Okiden Tourney Style

Praise the Lord! We were able to play Okiden! Okiden is the Okinawan Electric Company. They are the best company team in Japan as of now. We lost the game 8-1 against their ace pitcher. It was an extra blessing because I got the call the night before that I would be suiting up for this one. God gave me favor in allowing me to be there. I didn't get the chance to pitch, but it was real fun being in the uniform and waiting for the call to warm up.

Start of the Tournament

Today was the start of our first tournament of the year. We were able to take down Ryuku University 8-2 starting w/ a fifth inning 2 run home run to left field. These were just a few of the pictures taken from the game. As you can see, I was in the stands for this one. I didn't get the call to pitch in this tournament just due to some kinks in my mechanics. There were about 15 guys who didn't dress out for the game. Not a problem though! Realizing your mistakes in pitching just makes you a better player. I figured out through lower velocity, a tired arm, and poor control, that my lower body mechanics needed a major adjustment. I believe the Lord is just giving me this time to work on those things. I'm looking forward to a big comeback! Please pray for me that I would keep my focus in bringing the Gospel to the table for these guys! God has a bigger reason for me being on this team. Amen.

The Owner of Enagic's Birthday

Wednesday evening, we were invited to celebrate the Owner of Enagic's birthday. Mr. Oshiro turned 69 years young! I didn't know this, but Mr. Oshiro started the company from Okinawa. He then moved on to mainland Japan and into the United States along w/ shops in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Europe and Germany. I was pretty shocked that he was the sole owner of the chain. The celebration was held at Busena Resort close to Nago where President Clinton stayed during his time here while the G8 Summit was in Okinawa. There were actually many Americans who were invited along w/ employees from Taiwan, China, and Europe. The interesting thing was the fact that only about 20 of the top distributer's from Enagic were invited. Tokito and myself were invited by the manager Hirayama san.

We were able to talk to Hirayama san about starting a team Bible study to reach out to the guys for Christ. He said that it would be great, but, the best part was that Enagic's team dorm apartment will be moved to Ginowan next month. He said we could use the downstairs community rooms to hold the study. We both were blown away! God brought it so close to us here in Ginowan. Please pray as we step out in faith to share the love of Christ to a dying people. Those who don't know Him!

End of Spring

Last Wednesday was our last game of spring before the start of the season. We played against the housing company team Big Kaihatsu. I actually didn't play in this game, but I took a few pics of what the baseball life is like here in Okinawa. I didn't fare too well this spring in my only 2 outings, yet, I learned a few important things for my mechanics. I will not be pitching in the tournament for march. This is ok! There's a few things the Lord wants to teach me about baseball and life. He's under control!