JUNE 2016 — Volume 34, No. 5

What happens when you take a group of middle school students and give them

the task of cooking a main dish and dessert in competition with one another?

The result: some pretty incredible dishes that had our judges surprised (and

maybe the kids, too).

The Task: Prepare a main dish and dessert incorporating mystery ingredients to

be revealed at the time of the competition. Teams were given 10 minutes to

plan and one hour to prepare the dishes.

The Mystery Ingredients:

Main Dish: Hot dogs, mayonnaise, pineapple, *oatmeal

Dessert: Tortillas, bananas, cornflakes

*Okay, I admit that the oatmeal was a difficult one, so the student chefs were

given bonus points if they could incorporate it (which none chose to do!).

What ensued was something just short of miraculous. Every team fried and

boiled. One team even baked homemade rolls. But only one team could claim

victory. Who would that be? Probably not who you might expect. Here’s why: in

addition to the middle school students, we allowed a few of the 5th graders (who

will join WASABI next year) to join the competition. We thought it might push

the middle school students not wanting to lose to some elementary school stu-

dents. I guess it didn’t push them enough, because those elementary school stu-

dents won overall. Congratulations Sydney Louie and Hailey Crawford!

And now on to their creations.

Team #1: Nathan Crawford, Kulani Chan, Isamu Une

Main Dish: Hawaiian Fried Rice

Dessert: Banana “crepes”

Team #2: Ella Lorenz, Maddie Louie, Sammy Nguyen

Main Dish: Bowtie pasta with fresh apples and pineapple

Dessert: Strawberry-Banana shortcake with strawberry sauce

Team #3: Hikari Bauson, Abby Ishimitsu, Natalie (friend of Abby)

Main Dish: Pasta Salad with fresh broccoli (main dish category winner)

Dessert: Open banana crepe

Team #4: Hailey Crawford, Sydney Louie (overall winner)

Main Dish: Bowtie pasta with grated cheddar

Dessert: Cinnamon Crustos with banana dip (dessert category winner)

Judges: Jim & Yae Lee, Chris Jo

WASABI Iron Chef by Mike Kurtz

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It’s easy to tell what some-one values based on what they reward. Parents who highly value education will reward their children for good grades or graduating and going on to study fur-ther. Companies that value profits will reward employ-ees who significantly con-

tribute to a healthy bottom line.

So what are the things that God values? We can look at what He rewards as described in the New Testament to find out. Between Peter, Paul, James and John we read of five different crowns that are promised to believers for various things done here on earth. The first one is described in 1 Corinthians 9:25. It is called the eternal or incorruptible crown and it is promised to all those who make some kind of sacrifice so that others can be drawn into an eternal rela-tionship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the passage where Paul says that he becomes all things to all people so that by all means he might save some. God val-ues and rewards a heart that desires others to know the Savior.

The second appearance of a crown of reward is also men-tioned by Paul at the close of his life. 2 Timothy 4:8 de-scribes the crown of righteousness. Paul was certain he would receive one and he says that everyone who longs for

the Lord’s appearing will as well. When we value our life in eternity more than our life here on earth an eternal reward is given. Keeping eternity in mind and striving to maintain an eternal perspective is something God highly esteems. This ties in closely with the next crown identified.

James tells us about the crown of life. It is promised to those who faithfully persevere through trials. The key to hanging in there when things are tough is to realize that through our trials God is strengthening our faith and equip-ping us for things He has in store for us in the future. In ad-dition to that, a reward at the finish line of life will be waiting for us if we don’t give up.

Peter next describes the crown of glory in 1 Peter 5:4. It is mentioned in his instructions to elders who are called to shepherd the flock of God. Faithful elder/shepherds are promised this crown that will never lose its luster. But I be-lieve that it will be offered to anyone who takes the spiritual well-being of others seriously. Being a part of a disciple-making relationship is something that God values and prom-ises to reward.

The final crown is found in Revelation 2:10 in the letter to the church in Smyrna. The Lord Himself promises to give this crown to those who stand firm in the face of persecu-tion

Understanding God’s value system will help us all focus on the things that are truly important.

Pastor Craig Swanson & Lois

Pastor’s Page by Pastor Craig Swanson

Parents (L-R): Child:

Sherwin & Mina Ken-Xin Hyoseong Chen

Jerjou & Stephanie Michael Yochen Cheng

Anthony & Mihoko Keishi Oscar Cheung

Child Dedication 2016.05.08

Photo by Dave Bauson

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Testimony of the Trip to Philippines By Shion Ogawa

I stayed at Cebu island in the Philippines for one and a half months. The purpose of this trip was mission exploring. I went there when I was 17 and saw the amazing works which were done by the church in Cebu. That experience made me think about serving as a missionary abroad, so I decided to go there to explore how evangelism in Cebu was going.

I worked at the church related organization called Mandaue Hope Center for Precious Children (MHCPC) which supports chil-dren in poverty through Christianity. Mandaue, the city where I stayed had a lot of poor people. Those people are mostly coming from the suburbs of other islands to find jobs, but they can’t because they are mostly uneducated. This situation has been creating more and more poverty problems such as a high crime rate, child pregnancy, poor educational system and so on.

Those poor people construct habitat areas called squatters areas which are settle-ments of improvised housing. They are made of plywood, corrugated metal, sheets of plastic, and cardboard boxes. Such settlements are usually found in public parks, along railroad tracks, rivers, seas, lagoons or city trash dump sites. The area is stinky, the water is dark like mud, garbage was floating and children who live near-by pick up plastic to sell. Also, there are so many thefts, children abuse, and rape that people think it is natural to have those crimes there. Their average annual in-come is less than 50 dollars, so they are barely making ends meet. At the worst case, they cannot take patients to the hospital and see their precious ones dying.

People mainly eat rice, but those who cannot afford rice eat crumbs of corn instead of rice. Also, they eat small amount of salty fish as a side dish, which lead them to high blood pressure and kidney diseases. There are so many children whose height and weight are much lower than the average, and they all lack vitamins. In addi-tion, they have lousy head and parasitic worms in their stomach.

There are so many children who cannot go to the school because of the poverty. People who are not educated are poor, and they cannot afford to make their children go to school. Those children also cannot pay the tuition of their children when they become adults. In order to break this downward cycle, MHCPC is supporting children in poor in many ways. One of the main sources of support for MHCPC is sponsorship with people in the US and Japan. The sponsors monthly donate about 10 dollars, which enable children to go to the school for a month.

Among the very poor, the relationship between parents and children we take for granted is not always the case. Some par-ents see their kids just as a tool to make money and force them to work instead of taking them to school. If their child is disabled, he/she is a nuisance to the parents because they don’t make money. I saw a mother calling her deaf daughter “trash” in front of her. I realized that people in that place didn’t even know what family love is like. MHCPC is teaching those parents what the parent-child relationship should be like by counseling them.

Seeing many people in this depressing situation, I got discouraged from sharing the gospel with them. Even though I came all the way from Japan to tell them how bright life with God is, I could not even open their heart. They were too desperate to see the light of God. However, the workers in MHCPC never gave up and devoted themselves to their job. Since their income is depending on the donation, the salary is really low and some of them are living even in the squatter area. But they said, “It is our blessing to do what God is glad about.” I asked myself if I can devote literally everything to God, but I could not say “Yes.” This mission exposure made me realize how difficult it is to stick with God in tough situations and how immature I am as a Christian. I’ll keep walking with God in order to serve in the place in which He has planted me.

Shion

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Lauren

Our last winter was a mild one in Seattle, but even so, everyone has been antici-pating the warmer spring weather to ar-rive. Many of our local flowers and trees have been blooming early for us all to en-joy God’s beautiful creations.

April 30th was a warm and comfort-able morn-ing. Our FBC kitchen was filled with enthusiastic people pre-

paring and cooking away. Betty Inouye, who just came home from her travels to Hawaii and Japan, was humming and sing-ing as she prepared her delicious salad. Of all the many years that our Seniors lunch-eons have been held, this is the most peo-ple we’ve had working together in the kitchen. Everyone was having fun and jok-ing around as we worked together. Julianne Eng now an old pro, was laying out and readying the colorful assortment of vegetables for roasting.

The fellowship hall was colorfully decorat-ed throughout with spring blooms atop of each table, beautifully arranged by Keiko Tanase. As usual our guests started arriv-ing early and were warmly greeted at the door. Cheers and laughter filled the room,

as people went around greeting one another. Our many young helpers went around the room serving cups of punch to all our guests. The large room quickly filled up before long.

Always eager to start promptly, our guests sat ready to play the ice breaker game. Watson Louie introduced everyone to the “Guess the Jelly Bean Game”: Our guests had the challenge of figuring out the se-cretly selected flavors of jelly beans, which included: lemon-lime, bubble gum, blueberry, lemon, watermelon, peach, coconut, and root beer. During one round, Grace Spray was guessing it was grape…no, on second thought maybe plum? While Jim Spray was saying, “Nah, it tast-ed like nothing at all.” From each of these guesses, a key letter was pulled for the jumbo round where the answer was MOUNT RAINIER, a famous local attrac-tion. Two tables of our guests got them all

correct and were the quickest to do so and they won the privilege of being the first ones to the buffet line.

Pastor Mike came up and prayed, thanking the Lord for our time to-gether and asked for His blessing upon our food. Our menu today included: ham,

rotisserie chicken, sushi, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted vegetables, salad, sweet rolls, fruit platter, and chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream! Many of our guests have asked who made the deli-cious mashed potatoes. Jim Spray de-serves all the credit, as he lovingly makes it for us from a closely guarded recipe!

After lunch, Jim Spray told another one of his jokes before his aerobics routine. So, a kindergarten teacher wanted to teach the kids about self esteem. She asked the kids in her class to stand up if they felt that they were dumb. So, Johnny stood up and she didn’t know what to do or say. The teacher asked Johnny if he really felt dumb. And he replied “No Ma’am”. She then asked “Then why did you stand up?” Johnny replied “I just hated to see you standing up there all by yourself!” The room roared in laughter and then every-one stood up, excited to get right into the fun aerobics. Jim started off with side-kicks…then knee lifts, hup-hup-hup re-peaters, and some new

Seniors Spring Celebration By Kevin Chan

Photos by Ken Tanase & Lois Swanson

Lisa Tsuji, Sue Machida, Julianne Eng

Keiko Tanase, Kaleo Chan, Matthew Machida

Jim Spray leading the aerobics time

(Continued to Page 5)

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Seniors Spring Celebration (Continued) By Kevin Chan

kick moves. Finally, when it was all done…everyone cheered as they were exhausted and confused with all the new moves. Uncle Jim, you better slow down next time!

Pastor Mike then came up to lead every-one in the group singing. We had the great privilege of having Maili Kurtz de-but her singing with the Seniors today. The father and daughter duo led every-one in singing some classic songs, as some were from the Sound of Music. The song list included: Oh, What A Beau-tiful Mornin’; Do-Re-Me; Edelweiss; Haru Ga Kita; and God Sent His Son. Maili got a big round of ap-plause…“Great job Maili!”

We then had the great honor of hearing The-one Scholl-Tollefson share her testimony. You know, only Theone would be so ready as to fully prepare a PowerPoint presentation, bring props/visual aids, and even bring game prizes for a talk. Theone and her husband, Sam, both natives of Hawaii have been members of FBC for many years and actively serving in our many ministries.

Theone’s talk is titled: “The Dot and the Line,” which she credits one of her fa-

vorite devotional books: “A Life God Rewards” by Bruce Wilkinson (which was a gift from her daughter, Autumn). The dot represents our life here on earth (about 70-100 years) and the line represents our life after our physical death, into eternity. What happens in-side the dot thus determines everything else that happens on the line.

Another one of her favorite books is called “Transitions” by William Bridges, which has had a significant impact on her personal and professional life. This book references Moses, Aaron and Jeth-ro in its illustrations and instructions of effective leadership. Three principle phases: 1)Letting Go and Endings; 2)The Neutral Zone; and 3)New Beginnings.

Theone went on to talk about her own life in 4 different phases. Beginning with Phase 1: (Age 3-17) She learned that letting go was so very hard at an early age, as her mom went to heaven early. Theone was only 11 years old at the time. But her mom had set the founda-tion and taught her early on about Pau-ku (Bible memory verses); Lulu’u (offerings); and Aloha Ke Akua (God is love). Her dad kept his promise to mom and sent Theone to Kamehameha School. Important verses at this time included: John 3:16 and I John 4:8b.

Phase 2: (Age 17-41) Theone originally came to the mainland to pursue her college education. Now into her early adult/career years, Theone admitted that she loved her successful career and work, as it defined her life. However, it also took a toll on her personal and fam-ily life. The Lord’s precious gifts to her are daughters: Autumn and Shayla. Im-portant verses: II Corinthi-ans 1:3-5.

Phase 3: (Age 41-47) Sun-day, January 6, 1993 was repeatedly identified as the date of Theone’s re-birth (a new life in Christ, as old things have passed away and she surrendered all to Jesus). Theone met

Craig and Lois Swanson at a prayer meeting held at Sammamish Community Church. Theone showed a photo of a young Pastor Craig preparing to baptize Shayla. Important verses: Micah 6:8; Philippians 1:6 and 4:4-6. Another turn-ing point here, as her dad goes to heav-en. Theone sings: How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace at her dad’s funeral service.

Phase 4: (Age 48 on) Theone’s daughter, Autumn, surprised her with a Mother’s Day gift and arranged/paid for her 30th class reunion trip to Hawaii, where The-one and Sam made the connection and the rest is history in the making. Theone searches for a new church home and found Faith Bible Church. Important verses: Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 40:31.

FYI…Her two favorite bracelets to wear these days are: WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) and HE>i (HE is greater than i).

In closing, Theone expressed that it’s her desire that all the people she loves would come to know and have a person-al and loving relationship with the Lord Jesus. Theone thanked everyone for sharing in her dot. “May God be glori-fied!”

In closing, Pastor Craig came up and jokingly asked “Who was that young guy in the photo?” (referring to the photo of him getting ready to baptize Shayla). Pastor Craig also joked about how they had moved churches and yet Theone was still able to track them down and followed them to FBC. So, it must truly be a God thing that we’re altogether in this wonderful FBC ohana! Amen!!

Theone Scholl-Tollefson

Pastor Mike and Maili Kurtz

(Continued from Page 4)

KALEO CHAN School: Franklin High School Subject/Activity enjoyed: Chemistry, Chinese, Japanese, Cross Country Future Plan: I'll be heading out to Japan for a cross cultural exchange program, and will be attending UW Seattle in the fall. RACHEL KUMAI School: Cedar Park Christian School Subject/Activity enjoyed: My favorite thing in high school was playing volleyball and being a part of the journalism class. Future Plan: I plan on attending Seattle University in the fall and studying business marketing. JOSHUA NGUYEN School: Thomas Jefferson High School/Running start program at Highline College Subject/Activity enjoyed: Math and Science. Future Plan: I will be attending University of Washington Seattle this coming fall. KYLE SASAKI School: Numonohi Christian Academy, PNG Subject/Activity enjoyed: History Class/ Comparative Politics Future Plan: I plan to attend Corban University in Salem, Oregon. MEGHAN TSUJI School: Lynnwood High School. Subject/Activity enjoyed: I enjoyed taking chef 1 & 2 throughout high school Future Plan: I will be attending Seattle Pacific University (SPU) in the fall.

ALYSSA CHIN School: Seattle University Major: B.S. Biology Future Plan: Starting in August 2016, I'll be attending Pacific University's College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon. DANNY COHEN School: University of Washington Major: B.S. Human Centered Design & Engineering & B.A. Communications Future Plan: Finish classes over the summer. Hopefully work at a tech company in the fall as a UX Designer. DEREK OH School: Seattle University Major: B.S. Mechanical Engineering Future Plan: Move to Oahu to work as an engineer at Pearl Harbor DANICOLE RAMOS School: Seattle University Major: B.A. Business Management Future Plan: Moving to Washington DC to attend American University to get an MPA and work as a research assistant. JAZMINE SAITO School: University of Washington Major: B.S. Mechanical Engineering Future Plan: Visiting home and looking for a full time job JENNIFER TSUJI School: University of Washington Major: B.S. Biology (Physiology) Future Plan: Travel, missions, obtain a full time position in hospital administration

Graduates 2016

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COLLEGE

HIGHSCHOOL

ALYSSA

DEREK

JAZMINE

JOSHUA

KALEO

MEGHAN

RACHEL

KYLE

DANNY

DANICOLE

JENNIFER

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FBC Library - Fiction

In this section of our FBC library, we have fiction books for adults and youth. Well written fiction books can transport you into other worlds and places. They can stir the imagination and stimulate creativity. They can also teach lessons and ideas in ways that are not easily forgotten. C.S. Lewis is known primarily for his non-fiction books but he also wrote highly regarded works of fiction. We have his The Chronicles of Narnia series as well as The Screwtape Letters. John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress is a classic book that some say should be read by all Christians. Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’ Left Behind series was a publishing phenomenon that quickly made the best-seller lists. We have all 16 volumes of the adult series

and all 40 volumes of the youth series. Chuck Colson is another known for his non-fiction writing but his Gideon’s Torch is a fictional work. Many people know Randy Alcorn by his excellent Heaven book and other highly regarded non-fiction books but he also wrote several fiction books. We have his Safely Home and Lord Foulgrin’s Letters. This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti were surprise best-sellers on the topic of spiritual warfare. Francine Rivers’ The Last Sin Eater and her other books are read by many Christians. We also have The Zion Chronicles series by Bodie Thoene. Also available are several books by popular author Janette Oke and classics by Grace Livingston Hill. We have several older classic series such as the Sugar Creek Gang by Paul Hutchens, Danny Orlis by Bernard Palmer, and Jungle Doctor by Paul White. These are just some of the books in this section of our FBC library. Hope to see you there!

BILL’S

BOOK BLURBS

In December 2015, I went to the Urbana Missions conference and was inspired by God’s heart for missions and marginalized people. He really opened my eyes to the global church and I wanted to expand my cultural view, especially on Christianity. At the conference, I committed to going on a short term mis-sions trip this year since I’ve really never been on one before. -Jennifer Tsuji

I want to go to Yakima. This will be my first mission trip, and I am overjoyed at the reality of serving others in a place that needs love. I'm so excited to glorify Him through working hard and playing with children. I've heard so many wonderful sto-ries about this trip and I am finally able to go and see what everyone talks about. -Hanna Nakamura

I have made connections with the children, maybe they don't always remember us-but the way I can get them to smile is truly a privilege. The teamwork and sense of community is very inspiring, and I think back to these experiences as some of the best memories. -Emily Uechi

It matters to keep showing up in the lives of others. Just being there in Yakama shows God is a God of love. -Brenda Uechi

The mission trip to Yakama helps return my focus from self to others, allowing me to show my faith, letting God use my tal-ents to show others His love through good works. I look for-ward to how God will be using me and how I can make a differ-ence to the Sacred Road Ministries. -Roney Rustia

This will be my fourth summer missions trip to the Yakama

Indian Reservation. Each experience on the reservation has served as a testament to the amazing work God is doing among the Yakama people. This summer, I hope to love and serve the Yakama and Sacred Road missionaries to the praise and honor of our Lord Jesus. -Matt Fukuda

This will be my fourth year going on the Yakama short term mission trip. I want to serve Christ by loving our neighbors, the Yakama Indians. We love because Christ first loved us. Serving on this team is one way the Yakama Indians can experience Christ's love. I would also like to serve those less privileged than myself and share the good news of Jesus with the chil-dren on the reservation. As we get closer and closer to being in Yakama, I am more and more excited to help the Sacred Road ministry. May God be glorified through all that we do! -Drew Fukuda

This will be my fourth year going to Yakama. I've always loved volunteering and community service, so being able to serve with the Yakama team has always been a tremendous bless-ing. Each year, I learn so much through this trip and it keeps me coming back. It is such an amazing thing to experience a culture and a lifestyle so different from our own. That is some-thing I truly enjoy. - Kaleo Chan

These are some of the reasons people are choosing to serve on the team this summer in White Swan. Others on the team are Christie Fukuda, Preston Mar, Justin Kumai, Reeghan Craw-ford and Alisa Williamson. -Sho Kato

Sacred Road Summer Mission Team July 30 - August 6

U.S.A.

FIRST CLASS

Table of Contents

WASABI Iron Chef

- Pastor Mike Kurtz

Pastor’s Page

- Pastor Craig Swanson

Child Dedication

Mission Trip Testimony

- Shion Ogawa

Senior Spring Celebration

- Kevin Chan

Graduates 2016

Sacred Road Mission Trip

Bill’s Book Blurb

- Bill Hamasaki

VBS

Calendar

Missionary Update

- Sasaki Family

Front

2

2

3

4-5

6

7

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Insert

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Bible Story Time, Crafts, Activities and Music

Date: June 27 - July 1, 10:00am -12:30pm

* Check-in: 9:50am, Family Lunch: 12:30-1:00pm

* Closing session right after morning session on Friday

Cave Crews: From 4 years old to upcoming 6th grade

Registration: https://fbcseattle.org/forms/2016-vbs-registration/

VBS Meetings: June 12, June 26, After Service, Skybridge

Service Project: VBS will be doing a service project for the Yakama Children and collecting kid’s school backpacks, new flip-flops/ sandals/ shoes of youth and adult sizes now through mid-July. Monetary donations also can be made to FBC. A collection bin is in the foyer.

Sunday Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Community Groups Meet during the Week

2

3

4 9:00am

JLM Prayer Meeting

5 8:30am Prayer Meeting 12:30pm Fellowship Hour

(Honoring the Graduates) 2:00pm Keiro Ministry

6 7

8

Community Groups Meet during the Week

9 10

7:00pm Elder Board

Meeting

11

12 8:30am Prayer Meeting

12:30pm VBS Meeting

13 14

15

Community Groups Meet during the Week

16 17

18

19 8:30am Prayer Meeting

11:00pm JOINT WORSHIP SERVICE 2:00pm Keiro Ministry

20 21

10:30am Keiro Nursing

Home Ministry

22

Community Groups Meet during the Week

6pm Feeding The Homeless

23

24

25 7:30am

Elder Prayer

Japanese x Jesus (JxJ) 2:00pm JxJ Cooking (FBC) 5:00pm JxJ (ISI House U-Dis)

26 8:30am Prayer Meeting

12:30pm VBS Meeting

27 28 29 30

J U N E 2 0 1 6

Japanese Language Ministry (JLM):

9:30am Worship Service*

11:00am Sunday School*

* Except for joint worship service one Sunday per month when Sunday School is at 9:30 am and worship service at 11:00 am.

Sunday Services

9:30am Sunday School

for all ages

11:00am Worship Service

1 Kulani Chan

2 John Eldridge

2 Jim Spray

4 Nathan Fukuda

6 Sam Shay

7 Ken Kato

7 Kaylin Cheng

9 Khanh Nguyen

12 James Cheng

14 Hannah Esposito

14 Winston Lo

14 Ella Jo

15 Mai Roman

17 Zanchie Whitehead

20 Gwen Jefferson

22 Elsa Brouwer

26 Krista Suzuki

26 Brian Watanabe

27 George Fujimoto

28 Walter Fukuyama

1 Jeremy and Maria Chase

8 John and Arlene Iwai

11 Alan and Shigeko Williamson

12 Gordon & Sue Staley

13 Richard and Keri Nakamura

16 Jack and Helen Akamine

16 Bob and Noby Kennell

17 Javier & Mai Roman

19 Chris and Vickie Jo

20 Howard and Julianne Eng

20 Dave and Laurie Fukuda

21 Ken and Jana Kumasaka

26 Raj and Annika Velji

27 Jed & Hannah Esposito

27 Ray and Sharon Gosden

29 Jeremy and Hiroe Une

(June 27 - July 1) 10am-12:30pm

https://fbcseattle.org/forms/2016-vbs-registration/

Happy Birthday ! Happy Anniversary!

In Memory -

Please pray for the family of LaVerna Oliphant

as LaVerna went to be with the Lord on May 11th.

Church Staff E-mail Addresses

Craig Swanson, Senior Pastor craig@fbcseattle.org

Mike Kurtz, Associate Pastor mike@fbcseattle.org

Lois Swanson, Office Manager lois@fbcseattle.org

Mina Chen, Secretary, Newsletter mina@fbcseattle.org

Jeanne Kumai, Reimbursements kjkumai@frontier.com

Greetings to our FBC family!

It is hard to believe, but we are 1 ½ weeks away from Kyle’s graduation.

We’ll have another two weeks after grad. to wrap-up “business” in the high

school office and pack-up/clean-up our house so it will be ready for our

renter for next year. It is a busy time of the year for most of us because the

school year is coming to a close, but it will be especially busy for the ones

heading home for home assignment.

Kyle, Nathan and Andrew are all on the boys varsity softball team this year

and just competed at the provincial tournament today (Fri. May 20.) It has

been fun to have them all playing together on the team and they seem to

enjoy it. By the way, our boys won the provincial tournament today! Kyle just had his 19th birthday and is working through

his list of things to do for the last time. It will be difficult for him to leave his friends since most of them will scatter to places

all over around the world. Still, he recognizes how blessed he has been to have been able to grow up in PNG and develop

these deep friendships with these other MKs.

NCA Update

Thank you for continuing to pray for NCA, particularly as we consider the best way to provide services to meet the needs of

the families with kids in the school. We will only have two full time teachers in the high school next year, and numerous part

time teachers. This is not optimal, but is it our reality, so we are going to need to make the most of it. We’ve had a number

of people agree to help by teaching one or two classes. One of our part time math teachers next year has agreed to come

out of the tribe for a year to help cover some of our needs. Another part time teacher is a former NCA alumnus who is actu-

ally the director of the Goroka Baptist Bible College who has his kids in our school. We have also decided to run a shortened

school day for next year because we don’t have sufficient staff to fill a seven period day. We’re hoping that this is just a one-

year thing.

Home Assignment Plans

We’ll be arriving in Seattle on June 26 and will be spending at least the first couple of weeks with Terri’s dad and brother in

Bellevue. We honestly don’t have any leads on any housing possibilities, but we know that the Lord will provide. Nathan and

Andrew have been accepted back at Bellevue Christian School in the fall, and the Lord has provided a significant financial aid

package and some scholarships to help make this possible. We’ll be taking Kyle down to Salem in the middle of August to get

him set-up at Corban University, but before we go, we’ll need to get busy getting him (and maybe Nathan and Andrew too)

enrolled in a driver’s ed. Program. Hard to believe, but Andrew will be 15 ½ and will be able to get his permit. So, even

though it will be summer break, we’re bracing for it to be pretty busy.

Terri will be having hip replacement surgery in Sept., and Scott will need to be there as she rehabs. It is uncertain if Scott will

need surgery on his knee, but it might be good timing (because we will have paid our annual deductible) for him to get fixed-

up too. We’ll have to see what his knee surgeon says. We can’t wait until we get our new bodies in heaven!

We are looking forward to getting back and reconnecting with our FBC family!

Sasaki Family Update

Andrew, Nathan, Kyle, Terri and Scott