Ikeda or 池田市, is a city in northeast Japan located in the prefecture of Osaka. Ikeda has a population of about 105,000 people with a square footage of about 22.1 kilometers squared, meaning the population density is a staggering 4,700 people per square kilometer.

Ikeda is home to a castle wherein once resided a daimyo- a Japanese feudal lord- the castle and the ruler that once abided therein date back to a period in Japanese history known as the Edo period (about the year 1600). Ikeda is not known only for the castle that rests within its borders, but also for something a bit less conspicuous. During the Edo period Ikeda was known for its charcoal and is still praised today for its high quality charcoal.

If castles and charcoal aren’t enough to stimulate your interest for Ikeda then you may want to go and see the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum. Yes, you heard that right, and you thought a spam museum was bizarre- which it is, so all bases of interest should be covered for anyone adventure seeker. There is a castle for those that desire a majestic, more standard sight, charcoal for any enthusiast, and an instant ramen museum for, well whomever would be interested in that.

Ikeda seems to have some interesting sights and locations, but unfortunately it is also home to a horrific and terrible tragedy. On June 8, 2001, a massacre occurred in one of the elementary schools there in Ikeda. In an attempt to alleviate any post-traumatic stress or flashbacks to those atrocious events the school decided to remodel the school. This is indicative of a struggle we all face, when something happens we attempt to cover it up. Please understand, I’m not saying their decision was wrong and they shouldn’t do that, but it is similar to how the unsaved world lives their lives. Instead of realising their need for a saviour they just cover it up they mask it and hope no one sees behind their mask. This city has a population of about 105,000 and a good majority of them have never had a gospel witness, Japan is almost void of any witness. Who will go and tell these people that covering their sin will not help but their is one who died for them and will completely remove their sin. So pray for the people of Ikeda, and maybe consider going to tell these people.

98 Days Before We Leave

We have 98 days before we leave for Japan! We are very excited to be so close to moving to the country God has called us to! There is so much that needs to be done between now and then. One thing we would really appreciate you praying about is our visas. We will be applying for our religious activities visas in May. Once we acquire our Visas, we have 3 months to be in Japan. This is the reason we haven’t been able to apply till now. We have the paper work we need to apply, and everything should go smoothly. However, we still would greatly appreciate your prayers!

Deputation Rundown 4/22 – 4/28

• Wednesday – Church in Suwanee, GA
• Sunday AM – Preached in Jefferson, GA
• Sunday PM – Preached in Sylva, NC
• Monday to Tuesday – Conference on Discipleship in Moravian Falls, NC

Prayer Points

• – Acquiring Visas in May
• – Packing/Planning for our move to Japan
• – Raise our remaining support
• – Finish raising for Setup Fund

Setup Fund Update

1. Rent for 6 months: $12,000 $3750 total Donated – $8,250 remaining. $50 donated this Week!

2. Four Airplane Tickets: $6,000 – $1,500 a person – Purchased!

3. Used Vehicle: $8,000

4. Furniture: $5,000 – Such as couches, table, chairs, dressers, beds, etc.

5. Travel Documentation: $2,000 – Donated

6. Hotel Cost: $1400 – This works out to be about $100 a

day for our first two weeks in Japan.

7. Washer/Dryer: $1200 $500 Donated – $700 remaining

8. Refrigerator: $1200

9. Stove: $1000 $500 Donated – $500 remaining

10. Visas: $190 – Will $190 – Rebel $190 – Atlas $190 – Journey – $380 Donated by Maranatha Baptist Church. Thank you! $380 remaining

11. Small Kitchen Appliances: $300 – Donated by Temple Baptist Church. Thank you!

12. Pots, pans, bowls, plates, utensils, etc.: $250 – Donated by Woodlawn Baptist Church. Thank you!

Pics of The Week

2MT Video Update

Deputation Rundown 4/15 – 4/21

• Wednesday – Presented in Gainesville, GA
• Sunday AM – Taught Sunday School and Presented
• Sunday PM – Presented and Preached in Blairsville, GA

Setup Fund Update

1. Rent for 6 months: $12,000 $3700 total Donated – $8,300 remaining. $50 donated this Week!

2. Four Airplane Tickets: $6,000 – $1,500 a person – Purchased!

3. Used Vehicle: $8,000

4. Furniture: $5,000 – Such as couches, table, chairs, dressers, beds, etc.

5. Travel Documentation: $2,000 – Donated

6. Hotel Cost: $1400 – This works out to be about $100 a

day for our first two weeks in Japan.

7. Washer/Dryer: $1200 $500 Donated – $700 remaining

8. Refrigerator: $1200

9. Stove: $1000 $500 Donated – $500 remaining

10. Visas: $190 – Will $190 – Rebel $190 – Atlas $190 – Journey

11. Small Kitchen Appliances: $300

12. Pots, pans, bowls, plates, utensils, etc.: $250 – Donated

Pics of the Week