Updates!
We have completed our first rounds of ministry!
Machida Church - We led three bible studies about Hebrews 12 and made great connections there. We think that we learned more from the congregation than they did from us. We enjoyed three days of budonokodomo (children of the grapes) after school club. We interacted with about 30 children by playing games, leading worship, giving small sermons, and chasing them around! Felicia lead three English classes and Hiro decided to come to church when we preached on Hebrews 12:1-2 (His first time in 8 years). During our time at Machida we explored a beautiful park, visited the squirrel park, and had Chicago Style pizza with John and Elaine Mehn. We will definitely miss Kano Sensei and her fantastic church. They will continue to be in our prayers.
Niiza Church - We really enjoyed our time at Niiza Church. God opened huge doors for us during our time in Niiza! First we got to visit two of the most incredible day care centers we have ever seen. The children performed taiko drums for us, and then Joe played Blessed Be Your Name for about 220 children and day care workers. Second, we got to visit a high school English Drama club. We watched them practice, performed worship music, and then played English games with them. Third, Deura Sensei (a college professor) took us to Shukutoku University (Buddhist College) where we attended his English Classes, played worship songs, and we were recognized at a school wide Buddhist ceremony. God was very strategic with these opportunities, and we invited many of these students to an American Party at Niiza Church. There, we taught them how to cook chicken parmeasan, Joe gave them a small concert of secular and christian rock music, and we invited them to future skype events at the church. Pastor Kishio was fantastic translator and friend, and we will see him again in August for Tamagawa kid's camp Please pray for the students lives there as well as Deura sensei. We would love to see these people come to Christ as we have developed good personal relationships with them.
Misono Church - Although it was a quick visit (only one day) God provided us with great experiences at Misono church. Pastor Maruyama extended us great humor and hospitality, introducing Joe to his congregation as a professional wrestler. At Misono church we lead worship in both Japanese and English, attended children's church, preached, gave advice during a worship team meeting, and enjoyed a church lunch in. God is definitely at work in this tight church of 40 members, and we look forward to a future dialogue with them.
Tamagawa Church - Pastor Fukui has scheduled some wonderful interactions at his church. We have enjoyed an indoor church korean BBQ which helped us get to know members of his church and children's church. The following week we attended a small dinner and bible study where we got to share our testimony, as well as how God has grown our marriage. Last Sunday we spent the night at one of the church members homes after a dinner party and planning time. They were very generous and we wholly appreciate their hospitality.
Shingu Church - We are in Shingu! Two days ago we took a bullet train from Tokyo to Shingu. We have been through our orientation with Kinoshita Sensei and his Wife Tomoko. We will be here for four weeks leading English Conversation Cafe's, Kid's Church English Club, worship, sermons, and a one day camp. Today we handed out over 450 flyers to elementary children in Shingu. Shingu is in a rural oceanic mountainous region of Japan. There are many historical landmark, such as temples, waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails. We are very excited for this leg of our trip. We will spend lots of time here in this area and are expecting God to do wonderful things!
Below are some pictures of Shingu, where we will be for the next 4 weeks.
Tamagawa Church - Pastor Fukui has scheduled some wonderful interactions at his church. We have enjoyed an indoor church korean BBQ which helped us get to know members of his church and children's church. The following week we attended a small dinner and bible study where we got to share our testimony, as well as how God has grown our marriage. Last Sunday we spent the night at one of the church members homes after a dinner party and planning time. They were very generous and we wholly appreciate their hospitality.
Shingu Church - We are in Shingu! Two days ago we took a bullet train from Tokyo to Shingu. We have been through our orientation with Kinoshita Sensei and his Wife Tomoko. We will be here for four weeks leading English Conversation Cafe's, Kid's Church English Club, worship, sermons, and a one day camp. Today we handed out over 450 flyers to elementary children in Shingu. Shingu is in a rural oceanic mountainous region of Japan. There are many historical landmark, such as temples, waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails. We are very excited for this leg of our trip. We will spend lots of time here in this area and are expecting God to do wonderful things!
Below are some pictures of Shingu, where we will be for the next 4 weeks.