tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87794150471751806172012-01-26T17:12:54.212+09:00Life in Teshio, Japan and with Teshio Baptist Mission ministriesVicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.comBlogger951100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-87063032780070095252012-01-26T17:11:00.001+09:002012-01-26T17:11:24.792+09:00

The massive 3/11/2011 Japan earthquake and its ensuing tsunami were so powerful that they broke off huge icebergs thousands of miles away in Antarctica, according to a new study. The ‘calving of icebergs’ is when a huge chunk of ice breaks off from a glacier or ice shelf. The tsunami, which originated after the magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the coast of the Japan, was so powerful that

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-68814680492461410352012-01-12T16:55:00.000+09:002012-01-12T16:57:51.552+09:00

A few years back, a Chinese soap hit it big with consumers in Asia. It was claimed in ads that users would lose weight with Seaweed Defat Scented Soap simply by washing with it. The soap was sold in violation to the Japanese Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and was banned. Reportedly, the craze for the soap was so great that Japanese tourists from China and Hong Kong brought back large

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-30362494067738136302011-12-24T17:03:00.000+09:002011-12-24T17:03:54.708+09:00

Thank you so much for praying for this ministry today.  God answered in several ways.  Humanly we would think maybe today wasn't much of a special day. Why, because only 12 came to the program. Maybe the least we have had in a few years, BUT we know that EXACTLY who the Lord wanted here today were here.  That included the mayor of Teshio, the past mayor and  his wife,  Mr. & Mrs. Sato (

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-59816890029284145732011-12-07T11:08:00.001+09:002011-12-07T11:19:16.331+09:00

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Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0Japan, Hokkaido Prefecture, Teshio District, Teshio, Shineidori, ８丁目１４６６−１１３44.8883411 141.745396844.5283521 141.11368280000002 45.2483301 142.3771108tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-84170533243610686442011-11-09T22:55:00.000+09:002011-11-10T20:28:06.146+09:00

Although Halloween wasn't celebrated in Japan until recent years, it's becoming popular year after year. Many stores sell colorful Halloween decorations, costumes, and sweets. Also, many Japanese cities/towns, shopping malls, and theme parks hold fun Halloween events in September and October. Halloween parades, costume parties, and trick-or-treat events are often observed in fall.

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-34613657255032393422011-10-11T14:35:00.000+09:002011-10-11T14:36:11.455+09:00

1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. As the summer quickly wanes into fall we realize that although the days are shorter with light, the light of the Gospel does not regard the time!! Just our use of

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-28851236579879571252011-10-11T14:12:00.000+09:002011-10-11T14:12:18.756+09:00

  The earthquake and tsunami that walloped Japan left much of its coastline ravaged, but left one thing intact: the Japanese reputation for honesty.“The fact that a hefty 2.3 billion yen in cash has been returned to its owners shows the high level of ethical awareness in the Japanese people,” Ryuji Ito, professor at Japan's Yokohama University said. “These acts of integrity are simply

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-48957015632236977132011-09-14T20:21:00.001+09:002011-09-14T20:21:46.919+09:00

  How much would you be willing to pay for a piece of fruit?    A prized piece of Japanese fruit, the Densuke Watermelon, fetched nearly $4,000 at an auction in Sapporo earlier this month.  And apparently, that’s a bargain.   This year’s highest-selling fruit, sold to the Isetan department store for $3,743, is actually a steep fall from the Densuke watermelon’s peak season several

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-41707370562596559142011-08-30T17:13:00.002+09:002011-08-30T17:19:46.039+09:00

In Japan there are no home-made swear-words. The closest one is “baka”, which means ‘fool’. This is not to say the Japanese do not have elaborate ways of insulting one another. If one drops the honorifics in the language to someone, it could be an unforgettable affront to them. Politicians in Japan understand the art of delicately insulting each other, but some of them are not too delicate. Mr.

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-78235240092671257172011-08-29T11:38:00.004+09:002011-08-29T11:47:09.725+09:00

Japanese researchers believe growing sunflowers will remove radioactive cesium from contaminated soil around the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant, and are planning a project to plant as many of the yellow flowers as possible this year. They have invited people to sow sunflower seeds near the Fukushima prefecture power station, hoping the sunflower will become a symbol of recovery in the

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-76481715664969465982011-08-29T10:25:00.008+09:002011-08-29T11:38:11.425+09:00

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11 The positive attitude spoken of by Paul in this verse did not come naturally. He states that it is a state of mind, will and emotion that is "learned". Such contentment with any situation, is learned during trying times by trusting that God is in control of the

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-67018404855275306352011-08-01T16:15:00.002+09:002011-08-30T19:30:41.618+09:00

Greetings from Teshio!! Summer time will quickly wane, we think since it is now August but we pray not, as it came so late this year!! Crops and hay were about 2-3 weeks behind!! Now we have the opposite problem and haven't had rain in a couple weeks. Now I am not complaining!! Every day is a blessing and an opportunity! Just praying for those affected by so many 'adverse' things in this

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-19364229796773814342011-01-27T10:16:00.003+09:002011-01-27T10:33:54.305+09:00

It's a sunny day in Tokyo and Saya Kato is exquisitely attuned to the style of the moment, wearing a filmy vest over her T-shirt and shorts, sporting a straw fedora and carrying not one, but two cell phones.The first, emerging from a vast pink bag, is a slim, honey-colored basic model that enables Kato to enjoy long chats with friends who have the same plan. The second is a hot-pink "Sony

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-60283222094797671862011-01-11T20:53:00.002+09:002011-01-11T21:11:51.055+09:00

Technology can help you achieve the perfect smile -- and lift the spirits of perfect strangers.It’s a brand new year, and for some, a new beginning brings an extra spring in their step and a wide grin from ear to ear. It may come as no surprise that being surrounded by happy vibes and positive facial expressions can rub off on your own level of optimism.Emotions are contagious, and a smile can

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-55707505938295972902011-01-03T10:11:00.004+09:002011-01-03T10:51:19.064+09:00

Aokigahara ForestSigns emblazoned with messages such as "Please reconsider" and "Please consult the police before you decide to die!" are nailed to trees throughout the forest. However, the woods have such a reputation that these minor deterrents do little to stop the determined.Aokigahara Forest is known for two things in Japan: breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and suicides. It is the

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-3419966626188939032010-12-29T21:42:00.007+09:002010-12-29T21:55:44.080+09:00

Ken preaching after the flannel-graph and music partChristopher doing the flannel-graphOur group“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.”That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-68109418867056138582010-12-06T16:39:00.003+09:002010-12-06T16:58:57.957+09:00

(Ken reading some verses during our missionary thanksgiving get-together)Dear Praying Friends,Thanksgiving is a special time each year here in northern Hokkaido Japan. We get to host the missionary families in these northern areas at our house. This year there were 35 people that gathered for a great day of food, fun and fellowship. We have much to be thankful for each year, but God did

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-5365063469012408392010-12-06T16:19:00.003+09:002010-12-06T16:39:12.899+09:00

at today's rate in yen/dollar this equals $157!!!Japan appears to have cornered the market on square-shaped fruit.Farmers in the southern Japanese town of Zentsuji have figured out how to grow square watermelons. It's not a fad. The technique actually has practical applications.“The reason they're doing this in Japan is because of lack of space,” said Samantha Winters. “A fat, round watermelon

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-26243739011265209162010-11-05T22:26:00.003+09:002010-11-05T23:06:11.385+09:00

Ken doing fall outside winter prepMiss Tsuzuki and Miss Hanawa during Christianity Explained Bible studyKen teaching the Bible studyTea and brownie time afterwardsHeb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Faith, although it is intangible, is a real substance. It is the solid thing that we can claim and cling to in every circumstance of life. It

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-25314207033873356052010-10-06T19:04:00.002+09:002010-10-06T19:21:32.152+09:00

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.Revelations 3:20A door is an important part of any building. Without a door, one can not enter or leave. There is no access. Jesus Christ is the door to eternal life and salvation. (John 10:1-9) In practical terms, a door is an essential element in

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-79717235650839509962010-09-15T20:24:00.001+09:002010-09-15T20:27:00.056+09:00

For the first time in automobile history, car-makers who have been trying to make cars quieter, will try to make their cars noisy! If they run too quietly, pedestrians may fail to notice them approaching!HVs (Hybrid Vehicles) make hardly any sound when they are driven slowly. The Toyota Motor Corp.'s ‘Prius’ makes a sound of about 30 decibels which is as quiet as a whisper. Experts are concerned

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-6756778705394706212010-08-30T10:28:00.003+09:002010-08-30T10:43:58.175+09:00

A 39-year-old man recently finished an 11-year bicycle journey covering more than 150,000 kilometers -- equivalent to circling the globe nearly four times! Daisuke Nakanishi spent six years working for a construction firm in Osaka in order to save enough money to pursue this goal. He left Japan for Anchorage, Alaska, the starting point of his journey, on July 23, 1998. During his subsequent bike

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-89581229088006180462010-08-15T19:55:00.006+09:002010-08-15T22:21:19.496+09:00

A Christian's mission in any country to reach the lost is this:2 Tim 2:25, 26- In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-61046798589683416922010-07-11T23:45:00.001+09:002010-07-12T00:01:09.582+09:00

FREE ELECTRIC-CAR RECHARGING Gasoline stations, in cooperatio n with the local governments of Japan, are beginning to install systems that guide electric vehicle drivers to unoccupied charging stations, hoping to popularize electric vehicles by making it possible to recharge without waiting in long lines and without any cost.Electric vehicles will have charger-outfitted gas stations displayed on

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-22039778862997470572010-06-28T09:43:00.002+09:002010-06-28T09:51:24.058+09:00

MONKEY-CHASING DOGS Using specifically trained dogs to protect crops from wild monkeys is increasing in Japan. Farmers are using them in their battle against marauding monkeys. First, two German shepherds were trained in Aomori to be full-time monkey-scaring dogs.Now, forty-two other municipalities also authorize police dog training centers to train dogs for this purpose. Training time at the

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-73469002976224973662010-06-27T23:52:00.003+09:002010-06-27T23:56:12.982+09:00

It's a new week! Wonder what kind of opportunities the Lord has for us this week! We appreciate prayers for Ken as he leaves on July 1st for a short family/business trip for two weeks. Our summer intern, Amanda Blain, has written a newsletter and we thought you might like to enjoy it too!~~This week has been filled with one adventure after another!It began with a shopping trip - on bicycles!

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-11533451586045691052010-06-21T16:58:00.007+09:002010-06-21T18:02:54.092+09:00

Our home and mission building. We live on the 2nd floor. Services and office on first floorMrs. Sonoda and Amanda our summer intern from N.C.Miss Tsuzuki (in Bible study with us on Sunday evenings)Our large carrots here in Hokkaido!not to mention our large applesleft: eating cabbage 'pancake' and shrimp tempuraright:Ken checking class homework at schoolAmanda helping out at school for English

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-38557724933418946012010-06-21T16:39:00.002+09:002010-06-21T16:50:23.851+09:00

Dear Praying Friends,1Ki 8:41 Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake;When we go beyond our Jerusalem, we do so for the Lord's name sake. We have a command to go beyond our comfort zone and reach the people in a far country. From the perspective of one on the field of ministry in Japan, we appreciate when others come

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-4723968360991350452010-06-21T16:29:00.002+09:002010-06-21T16:34:28.344+09:00

Dear Praying Friends, "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night" Ps 92:1,2 We give God thanks and praise for the mornings and nights of fellowship, travel and safety on our recently finished short reporting furlough. It was a blessing to visit with family

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-61077116507720106762010-02-23T19:49:00.000+09:002010-02-23T19:50:05.062+09:00

Dear Praying Friends, February 2010 Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;Most of us spend all of our timel, effort and resources on the outer man. However, that outer man will perish. The outer man

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-9952549232665881282010-02-21T19:12:00.000+09:002010-02-21T19:16:37.939+09:00

“Everyone has only one life...,” is a project prompted by a message from a middle school girl fighting a chronic disease.Poets have been holding readings across the nation to introduce her message to the general public in Japan, asking people to finish the sentence that begins with “Because everyone have only has one life....”. “Because everyone has only one life, let's laugh joyfully every day,”

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-7791196301378204322010-02-20T19:29:00.003+09:002010-02-20T20:46:40.100+09:00

(copied)Toys are not just for children any more!Primopuel is a knee-high Japanese doll with soft apple cheeks and big black button eyes. It comes in green and pink. When you cuddle it or talk to it, it talks back. It is designed for grandmothers.The two-tone doll can ‘master’ up to 5 songs and 380 words in the course of a year, provided it is cuddled and you talk to it.“Families are living apart

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-59816532759719120892010-02-09T18:47:00.006+09:002010-02-09T19:29:45.411+09:00

Ac 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.It is interesting that we often refer to this verse as Paul's call to enter Europe as a mission field and so it is. However, do we stop to think that no Macedonia man met Paul and his team at the dock when they arrived. No Macedonia man rushed to be

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-90596330845180913762010-01-02T11:25:00.008+09:002010-01-02T14:22:39.368+09:00

We know God has wonderful things ahead in the New Year! May there be Blessings for each of you as well! And maybe this is the year the Lord will come again!------The New Year is the greatest festival in Japan. People of all classes and occupations in the entire country celebrate it, but it is an intensely personal family affair. Members share the many firsts of the New Year like the first

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-28056204600164417892010-01-02T10:37:00.005+09:002010-01-02T11:24:33.322+09:00

Motomi in her Bible study timeMotomi requested a Japanese meal...she had nevereaten one made by a foreigner...oh the result?? She said is was very good!Mrs. Sonoda (rt) talking to Mrs. Yajimalt-Mrs. Tokumaru's youngest daughter, Harukaand her two friendsKen talking to ex-mayor Honda and his wifeRyo, the young man that grew up in our English classes and now visitswhen he comes back to Teshio on

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-556336863855771652009-11-20T15:15:00.001+09:002009-11-20T15:16:56.806+09:00

BRAILLE PIN FOR SONGS OF JOYLike many other visually impaired people, Rieko Nakayama enjoys belting out a few songs at karaoke. However, the 40-year-old homemaker was limited in what songs she could sing because she could not see the lyrics on the screens of the karaoke machines, and always lagged behind others in her singing.Nippon Telesoft Co. has solved this problem. They developed Braille

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-39387607789095123072009-11-20T14:22:00.003+09:002009-11-20T15:02:54.407+09:00

Teaching Miss Tsuzuki(new high school nurse)Mrs. Sonoda (3rd from left) playing in Okoto group for culture dayTown Hamanasu ChorusMrs. Sonoda (our longest saved believer)Mrs. Fukuda the policeman's wife----Ps 107:1 ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.Giving God thanks is to be our daily activity. It is the outward and vocal action and response to faith.

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-89464959082141797252009-09-07T16:14:00.004+09:002009-09-07T18:21:25.586+09:00

Well we have been busy getting the roof of our building painted to help it 'last' another year. We sure appreciate the help of a fellow missionary and his son in this work. Probably the last time we'll be able to put off getting the roof replaced. It is still the original roof even after 15 years and when we are only a block from the Sea of Japan with all the salt air on a tin roof, well you

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-62374079664784118922009-08-21T17:21:00.002+09:002009-08-21T17:39:13.380+09:00

July/August Prayer LetterDear Praying Friends, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28When we last wrote we were going to be seeing a specialist about Ken's back to find out what was causing the pain he was constantly experiencing. The long and short of that is that they found out through various tests that he had

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-63953543182207598392009-08-20T21:43:00.004+09:002009-08-20T22:07:42.806+09:00

In our last update we had arrived home and were really glad to be back. Little did we know that the 'testing' was not over!! Within 3 days of returning Ken was experiencing pain in his lower right leg along with redness and hardness along the top of the leg. Ken's father went home suddenly to be with the Lord several years ago after going through surgery, seeming to have a complete recovery.

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-77896973677195345752009-08-17T16:52:00.003+09:002009-08-17T19:39:07.639+09:00

The man we always get our used cars from lives in Asahikawa. We have given witness to him over the years. He came on the last weekend Ken was there to visit him. His name is Mr. Igarashi (ee-gaw-raw-she)Mr. Minoshima was in Ken's first room and kept checking in with Ken every day! Several times Ken got to speak to him about spiritual things and the Lord seemed to be opening the door. How hard it

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-82114776187236474342009-08-17T12:11:00.005+09:002009-08-17T14:22:11.631+09:00

Because Japanese have a superstition about the number four there are no room numbers ending in four. Beginning numbers don't seem to be a problem (such as 401, 402, 403 but there would be no 404). So notice that 704 and 714 are not there either.One of the sounds for 4 is the same sound as for death--that's why they avoid that number.Ken talking to Alicia!Vicki: I am a very directional challenged

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-5697495533773718182009-08-10T23:22:00.002+09:002009-08-10T23:27:28.000+09:00

The best laid plans (hopes) can be delayed by God's best...that's what we have to believe anyway. On the Home Stretch! But first of all-- God's plans & timing are amazing! 1. Found out the main surgeon and the surgeon over at the other hospital dealing with my gall bladder issues were both doctors at the same smaller hospital a few years ago and are still good friends. They have communicated

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-5281190493873173022009-08-07T23:56:00.003+09:002009-08-08T08:15:22.959+09:00

Asahikawa Sunset from the 7th floor room windowThe caramel cheesecake that Nao Nishino madeand the note she gave with itOne of many typical Japanese meals I eat.a clear soup with 'small rice balls' that have shrimp in them and seaweedgrilled fish, pickles-cucumber carrot, Chinese cabbage & bean sproutsvegetables: seasoned (soy sauce, vinegar, sugar) daikon radish, carrot and peascabbage salad

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-2303631546772984812009-08-06T09:13:00.003+09:002009-08-06T09:42:55.847+09:00

Part 2I am having Vicki write this part because she remembers much of it as it has to do with after the surgery. I did find it interesting that the morning of the surgery after some preliminary things that had to be done I walked myself down to the surgery room with a nurse present who came to get me. I think she was one of the nurses 'presiding' over the surgery. The anesthesia is started via

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-18180891049803409672009-07-31T22:20:00.003+09:002009-07-31T22:32:09.827+09:00

The hospitalization saga has begun! We though you might like a small window view of 'life' in the hospital before surgery and then after.In case you get queasy while reading details...we won't go into deep details but just enough to make it interesting...does that sound like a plan?They asked us to arrive before noon on Thursday so we managed that by 30 minutes! We were greeted at the check-in

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-26729583910800663622009-06-29T11:40:00.002+09:002009-06-29T11:47:05.392+09:00

BLUE LIGHT PREVENTING SUICIDES Railway companies in Japan are installing blue lighting, because it is playing a role in preventing suicides and street crimes. In January, 2008, persons jumped in front of a train from a deserted end of the station platform on two consecutive days. “We urgently introduced blue lights to deter suicides,” a company employee in charge of train safety

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-67891961522690306062009-06-03T09:23:00.006+09:002009-06-05T08:32:42.910+09:00

Michael and StacyRichard and Angela Siblings Three!Appel Grandkids-Jacob, Alyssia Our five grandchildren in Maymatching outfits by Grandma!With Richard's three Abigail, Emma, MakaylaJacob & Alyssia AppelThe Beach CoupleNewest addition--Jason Kenneth Appel8 lb 9 oz; 21 1/2 inches No, I'm not proud!!His Big sister who adores him! His Big Brother who always wants to reassure Jason that everything

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-70464563706806680102009-06-02T00:19:00.007+09:002009-06-02T06:27:33.206+09:00

Somehow it seems hard to keep up with emails and blogs when on the road so we apologize for our delay in getting an update here on the blog. What a blessing it was to report to our Minnesota churches as well as one across the border in Wisconsin. We finished the reporting time of this year's trip the end of April. Each of the churches we were in were an encouragement to us and there were special

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-67043329658883567222009-04-12T07:21:00.001+09:002009-04-12T07:23:52.905+09:00

Dear Praying Friends, Feb/March 2009 Greetings from the north land of Wisconsin. We have been on the road since the beginning of March for our annual short reporting furlough, this year to Minnesota, but also included a church in Iowa and southern Wisconsin. This week we have been able to participate in a college mission’s conference. We appreciate the hospitality

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-2981303446036383692009-01-18T17:43:00.005+09:002009-01-18T20:03:42.218+09:00

...not only for themselves but for their children!In memory of my father and father-in-loveand in honor of my husband I am not sure why this year I am a little more emotional about birthdays than normal but it seems there have been a couple memories that have come to mind. Whose birthdays? Since we came to Japan and the other side of the international date line, while my father was alive we

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-30631658572222485842009-01-16T18:08:00.011+09:002009-01-16T21:33:54.619+09:00

Thought you might like a visual of a small storm aftermath at our house! Wish you could have joined in!In front of our entryway doorUsing a 'mama-san' dumpLoad it up, then push it out!Our neighbor next door running his 'daddy' dumpster! (just kidding on the name)We are very thankful for our neighbor's help in keeping the front cleared. We just have to do the two entryways and under the car ports.

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-13490256806107761042009-01-12T16:40:00.003+09:002009-01-12T17:30:49.576+09:00

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if !mso]> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <![endif]--> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS Mincho"; panose-1:2 2 6 9 4 2 5 8 3 4; mso-font-alt: mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-67015834992942558562008-12-25T12:17:00.003+09:002008-12-25T18:11:48.786+09:00

A dear friend in Montana wrote a poem and it expresses our hearts' desires, too, during this special Season of remembering our Dear Savior's birth:The Best Gift at ChristmasThere is no gift that I can bring.No package wrapped with colored stringTo give you lasting happiness,To offer life and peace and rest.So on this Christmas Day I wishTo send you news of God's great Gift;The Christ He sent so

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-60797223003092194012008-12-23T21:52:00.008+09:002008-12-23T22:38:10.148+09:00

With praise and thanksgiving we rejoice at the attendanceand attentiveness of those that came to our ChristmasProgram. May God's Word continue to work in their hearts!Our guests-uniformed girls are from the junior high; next to them is the former mayor and his wife-Mr. & Mrs. HondaBehind them (to the left) is Mayor Asada and to his left is the deputy mayor, Mr. Tamura.Guests on other side.Mrs.

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-20435495622026886632008-11-28T17:04:00.008+09:002008-11-28T22:17:00.735+09:00

Never have we seen a month go by so fast as this November has and we apologize for not continuing our history review for this whole month. But you honestly weren't left wondering, were you!! God moved in the elderly gentleman's heart to allow us a two year grace period. We had to pay for two year's worth of rent (at that time around $2000) and then at the end of two years we either paid him the

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-70614197080844048912008-11-28T15:33:00.005+09:002008-11-28T17:03:34.234+09:00

...not only for the past but for the present: for YOU, for all who care about God's work here in Teshio and for us. For God's Goodness in ALL things and in EVERY way!We were blessed to hold the annual thanksgiving fellowship here and we were able to welcome the newest family to the northern area of Japan, the Wilhites to our rambunctious crowd!! We are able to special order turkeys so this is

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-2619286059073817992008-10-30T15:53:00.003+09:002008-11-04T11:57:32.016+09:00

Many of you may not know how we ended up in Teshio so want to explain how the Lord worked to show us where to go. During our training time, the missionaries we were training with went every week on Sunday afternoons to hold one S.S. outreach. That meant that every other week it was in a place called Toyotomi and the other week in Teshio. We really felt it would be good to start a work in a

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-70020420066834141912008-10-27T15:54:00.004+09:002008-10-30T15:49:58.269+09:00

As we look back on various beginnings in the ministry both during training and once on our own, we are reminded that God's timing is never "coincidence". The key is just having our spiritual eyes open to see the openings that God gives at any particular time. One example of those times came in the first year we were in our training:Before we moved to Teshio, Ken and two others were traveling

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-46336095062519872992008-10-23T13:16:00.006+09:002008-10-23T18:03:13.262+09:00

First range for cooking was like this one. Still have one like it downstairs in church kitchen. The little window below the top burners is the little grill area where the Japanese cook their fish.Twin Tub washing machine (semi-automatic)Only one hookup available even today for most wash machines--so cold water is used. As we have gone back through letters we realized there were some things that

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-36659627068116321962008-10-16T12:04:00.004+09:002008-10-16T16:23:01.605+09:00

Before we forget, we apologize there aren't very many pictures from our first couple years...we realized that they are all still in slides yet! Guess we should find a way to get them put from slides (beings we don't use them any more) to digital pictures.Having run across our prayer letter we sent out for our first anniversary in Japan, we thought it would be good to again reflect on what God

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-15330093095757124132008-10-15T11:19:00.005+09:002008-10-15T15:09:33.946+09:00

We can't remember some of the early adjustments without talking about food! Strange food? No, just different food...in a land of almost 100% differences we tried as a family to say that things were different not strange--for they weren't strange to those that lived here. 'UUUyuck' was never allowed to be uttered, although even we must admit there were times that our first thought as we looked at

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-20256863727134010592008-10-13T10:20:00.006+09:002008-10-13T21:12:39.504+09:00

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS Mincho"; panose-1:2 2 6 9 4 2 5 8 3 4; mso-font-alt:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:modern; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:-

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-84475609676669142192008-10-12T14:49:00.008+09:002008-10-13T10:21:55.452+09:00

From that title we are sure you get the idea--the food in Japan--the same or different you wonder! Browns that remind you of chocolate; dark creams that remind you of peanut butter; bottles that look like wine but have oil in them; vegetables that we have never seen the like before...and then there is the fish and the other things that come from fish...well maybe we won't go there for today. We

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-44804299803557491732008-10-11T12:05:00.005+09:002008-10-11T19:30:10.829+09:00

Beings we didn't have a car the first couple years we were in Japan it was nice that at least the church was only about a 15 min. walk away (depending on whether we were walking with our children or not). It was a quiet neighborhood but opportunities to be with neighbors especially with small children were plentiful. Vicki was helped in her language learning by a neighbor lady who loved to

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-3459782664973564102008-10-10T12:03:00.003+09:002008-10-10T12:47:31.146+09:00

Here is a portion from the letter that included the following picture. Ken started working on simple S.S. lessons about 4 months after we arrived. It took quite a lot of time as you can figure out by the following sent to Vicki's parents:I thought you might like to see what the rough draft of my Sunday School lesson looks like. After working on the Bible passage in English and Japanese, I write

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-15077903802715726232008-10-09T17:07:00.000+09:002008-10-09T17:07:34.308+09:00

Greetings again during our 25 days of 25 years of memories! We stayed with the veteran missionary family for 7 months. (Oct. 83-Mar. 84) The lower left picture is of the kitchen we shared with them. The right hand two pictures was our (Ken and Vicki) living/sleeping/studying area upstairs in their home. The 3 children's rooms were to the right of that 'living' area. The 2 pictures on the upper

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-8771704084374923172008-10-07T18:58:00.008+09:002008-10-07T22:26:15.096+09:00

Mansell Family 1983(Michael next to Vicki, Richard, & Alicia)Our Dedication service(sorry to blurry..we came in the 'dark ages'when there were no computers)><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"MS Mincho";

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-65541985683421814362008-10-04T17:25:00.003+09:002008-10-04T17:41:22.447+09:00

Well we experienced a small short earthquake about 30 minutes away from us. If you go to the link above you can see numbers on the map. The 4 is Horonobe where we have one of our extension outreaches. The 2 is Teshio. It has been several years since we had one this close!! We praise God for daily safety and for extra when unsuspecting things happen as well. "Some men trust in horses...but we

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-52187334556364999082008-09-16T17:24:00.003+09:002008-09-16T17:35:24.420+09:00

A supporting church Pastor's Wife sent us a copy of a letter she wrote her family. It was so good we asked permission to share it with you--We live in a wicked cultures, and sometimes it seems that all we can do is complain about it. I just want to share a couple of events that have motivated me to be salt in the earth - salt that has not lost its flavor.My aunt has given me a subscription to

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-41405825778262113912008-09-15T20:48:00.003+09:002008-09-15T20:53:43.385+09:00

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." This

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-82169528905586958552008-09-11T21:14:00.002+09:002008-09-11T21:26:18.792+09:00

Nana's House, based in Tokyo, Japan, holds horse-riding gatherings for children and disabled people. To help a disabled person get on a horse, group members have been lifting him or her onto the saddle while standing on empty beer crates. But disabled people are prone to lose their balance and fall, and the heavy lifting also strains the backs of their able-bodied helpers. Nana's House

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-34303858597204301862008-09-11T20:38:00.004+09:002008-09-11T21:05:41.887+09:00

Our island is Hokkaido. Where the red dot is on south-eastern part of island, Kushiro, is where the earthquake was. We live on the northern point area on the western coast to the right of where that white island 'dot' is. From Teshio to Kushiro is about an 8 hour drive.That area can have quite a few small earthquakes but our areas has only had a 4 or so type once in the last 10 years. We are

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-6649487075329094292008-09-05T17:00:00.004+09:002008-09-05T17:07:34.182+09:00

Congratulations to Richard, Angela, Abigail & Emma---Announcing the arrival of our 4th "grand"daughterand praising God that she is safe and sound in her family'sarms now instead of in her mommy's tummy. Thanksfor praying for her!

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-90201564945206899822008-08-30T22:23:00.006+09:002008-08-31T20:58:41.496+09:00

Is summer almost done in your area of the world? Do you feel like time is rushing by and you don’t want to go that fast? Or has it been a slower paced month and you can report much done and some time taken to reflect on God’s greatness and goodness as well as vacation time enjoyed by family and all. Well let’s talk about the month of August or the “Augusts” of our life here in Teshio.

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-21793520374213919192008-07-27T15:53:00.005+09:002008-07-27T17:59:00.304+09:00

The lanterns floating down the river to help guide spirits The food put out on the altar at homeDear Praying Friends, July 2008 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. Ps.89:5 In the summer night sky, we can see the multitude of stars that tell

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-73761373747700125592008-07-15T18:51:00.003+09:002008-07-15T19:10:12.227+09:00

Isn't technology wonderful!!! We now have an attachment to our computer that let us set up a USA phone number that actually dials a phone right in our home here in Japan when you make the call or if we call you, we aren't paying Japanese high prices! When we call you or you call that number it's as though we are right there in the States so it will also be a stateside fee for your call. When we

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-49260140730084271042008-07-15T09:50:00.001+09:002008-07-15T18:43:57.933+09:00

Hamanasu Chorus yearly Summer picnic--very international...Vicki made the deviled eggs (we call them egg boats), ham and cheese rolls and had an ice cream freezer there also to make home made ice cream. Another lady in the chorus made the Japanese contributions of mashed potato salad; green salad; vinegared rice in soy 'pockets' called inari-zushi; and fried chicken!Afterwards we played park

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-72000007608303267292008-07-10T19:29:00.000+09:002008-07-10T20:12:23.563+09:00

Alicia always loved fresh fruit...looks like Lyssie takes right after her!Big brother loves to help...with it, it might not be long until Lyssie can walk!Our eldest granddaughter loves to pretend...what better theme for her birthday than being a princess!Richard is taking a short sabbatical from pastoring in between churches--he is still filling pulpit--and helps manage a local Chick-fil-A! He

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-18055820138499666712008-07-04T14:58:00.001+09:002008-07-04T15:28:43.851+09:00

"Traditional Ainu Ceremony in Prayer of Summit Success"Kamuinomi, the traditional prayer ceremony of the Ainu people, was conducted on June 21st to pray for the success of the Summit next month in Toyako Town.Kamuinomi is a traditional prayer ceremony of the Ainu people in which a prayer is offered to the gods. Nearly 70 ainu individuals dressed in traditional costume prayed for the success of

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-24160049505107831242008-06-28T23:30:00.000+09:002008-06-29T14:40:20.454+09:00

May & June“…seek my face…”This little phrase from II Chronicles 7:11, has a depth of meaning and application in our lives. It was the theme of the Leadership Conference at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Brisbane Australia in early June. Because of a special gift given, we were able to attend this conference this year. Due some last minute conflicts of the scheduledAmerican preachers, we had

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-39345867924029529192008-06-04T16:22:00.001+09:002008-06-04T16:32:23.449+09:00

Greetings from Japan! It has finally warmed up here and we are so thankful...the only drawback is that we would like to find out where the anthill is that is sending so many of the critters to our 2nd floor living area in spite of clean counters!Just wanted to let you know we will be getting our prayer letter out after we return from Australia (14th). The Lord has provided for us to attend a

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-36278393511833240862008-05-26T10:31:00.000+09:002008-05-26T10:47:57.056+09:00

How many of us on a regular day think about superstitions...as Christians we never should have 'things' that lead or guide us in our decisions--just the Word of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Even probably most Americans don't really believe in their gimics--unless maybe you are a pro athlete. The Japanese though DO believe in many superstitions that may guide the decisions they make

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-59207841817556091042008-05-15T23:05:00.000+09:002008-05-15T23:15:21.112+09:00

Alyssia Irene AppelEmma Grace MansellThe way to keep from missing my grandkids too much is to bring them closer to me!

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-64669865360284594562008-05-15T19:49:00.000+09:002008-05-15T20:09:19.344+09:00

This is going to be a little lengthy but we thought you might like to 'view' one side of Japanese culture and how it affects marriages and families in Japan. Christian American wives are so blessed by the husbands they have, if those men follow God's Word and love their wives in the biblical way. Not only do most Japanese men NOT truly love their wives, they might also completely ignore them

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-6315265480487043912008-05-13T23:12:00.000+09:002008-05-14T08:31:13.991+09:00

USPS Proposed Rate Changes Selected Prices and Services Current NewEffective May 12 First Class Mail Letter (1oz) 41¢ 42¢ First Class Mail Letter (2oz) 58¢ 59¢ Postcard 26¢ 27¢ Large Envelope (2oz) 97¢ $1.00 Money Orders (up to $500) $1.05 $1.05 Certified Mail $2.65 $2.70 First Class Mail International(1 oz to Canada and Mexico) 69¢ 72¢ First Class Mail

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-38127794019855585752008-05-12T17:50:00.000+09:002008-05-12T21:01:37.355+09:00

Abvoe:With family in Wisconson: brother Dave, Sister-in-love Judi, Mom CoatsBelow: Richard and Angela's daughters: Abigail (4), Emma (1) Michael & Stacy in Tucson Joshua and Alicia's family: Jacob (3), Alyssia (1)

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-47960258316522148222008-05-10T21:44:00.000+09:002008-05-10T21:58:47.912+09:00

Thank you for your faithful prayers for the souls in other countries like Japan. Pray that their eyes would be opened as the gospel is set forth. Last night a house burned down in our neighborhood. An older man perished in the flames, only to enter much worse flames. Pray that others in this area of the world would not continue on to such a fate but would turn to the Lord.The picture above is

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-86051910946900426852008-05-05T20:04:00.000+09:002008-05-05T21:52:53.635+09:00

SAND FOR STRESS Natural sand baths in Japan have a history of more than 300 years. The sand of the beaches is infused with hot spring water that comes up from deep in the ground. The beneficial effects of natural sand baths are medically proven. Rheumatism, lumbago and diabetes number among the many ailments that sand baths are believed to provide relief for. It is even said that sand

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-40396077362253806592008-05-04T14:32:00.000+09:002008-05-04T15:03:57.154+09:00

Well couldn't let Children's Day pass without bragging about ours including our grandchildren! So hope you enjoy some of our pics from our visit in March and April.With the Joshua & Alicia, Jacob & Alyssia Appel on Resurrection SundayRichard, Angela, Abigail and Emma Mansell in caverns in VAMichael & Stacy Mansell in Tucson(lt-rt) Alyssia Appel almost 1; Abigail Mansell 4; Emma Mansell, 1Bottom

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-744265511666020412008-05-03T17:07:00.000+09:002008-05-03T17:08:07.095+09:00

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-85378641784114846852008-05-03T16:35:00.000+09:002008-05-03T17:06:45.312+09:00

From time to time we want to tell you about special days, holidays, and such here in Japan. On the 4th of May is what used to be Boy's Day and is celebrated as such in many ways but overall has come to be known as Children's Day. There is an equivilant day for girls in March. Each is celebrated in just a little different way.Originally families with boys hang colorful carp kites, called

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-37381265939115038072008-05-01T14:09:00.001+09:002008-05-01T14:11:23.122+09:00

Below are pictures of our kids as we saw them during our trip in March and April.Pastor Richard Mansell, Angela, Abigail (age 4) Emma (1) and awaiting their third the end of August.Second if Michael and Stacy (Tucson, AZ) andthird is Pastor Joshua, our daughter Alicia, Jacob (age 3) and Alyssia (almost 1)

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-73954211579933109572008-05-01T12:20:00.000+09:002008-05-01T14:09:06.817+09:00

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8779415047175180617.post-60239030679340126802008-05-01T12:17:00.000+09:002008-05-01T12:19:31.330+09:00

We have joined the blogger's domain and trust this provides a convenient way for you to keep in touch with us besides our monthly letter. We also desire to make our letters simpler so they are not a difficulty for many to see and read. Will keep this short as we are still learning! Lord bless and we will write soon!

Vicki Mansellhttps://profiles.google.com/109153278359299802514noreply@blogger.com0