as you have warmly welcomed us. My continued prayer is that we can look for Jesus together, spend time in his presence, and be transformed by his Spirit.

Pastor Kory Wenell

Comment  by  the  editor

The Messenger

Month of August

This issue of the “Messenger” started out much shorter than usual, due to circumstances (pretty much) beyond my control and that of the wonderful staff responsible for bringing the “Messenger” to you. One unanticipated outcome is our inclination to make future issues in July or August as brief as this one was going to be–maybe four or six pages! How do you feel about this possibility? We welcome your input about this matter.Also, please do pay particular attention to the articles that their authors have taken the time to share with you this month, And provide feedback to them, too!

WEST COVINA CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1100 E. Cameron Ave. Covina, CA 9! AUGUST 2011

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Pray for our Members• Iris  Chaney•Margaret  Ching•Alphonso  Chuck•Inez  Harris-­‐Chuck•Mary  Cooper  •Alex  Ferguson•Debbie  Ferguson’s  sons•Rev.  Bill  Hara• Jane  Kaneshiro  Fujita•CeCe  Gonzalves•Eileen  Hodge•Judy  Ikeda•Ross  Iwanaga•Chris  Kakimi•Michael  Kaneshiro•Caleb  Kubo• Janice  Kubo•Emi  Kuromiya•Charlene  Matsui•Michael  Mitacek•Hatsue  Miyashiro•Herbert  Miyashiro•Yuri  Morimoto• Myrtle Nakamura

Pray for our Missionaries• Tommy Dyo, Campus Crusade Epic Movement, U.S.

• Mitsuo & Akiko Fujishima, SEND International, Japan

• Charleen Kiyabu, Campus Crusade JESUS FILM PROJECT

• Greg & Nancy Nakamura, ZOE Children’s Min, Thailand

• Mitsu & Karen Nakamura, Campus Crusade Japan

• Lillian Shinoda, OMS Holiness North America, Japan

• Roy & Nancy Toma, Campus Crusade, Okinawa, Japan

• Daryl & Sun Young Wycliffe Aviation, Cameroon, Africa

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TEACHERS ABROAD, TOO!

•Ed  &  Eileen  Nakano•Seiko  Nakano•Kiyoko  Ogata•Conchita  Ohly•Bill  Sato•Albert  Saito•Paul  Saito•Audrey  Sakamoto•Seiji  Sakamoto•Martha  Sentani•Mel  Seshiki•Melinda  Seshiki•Kristen  Shimizu•Momoyo  Tada•Tom  &  Rits  Tanaka•Clarise  Teutsch•Rod  Todd•Sally  Tsuneishi•James  Tsutsui•Keith  Washburn•Tina  Whitley•Jonathan  Watson’s  mom•Henry  Yamada•Aiko  Yoshida

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 1 Kings 8:28

Many of those listed below have prayed fervently for us. Now, let us pray for them!Please pray unceasingly for Pastor Rick, Pastor Yoshi and Pastor Kory.

With  the  person’s  permission,  please  tell  Pastor  Rick  or  Pastor  Kory  if  you  know  of  someone  in  

need  of  prayer.

And  please  let  us  know  when  prayers  for  you  have  been  answered!

• Ken Bowers• Clara Furukawa• Drew Gonzalves• George Gonzalves• Stacey Gonzalves• Freda Sahara

• Paul Saito• Randall Shintaku• Dr. Mike Tanaka• Andrew Todd• Glen Waki• Jadine Yamamoto

WEST COVINA CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1100 E. Cameron Ave. Covina, CA 9! AUGUST 2011

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MissionsMitsu and Karen Nakamura, Japan Campus Crusade for ChristWe have been praying for the leadership of Japan Campus Crusade for Christ, for whom Karen Nakamura had requested conciliatory help from the Peacemakers. Here is a comment one of the leaders wrote to Karen: “I and [the other party to the recent conflict] have learned a lot. Today, we met, admitted our mistakes, and understood each other, I think. Japan Campus Crusade has been really helped by your idea of bringing Peacemakers. I have really been helped. Thank you."From Karen: “I think that our organization still has a lot of issues that need to be cleared up and worked on. But I am SO grateful to God for what He has begun to do in us! THANK YOU for your prayers. THANK YOU for your support that allows us to be here. Please keep praying for us.”Mitsu and Karen Nakamura’s children, Abe and Miye, are on a hi–b.a Gospel Team. Hi–b.a stands for high school born-againers! Karen writes that there are six such gospel teams and through them, 20 high schoolers have come to know the Lord. Abe is on the team in the earthquake/tsunami area. One of Abe’s teammates wrote, "It became clear to us that we were in for something different when we came closer to Sendai and saw the devastation firsthand: fields littered with cars, wood, scrap metal and other assorted piles which I'm sure are someone's possessions. Abe’s team in Tohoku sang songs, did a skit about God's love and gave testimonies at an evacuation center in Sendai. Besides the tough outside work cleaning sludge and mud, they have been serving the people by cooking, cleaning, playing with kids. Even on their off day, spending time at a park, God gave opportunities for great conversations with people, and they prayed for God's blessing on each one before they parted. They ask us at WCCC for prayer that the love of Jesus may be shown through their every action.Miye is on a hi–b.a team in the Tokyo area. They had their first meeting in mid-June, and Miye writes, “There were 3 people out of the 4 newbies who decided to accept Christ! I felt God working through all of us in various ways and it was indescribably awesome. I'm excited for tomorrow's rally and what God is planning for us. Thank you all the people who are praying for us and please keep praying! God has been doing great things here!" Karen writes about the encouragement that God has provided to their family through verses about putting confidence in the Lord rather than man, and about how God's strength is shown in our weakness. Isn’t it something that we should be reminded of such lessons fro our missionaries?!

Thank you for praying–from Charleen Kiyabu, Campus Crusade for ChristI was invited to go to a Central Asian Country recently.  Thank you for praying for a successful trip and my getting through customs.  And for opening doors for me to minister.My previous trip went really well.  The conference with Women Believers from an often-persecuted group went very well.  They were touched that we were willing to come and minister to them.  My talk was well-received and helped to set the atmosphere for a lot of things.  Thank you for praying. After the conference, we went on to Spain.  We weren’t able to meet with all those we wished to but the Lord opened doors for us to be with others who use our Jesus Film.    Yesterday I got a thank you email from one of them, expressing her appreciation for our visit.  She and her husband have been on the field for 8 months and she was going through a real low time almost to despair.  She said our presence was a light to her heart and a renewal of her commitment.This has been an unusual period with so many travel commitments.  I’m so thankful for your prayers.  Without them I don’t think I could keep it up!Blessings,  Charleen

WEST COVINA CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1100 E. Cameron Ave. Covina, CA 9! AUGUST 2011

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WCCC  Annual  Beach  CampFrom June 26–28, WCCC went on another Beach Camp in Malibu’s Leo Carillo Beach Park! Organized by Janet Okamuro and Audrey Sakamoto, we had a wonderful time of recreation, fellowship and worship. We enjoyed sunny days filled with swimming, hiking, games and great camp food, and evenings filled with singing, wonderful devotions by Pastor Kory, smores and . . . more great camp food! Hey, WCCC knows how to worship and we know how to have fun. And at Beach Camp, they are often the same thing. Please see the pictures below (taken by Shiori on the first day).

Audrey, Pastor Kory & Gail

Caren,  Audrey  &  Lil

Susie, Mike & Caren Emi, Frances & Helen

Helen, Patty, FrancesPr Rick, Makiko & kids having fun!

Sant, Patty, Helen, Frances & Caren

Gail and two tents

Helen  &  Renae

Norm, Sant & JanetKei & Susan

Pastors  Rick  &  Yoshi  &Kids

WEST COVINA CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1100 E. Cameron Ave. Covina, CA 9! AUGUST 2011

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Our next Orange Family Time will be Sunday, September 4th. We meet in room 5 right after the worship service. All families are invited to join us! We start with snacks and have music and skits to introduce the virtue of the month, Knowledge: discovering faith, wisdom, and friendship.This will be a special Orange Family Time because we will also promote some of the children to the next age group or grade level. The presentation of the virtue will be followed by introduction of the teaching teams and a light lunch will

be served in the chi ldren’s classrooms to familiarize them with teachers, other families, and classrooms.This fall we will have Butterflies (ages 1-2), and Tangerines (ages 3-4). Their curriculum focuses on 3 basic themes: God made me, God loves me, and Jesus wants to be my friend forever. The grade school children will be divided into the Nemos (grades K-1), the Pumpkins (grades 2-3), and the Tigers (grades 4-5). Each of our teaching teams serves for one month working to share Bible

stories, practical applications, and memory verses. They are not only building a Biblical foundation, but they are building relationships with the children and supporting families to help with each child’s spiritual growth.

Spotlight on Christian Education

A Special Orange Family Time And PROMOTIONS from Butterflies to Tangerines, etc!

Jane Sattari

Pictures  from  Father’s  DayTaken  by  Mayson  Kodama

They  don’t  come  any  more  precious  than  this!

Pens,  with  Bible  verses  prepared  by  the  children  being  given  to  the  dads

Music  Director,  Tina  WhitleyBlessing  Father’s  Day  with  music

Part  of  the  joy  of  being  a  fatherBut  HIS  joy  is  both  ways,  and  will  

always  be  remembered

WEST COVINA CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1100 E. Cameron Ave. Covina, CA 9! AUGUST 2011

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I and the Spirit of “The Tea Art”By Yasuko Matsumura

Translated by Toshiko SatoThe spirit of “The Tea Art” shares some important points with Christianity. I wish to introduce the soul of “The Tea Art” that I have learned to practice under the guidance of the late Soju Aratani and my Christian Spirit. Rev Nakao, our minister, said that we could consider the teaching of Christianity to be similar to the spirit of “The Tea Art” in some ways. His comment and the book “Gakko Sado” which means “The School of the Art of Tea” help me to explain “The Tea Art’s” spirit. Its main points are as follows:1. Spirit of Purification: Purification in the Tea Ceremony” refers to the cleanliness and neatness of utensils, behavior, and attitude in performing the tea ceremony. At the entrance of “the tea room,” is the so-called “Tsukubai,” a small basis in which the person performing the tea ceremony should rinse her hands and mouth in preparation of the tea ceremony. In the Bible, we see, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). I was surprised seeing the words of Seifu Shinji o Kiyomu which refers to “a clean wind purifying the soul and body,” on a hanging scroll at late Aratani’s “Tea Room.” In Christianity, the soul and body are purified by the Holy Spirit.

2. Gratitude: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever” (Psalm 136). In the tea ceremony, we have the chorus, “Thank you for everything in a cup of tea.” Human life is supported with God’s love and human friendship. We should express our gratitude at any chance in our life. 3. Quiet Time: “Wabi.” Everybody wants to know “Wabi.” It is the key to “The Tea Art.” In “Guidance of the Tea Art,” it is said that “Wabi” means honesty and modesty. Rikyou, the founder of “The Tea Art” said that there is the power of creativity in modesty. His favorite classical poem expresses his soul: “Show spring on grass in snow mountain village to person who waits for flowers.”4. Mission: A person who has practiced “The Tea Art” has the responsibility to convey the virtue of “The Tea Ceremony” to everybody with a peaceful mind. Similarly, Christians have a responsibility to evangelize.

The teaching of Rikyu shows “Four Principles” and “Seven Rules” in order to accomplish “The Tea Ceremony.”Four Principles:1. Harmony: Keep an open mind and keep friendship among participants.2. Respect: Respect each other.3. Cleanliness: Clean utensils and mind.4. Tranquility: Keep quietness of mind．Seven Rules:1. Make good tea for guests.2. Keep charcoal in order to make hot water easily without adhere of formalities. 3. Arrange flowers as they are in field.4. Being cool in summer and warm in winter while paying attention to guests.5. Being punctual and being considerate for guests’ time.6. Prepare for rain always.7. Pay attention to company in the “Ceremony.” There is no distance among guests. Have a good time performing it.I am very thankful for the love of Christianity and having the chance to learn “The Tea Art” with a good teacher and friends. Editor’s note: Because the tea ceremony is such an important aspect of Japanese culture, its principles affect many aspects of life for our brothers and sisters from Japan. Perhaps Mrs. Matsumura’s lessons from “The Tea Art” will help us to make our own “quiet times” more meaningful and interactions with both Christians and nonChristians more fruitful. Non-Japanese readers might see The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura, who in the early 1900s, was head of the Asian Art Division in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

WEST COVINA CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1100 E. Cameron Ave. Covina, CA 9! AUGUST 2011

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“ S a m b u r u L a n d ” For Future Missionaries

Sharon HommesRay and Sharon Hommes just returned in July from giving and training Japanese pastors to give psychological counseling to victims of the tsunami, earthquake and nuclear crisis in Sendai/Fukushima. Up to this February, they served for a year in Kenya, providing counseling for missionaries and their families in that region of Africa. They spoke to WCCC prior to this mission; we prayed for them and provided nominal financial support. Ray and Sharon served their early married years as missionaries to Japan for 18 years and have an adopted Japanese son. “Samburu Land” was sent to us by Sharon from Kenya. It is shared here because her story provides a rare glimpse into the hearts of an African people. It is Ray and Sharon’s hope that our hearts might also be moved to serve God in all parts of the world.

We just returned from a 5-day trip to Samburu Land, to visit missionary friends from Glendora. The trip was wonderful...or I should say the visit was. The “12-hour ride” was over 16 each way, no stops for food. We thought we would stop to eat on the way home but there were several break downs both ways. We were towed when we went there and we had a miraculous car healing after spending 2 hours in the desert, coming back.  Going, the roads were like sand dunes and the dust would clog the radiator, the car would overheat and the gasket got warped. At one point the car's exhaust got pure black and the car wouldn’t go.  One of the guys knew about cars so he was underneath cleaning off the radiator with water and my tooth brush. The driver kept opening up the radiator so the water would go all over the place. Then, he poured in our drinking water so at least we got the temperature down. But when the black smoke kept pouring out, we thought they either put regular gas in instead of diesel or the gasket had blown and either way we were stuck. The good thing was we had such a pleasant group never did anyone really get upset....even Ray. The first night we just planned to sleep in the car.  The girls peed behind the van and we all cuddled up.  An suv came and towed us to our destination. Coming back, black smoke again, and the car had too little power to go forward. About two hours after we gave up (again), the driver tried starting the car for fun and it all kicked in! That was the miracle!  We finally made it safely home.The fun and memorable part of the trip was visiting the Middletons from Glendora who, with another family, are working with the Samburu people in this very remote place.  I've never seen so many stars in my life.  For me the most awesome time was the night before we left when we went out in the evening to a village about 30 minutes away. We went off the road between trees, through dunes and, when we arrived, were welcomed by all the children and people there.  The children started singing songs and everyone gathered and sat on the ground under the acacia trees. Yes, I sat on the ground with all the goat pellets and 7 or 8 camels sitting just behind, and no light but the half moon. Ben, an evengelist from the tribe, told the story of when Sarai laughed when the two angels told them she would have a baby. Even the little children listened and then we sang again. We went home after shaking many hands and touching many children.  I loved it. No written language, no Bible, they are just telling them the stories and letting the Holy Spirit work.I guess we never realized that people still lived just as they have thousands of years ago. They dress, eat and herd goats, cows and camels.  They may now have tee shirts under their beads and many have cell phones but the life style is the same.They still do the horrible circumcision.  While we were there and on our way to a picnic, about 20 young warriors jumped aboard the car and the wagon and sang to us. They were on their way to an all night party where a young man was being circumcised for his wedding the next day.  The same thing was happening to the girl.  We were invited to the celebration the next day.    Of course, the bride was still recovering.  It is awful but the Middletons said it is a value for them, perhaps to “ensure fidelity.” They said they are not trying to change their values but let the Holy Spirit convict them.  Their church is small but it is growing.  There are some Christian couples in the church to model and that's what the missionaries do, just model and teach scripture by the story telling.  We attended a wedding in the church of the evangelist. He had finally paid up the dowry so they could legally be married.  They have 5 children, I think the oldest is about 17.  They are beautiful people. Tall and thin and the bead work is fantastic.

WEST COVINA CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1100 E. Cameron Ave. Covina, CA 9! AUGUST 2011

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English Dept. (626) 917-0743Japanese Dept. (626) 917-0652FAX Number (626) 917-0663Church Office E-mail:

info@westcovinacc.comChurch Website:

www.westcovinacc.com

Messenger Staff: Frances Ching, Irene Hatate, Stan Ishino (Publications), Mayson Kodama (Photographer), Tim Kubo (Graphic Artist), Ikuko Nago,Kathy Saito, Shiori Sakamoto (ed.), Toshiko Sato (Nichigo editor), Kenjiro Takahara, Andrew Todd (WCCC Admin), Susie Watanabe, Mary Yoshida

Monthly Men’s Breakfast 8:00 a.m. at Carrows Restaurant on Azusa by the I-10. Enjoy the fellowship.

Prayer with Pastor Rick in the sanctuary after worship

The Upper Room–a class for men: 9:00 am at WCCCCouples Group: 6:00 pm at the Iwanagas’ home

GAP (Growing As Partners) Group Usually on 4th Sun of first month of the quarter (Jan, Apr, etc.) 5–7:00 pm for dinner at the Iwanagas’

Every 1st Sun

Every 2ndSaturday

March 5Saturday

March 6Sunday

May 13-14Fri-Sat.

June 26-28Sun-Tues.

April 23Saturday

Every 4thSunday

Orange Family Night is on SUNDAYS at noon in Room 5. BE A PART OF OUR CHILDREN’S GROWTHIN THE LORD AND enjoy fellowship, music and food! See Kelly Morimune for more info.

Ladies’ Tea Luncheon: 11 am–1 pm “The Many Hats We Women Wear” Bring your favorite hat and tea cup.Enjoy being pampered for two hours! See Diane Kakimi or Patty Higa for more info.

Ladies’ Bible Friendship Breakfasts Three consecutive Saturdays: Mar 19, 26, Apr 2. A study on prayer overbreakfast at the Hamilton Steak House, Radisson, West Covina. DON’T let busyness keep you from the joy of being inthe Lord’s presence. See Emi for info.

West Covina Rotary Club 5K Walk/Run! 8 AM at the Westfield Shopping Center. For ALL ages. Want toform a WCCC Team? Get ready for 2012?? See Pastor Rick for info.

WCCC Men’s Retreat Our guest speaker will be Pastor Cory Ishida, of Evergreen SGV. See Pastor Rick for info.

WCCC Annual Beach Camp Back to Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu! Volleyball, swimming, campfires,smores, music . . . and great camp food! Who could ask for more? Get out into God’s nature with your tent, or comefor a day trip! Please let Janet Okamuro,Audrey Sakamoto or Andrew Todd know now if you can comeand for more info.

March 19Sat. 3x

March 12Saturday

C ome Join Us and See God Builid Us Up!Calendar

West Covina Christian Church1100 East Cameron AvenueWest Covina, CA 91790-3891

Senior PastorReverend Rick Iwanaga

Associate Pastor Reverend Kory Wenell

Nichigo PastorReverend Yoshinosuke Nakao

Sunday Morning Ministries at WCCCSunday Morning Prayer 8:45 to 9:15 a.m.Japanese Speaking Service 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.Sunday School Classes 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.English Speaking Service 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

TextThe WCCC webmaster is ANDREW TODD. Articles for the WCCC website and/or

Messenger are welcome from any ministry or individual within the WCCC family. For the Messenger, please submit articles by the 10th of every month for publication in the following month to Andrew at atodd@westcovinacc.com

Every 1st Sun" Personal Prayer with Pastor Rick right after worship serviceEvery 2nd" The Upper Room: A class especially for men. 9:00 am at WCCCSaturday" ALSO Couples Group: A special time of nurturing at 6:00 pm at the IwanagasEvery 4th" GAP – Growing as Partners! Usually on the 4th Sunday of the first month of the quarter Sunday " (Jan, Apr, etc.) 5–7:00 pm for dinner at the Iwanagas

Aug 6" Monthly Men’s Breakfast for August 8:00 am at Carrows Restaurant on Azusa by the I-10. Saturday" Let’s keep up the “Band of Brothers” spirit! For more information, SEE PASTOR KORY.

Aug 7" Monthly dinner for all single adults, 5 pm at church. For more info, SEE PASTOR KORY. Sunday " "

Aug 30" Harvester three-day Monterey Movie Tour starting August 30.   Sign ups and payments are required by –Sep 1 " July 15. SEE CLARA FURUKAWA for more info.

Oct 7–8" Ladies‘ Retreat with speaker Dr. Lisa Tatlock, Master’s College professor and noted author. Plan on an Fri-Sat" inspiring two days.                    

SPECIAL NOTE: You may support relief efforts in Japan by writing a check to JEMS with “Japan Relief” on the memo line. Send to JEMS, 948 E. 2nd St, Los Angeles  CA  90012.  Visit (Andrew’s)  WCCC website to donate online.

Messenger Staff: Frances Ching, Stan Ishino (Publications), Mayson Kodama (Photographer), Brianne Canamar (Graphic artist), Joann Higa, Ikuko Nago, Kazuko Ohira, Kathy Saito, Shiori Sakamoto (ed.), Toshiko Sato (Nichigo editor),

Kenjiro Takahara, Andrew Todd (WCCC Admin), Mary Yoshida

Calendar