A small group of sojourners traveled to the Land of the Rising Sun to share hope, love and joy of God’s only Son, Jesus. The missions endeavor was setup for a small group of graduating seniors to put into practice the tenets learned through their time in FUEL, CCM’s youth group. After months of praying, planning and fundraising, the group of eleven traveled to Okinawa, one of the 3,000 islands comprising the country of Japan.

Joining up with Calvary Chapel Okinawa, Pastor Rick Barnett and Glenn Phipps made the young missionaries feel right at home with welcoming words, “Hansai Okinawa!” The group hit the ground running, helping with church cleanup and vacation bible school (VBS) prep. After settling down into the guest homes where the small groups were hosted, each traveler experienced authentic island love and Japanese hospitality. Their hearts and hands were ready to leave hours of tireless labor and love with the church in Okinawa, but they returned home with memories and words of gratitude laden with sincerity and appreciation.

Though traveling and organizing was intensive, there was definitely time for relaxation and enjoyment of Japanese culture. After their time of service in Okinawa, the team flew to mainland Japan and toured Osaka and Kyoto, each modern and ancient metropolis’ preserving different types of Japanese culture. Upon their return, senior Javier Ruiz choked back tears and he said, “This trip changed my life. I now only want to do what God wants me to do. Whether that is in Japan, in Murrieta or in Montebello.” The first fruits were sweet and the harvest is yet to bloom. The youth ministry intends on sending another team of seniors next year.

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