Baptist Day

Day four started a bit later than the other days so far and after having a bit longer in the morning to rest, we headed to Koza Baptist Church for the annual Baptist Day worship service. Baptist Day has a long history within the Okinawa Baptist Convention as a day of fellowship and fun for the English speaking and Japanese speaking churches. One aspect of ministering in Okinawa is the way that denominations work hand in hand together and the Okinawa Baptist Convention is no different. The Japanese speaking Japan Baptist Union and the Japan Baptist Convention from mainland Japan and the English speaking Southern Baptist Churches and American Baptist Churches have for a long time linked hands in service together. Baptist Day has been a way to encourage that fellowship.

Our team was able to be a part of the worship and all seemed to enjoy the singing and preaching as well as taking part in the service themselves. When they were introduced to the congregation, the group got up on the stage and sang, "Country Roads". The OBC provided lunch boxes for everyone and they were delicious.

After the service, the team went to Daiichi Baptist Church and participated in the afternoon bilingual service just now getting up and running as Great Commission International Church. Roger preached and after the service everyone enjoyed shopping at the Christian bookstore at the church.

Dinner today was at "Hana Ori" a restaurant serving Okinawa homestyle cooking. Team members had fried noodles, Okinawa fried chicken, seafood noodles and fried chicken with vegetables. The restaurant was a hit. After dinner the main part of the team went to the beach to watch the sunset while Jim Crouch and Melanie Neal went to Tomigusuku Baptist Church to spend the night with church members. They will speak at service tomorrow morning.

Carrie continues to be feeling a bit under the weather but she did sleep more today and was able to eat a bit more food. Continue to keep her in your prayers.


Tomorrow is another day with two church services. Roger preaches in the morning and Jim in the evening.