Departure Pictures September 21, 2008

Where are Bob & Chris?

On Sunday September 21st they began the journey west. The day began when Phil and Carol Van Leeuwen arrived at the Cherry Hills home to take them to Columbia Metro Airport, After loading up the luggage; all 300 pounds of it a party consisting of Phil, Carol, Pastor Bob, Chris and Lyn Patterson (Chris’s sister) made their way to the airport. They were met by Rev and Janice Livingston for a joyous farewell. The group was a metaphor for the entire experience. Wherever Bob and Chris are in the next six months they are their only because of God’s grace expressed in the support of faithful people. From Columbia, SC to Portland, Oregon. For a few days now they will visit with family in Oregon and then California. On September 30 the journey to Tokyo will continue with a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo.

Keep Praying,

Zen Ben

I HAVE A NAME

Yes, that's right I have a name!

Thanks to Sela Grooms my name is Zen Ben. Sela submitted her idea along with many others from the youth of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aiken SC. I really liked Zen Ben. Now I pray that Sela will really like her ice cream gift certificate. You might even remember me as Zb for short. I will bring you the thoughts; pictures and reflections of Chris and Pastor Bob in months ahead during their ministry in Japan. Come to think of it Pastor Bob is known at St. Paul as Pb for short. Sooo Zb will be happy to bring you news of Chris and Pb in Japan! One more thing; Some folks who have come to Pb's blog have told Pb I don't look very happy. Well don't be concerned I am really a happy monk. But you see; if you had been sitting in full lotus position (legs like a pretzel) as long I have, you too would have my inverted smile!

Keep on reading and praying.

Zb

Commissioning Pictures September 7, 2008

(left to right)

DM Beth Barkhau, Rev. Jerry Livingston, Rev. Kathleen Chartier, Pastor Bob Byrne, Chris Byrne, Rev. Sato, Bishop Herman Yoos III, Pastor Mark Cerniglia

( left to right)

Rev. Jerry Livingston, Pastor Bob Byrne, Chris Byrne Rev. Sato, Bishop Herman Yoos III

WHERE IN JAPAN ARE BOB & CHRIS ?

Commission Reflections


We are not there yet! No we are not there but the sense of the adventure began last Sunday when we were commissioned by our Bishop Herman R. Yoos III at a wonderful service last Sunday afternoon. Rev. Jerry Livingston, missionary to the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church for forty years preached and Chris and I heard clearly the reality of both the opportunity and the expectation that awaits us in Japan. Then when Bishop Yoos asked the questions of commissioning we answered, “Yes with the help of God”. Each time both the affirmation and reality of our utter dependence became more real to us. We will surely venture to Japan in faith, supported by prayer and sensing in a new way our utter dependence on God. We go to Japan thankful for the Rev. Mark Cerniglia who was commissioned to be our interim at St. Paul, Aiken at the same service. With partners who will direct and support our work in the JELC and with partners who support us at St. Paul, Aiken and in the South Carolina Synod, together we go forth to do whatever God calls us so that the Good News of Jesus Christ may be shared by loving and serving all. The more you think about it; or pray about it the clearer it becomes. The ministry that Bob and Chris will be doing for six months or the ministry each of us does in daily response to God’s Grace is only possible

“with the help of God”.

Peace,

Pb