Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Day 13 - Snowflakes keep falling on my head..
Wednesday, December 14 2005 AD
Spent this afternoon nearby the church passing out pamphlets to peoples' mailboxes. Finding the mailboxes can sometimes get tricky.. it usually requires going round to the side of the house, almost like entering one's backyard in order to find the front sliding doors, before stepping into a little porch area to find the mailbox. Occasionally the owner would be home, in which case you said gomen kudasi (please excuse me), introduce yourself and let them know that you're from the Itayanagi Chapel and request that they read the pamphlet. Gets alittle getting use to to as it feels like you're invading someone's property.
Today's tracting outing was more challenging because we had to negotiate through knee-high levels of snow! It was quite a unique experience, some people refused the flyers, but most obliged and took the pamphlets courteously. Despite being caught in a snow storm, near frozen limbs, soggy clothes and socks, tracting is an important ministry as it one of the most effective ways for the church to initate a relationship with the local community.
Micah and Alex even had time to make snow angels in the crispy fresh snow!
Spent this afternoon nearby the church passing out pamphlets to peoples' mailboxes. Finding the mailboxes can sometimes get tricky.. it usually requires going round to the side of the house, almost like entering one's backyard in order to find the front sliding doors, before stepping into a little porch area to find the mailbox. Occasionally the owner would be home, in which case you said gomen kudasi (please excuse me), introduce yourself and let them know that you're from the Itayanagi Chapel and request that they read the pamphlet. Gets alittle getting use to to as it feels like you're invading someone's property.
Today's tracting outing was more challenging because we had to negotiate through knee-high levels of snow! It was quite a unique experience, some people refused the flyers, but most obliged and took the pamphlets courteously. Despite being caught in a snow storm, near frozen limbs, soggy clothes and socks, tracting is an important ministry as it one of the most effective ways for the church to initate a relationship with the local community.
Micah and Alex even had time to make snow angels in the crispy fresh snow!
Day 13 - OMF Prayer Meeting
Wednesday, 14 December 2005 AD
The morning kicked off with a short devotion, carol practice before heading to the northern part of Aomori, Ajigasawa where the Elliots reside for a prayer meeting with other OMF missionaries based in Aomori.
Car rides tend be a good time for some to catch up on much needed sleep. I tend to think long car rides are sweet for conversations. The OMF missionaries that drive us around share many stories with us about themselves, the church and just how God has worked in the lives of many people in Japan.
The cedar pine forests that we entered on our way to Ajigasawa were breath-taking. The amazing thing about the forest is that it during WWII, the land was totally wasted and had to be replanted from scratch.
After morning tea, we spent some time singing carols. We met two short term workers staying with the Elliots, John from Ireland and Shirley from New Zealand.
The meeting was productive, encouraging and inspiring in that we spent most of the time praying, giving thanks for the work God has been doing in Japan and around the world as well as asking God to provide for the needs of gospel workers in order to further proclaim His kingdom and His glory.
ps. the Christmas tree at Ajigasawa Chapel had edible christmas decorations!
Prayer points:
- Thank God that he is a relational God who listens and answers prayers
- Thank God for the opportunity to hear and pray about gospel work in Japan and abroad.
- Ask that God will continue to raise up godly men and women to continue the work of the gospel for His kingdom and glory.
External links:
http://www.ajigasawachapel.com
The morning kicked off with a short devotion, carol practice before heading to the northern part of Aomori, Ajigasawa where the Elliots reside for a prayer meeting with other OMF missionaries based in Aomori.
Car rides tend be a good time for some to catch up on much needed sleep. I tend to think long car rides are sweet for conversations. The OMF missionaries that drive us around share many stories with us about themselves, the church and just how God has worked in the lives of many people in Japan.
The cedar pine forests that we entered on our way to Ajigasawa were breath-taking. The amazing thing about the forest is that it during WWII, the land was totally wasted and had to be replanted from scratch.
After morning tea, we spent some time singing carols. We met two short term workers staying with the Elliots, John from Ireland and Shirley from New Zealand.
The meeting was productive, encouraging and inspiring in that we spent most of the time praying, giving thanks for the work God has been doing in Japan and around the world as well as asking God to provide for the needs of gospel workers in order to further proclaim His kingdom and His glory.
ps. the Christmas tree at Ajigasawa Chapel had edible christmas decorations!
Prayer points:
- Thank God that he is a relational God who listens and answers prayers
- Thank God for the opportunity to hear and pray about gospel work in Japan and abroad.
- Ask that God will continue to raise up godly men and women to continue the work of the gospel for His kingdom and glory.
External links:
http://www.ajigasawachapel.com
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Day 12 - a full day
Tuesday, 13 December 2005 AD
Preschool
- English class
Kanagi
- Lunch with the Messers. Curry!
Team went to senior home
Went to gallery
- Next door neighbour
Kids prepared for Christmas Skit. Others in the team talked to the parents.
Prayer points:
Preschool
- English class
Kanagi
- Lunch with the Messers. Curry!
Team went to senior home
Went to gallery
- Next door neighbour
Kids prepared for Christmas Skit. Others in the team talked to the parents.
Prayer points:
Monday, December 12, 2005
Day 11 - Sickness setting in...
Monday, 12 December 2005 AD
Uh-oh.. a number of our team are not sleeping well or getting sick
Prayer points
- Pray for those who are sick and not feeling well.
- Pray that the rest of the team don't get sick as well.
Uh-oh.. a number of our team are not sleeping well or getting sick
Prayer points
- Pray for those who are sick and not feeling well.
- Pray that the rest of the team don't get sick as well.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Day 10 - International Chapel
Sunday, 11 December 2005 AD
Third service for the day.. this time in English!
4 people shared their testimonies tonight. Hoi Yan, Grace, John from the team went up and shared before Masao Nakahara, who had been baptised earlier in the day at Ichigawa Chapel (where the Elliots pastor), gave another moving testimony.
John Elliots' sermon was on Luke 1:26-38. The main idea of his talk was that having an attitude of trusting and obeying God in the little things makes it easier to say yes to Him in the difficult patches of life.
We had a supper to celebrate Masao's baptism and the team got to meet many people from around the world, including:
The Ongs - OMF workers from Singapore/Malaysia.
Michael and his wife Svetlana - from England and Ukraine.
Prayer points:
- Thank God for the provision of His word and His faithfulness.
- Pray for Masao who was baptised today. Thank God for his salvation and for sharing his testimony at the International Chapel. Pray that Masao will continue to grow in his love, trust and obedience to King Jesus.
- Thank God for bringing people from around the world together at Itayanagi, Japan to worship Him !
Third service for the day.. this time in English!
4 people shared their testimonies tonight. Hoi Yan, Grace, John from the team went up and shared before Masao Nakahara, who had been baptised earlier in the day at Ichigawa Chapel (where the Elliots pastor), gave another moving testimony.
John Elliots' sermon was on Luke 1:26-38. The main idea of his talk was that having an attitude of trusting and obeying God in the little things makes it easier to say yes to Him in the difficult patches of life.
We had a supper to celebrate Masao's baptism and the team got to meet many people from around the world, including:
The Ongs - OMF workers from Singapore/Malaysia.
Michael and his wife Svetlana - from England and Ukraine.
Prayer points:
- Thank God for the provision of His word and His faithfulness.
- Pray for Masao who was baptised today. Thank God for his salvation and for sharing his testimony at the International Chapel. Pray that Masao will continue to grow in his love, trust and obedience to King Jesus.
- Thank God for bringing people from around the world together at Itayanagi, Japan to worship Him !
Day 10 - Kanagi Chapel
Sunday, 11 December 2005
Shortly after the service at Itayanagi Service, Grace, Hoi Yan, Debbie, John and Alex set off for Kanagi Chapel which involved catching two trains.
We were fortunate to catch Japan's only train that has it's own fireplace! Apparently you can cook food (except fish) with it too! Hopped off at Ashinokouen for a scenic walk to Kanagi Chapel and had afternoon tea with Armin and Heike before the service.
Alex shared his testimony at the service, with Hoi Yan doing the translation.
Prayer points:
- Thank God for two new people visiting the Kanagi chapel this afternoon. Pray that Armin and Heike may be able to follow these people up.
Shortly after the service at Itayanagi Service, Grace, Hoi Yan, Debbie, John and Alex set off for Kanagi Chapel which involved catching two trains.
We were fortunate to catch Japan's only train that has it's own fireplace! Apparently you can cook food (except fish) with it too! Hopped off at Ashinokouen for a scenic walk to Kanagi Chapel and had afternoon tea with Armin and Heike before the service.
Alex shared his testimony at the service, with Hoi Yan doing the translation.
Prayer points:
- Thank God for two new people visiting the Kanagi chapel this afternoon. Pray that Armin and Heike may be able to follow these people up.
Day 10 - 11am Itayanagi Chapel
Sunday, 11 December 2005 AD
English Class
Team members helped Ruth out with teaching English Class this morning. Children paired off with a team member and went through picture cards and went through pronounciation.
Ruth taught the children to sing 'Away in a Manger' in English.
Morning Service.
3 people shared their testimonies this morning: Huy, Tin Lok and Catherine.
God answered our prayers! Ryo and Mikio, who we met at Young Life came to church for the first time. They didn't stay throughout the service as Ryo had to go back home for a family lunch, but they got to hear some testimonies and got a taste of what happens at a Sunday church service.
Prayer points:
- Pray that God will seed the ideas about Christmas in the children and parents who attend this morning's English class
- Thank God that Ryo and Mikio came to church for the first time. Pray that they will come again and be receptive to the gospel message. Ryo said that he'll come along to the Aussie Night.
- Thank God for the opportunity to encourage each other through the sharing of testimonies this morning.
English Class
Team members helped Ruth out with teaching English Class this morning. Children paired off with a team member and went through picture cards and went through pronounciation.
Ruth taught the children to sing 'Away in a Manger' in English.
Morning Service.
3 people shared their testimonies this morning: Huy, Tin Lok and Catherine.
God answered our prayers! Ryo and Mikio, who we met at Young Life came to church for the first time. They didn't stay throughout the service as Ryo had to go back home for a family lunch, but they got to hear some testimonies and got a taste of what happens at a Sunday church service.
Prayer points:
- Pray that God will seed the ideas about Christmas in the children and parents who attend this morning's English class
- Thank God that Ryo and Mikio came to church for the first time. Pray that they will come again and be receptive to the gospel message. Ryo said that he'll come along to the Aussie Night.
- Thank God for the opportunity to encourage each other through the sharing of testimonies this morning.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Day 09 - Starcraft in Mogawa
Saturday, 10 December 2005 AD
Tsugaru Church - Kanagi Chapel held a Christmas craft class in Mogawa, a town in Aomori Prefecture without a church. Several members of our team joined Heike Messer and her mother who flew in last week from Germany to teach people to make straw star crafts.
We had some left over cookies and cake left over from the Children's Christmas Party earlier today, so Ruth shared them with the hyper active children who waited for the parents while they did their craft class.
It was quite freaky on the way home.. first time in a snow storm!
Prayer points:
- Pray that the Lord will use the Christmas craft classes held my Heike and her mother on 10th in Mogawa, 17th in Shiura, 17th in Imabtsu, 23rd in Kanita for His glory. Neither of these four towns in Aomori Prefecture have churches. Pray that small groups can be started in each of these towns.
- Two of the women who attended the Christmas craft have attended Kanagi Chapel services once or twice. Pray that Heike may build relationships with these women through these craft classes.
- Thank God for a long yet productive day.
- Thank God for a safe journey on the roads home during the snow storm.
Tsugaru Church - Kanagi Chapel held a Christmas craft class in Mogawa, a town in Aomori Prefecture without a church. Several members of our team joined Heike Messer and her mother who flew in last week from Germany to teach people to make straw star crafts.
We had some left over cookies and cake left over from the Children's Christmas Party earlier today, so Ruth shared them with the hyper active children who waited for the parents while they did their craft class.
It was quite freaky on the way home.. first time in a snow storm!
Prayer points:
- Pray that the Lord will use the Christmas craft classes held my Heike and her mother on 10th in Mogawa, 17th in Shiura, 17th in Imabtsu, 23rd in Kanita for His glory. Neither of these four towns in Aomori Prefecture have churches. Pray that small groups can be started in each of these towns.
- Two of the women who attended the Christmas craft have attended Kanagi Chapel services once or twice. Pray that Heike may build relationships with these women through these craft classes.
- Thank God for a long yet productive day.
- Thank God for a safe journey on the roads home during the snow storm.
Day 09 - Kids' Christmas Party
Saturday, 10 December 2005 AD
Great news, despite lots of snow, the kids' christmas party was well attended.
More details later!
Great news, despite lots of snow, the kids' christmas party was well attended.
More details later!
Day 09 - Touch me with your love
Saturday, 10 December 2005 AD
Ruth gave us a recipe to make a pear cake this morning.
The cakes will be used for a Kids' Christmas Party this afternoon. The Japaneses appreciate how much time, love and effort Ruth puts in baking cookies and cakes all year round.
Even though baking cookies seems to be a long and ardious process I'm beginning to see just how valuable Ruth's cooking ministry is in supporting the work of Martin in teaching God's word to the Aomori region.
ps: notice how Grace looks like Beth Orton in the last photo.. hence the song title for the post hehe :p
Prayer points:
- Thank God for the time, love and effort people put into baking the cakes. Pray that this will point the people to Christ.
- Pray that Ruth's cooking ministry will continue to be fruitful in building relationships with the community and supporting Martin's teaching ministry.
Ruth gave us a recipe to make a pear cake this morning.
The cakes will be used for a Kids' Christmas Party this afternoon. The Japaneses appreciate how much time, love and effort Ruth puts in baking cookies and cakes all year round.
Even though baking cookies seems to be a long and ardious process I'm beginning to see just how valuable Ruth's cooking ministry is in supporting the work of Martin in teaching God's word to the Aomori region.
ps: notice how Grace looks like Beth Orton in the last photo.. hence the song title for the post hehe :p
Prayer points:
- Thank God for the time, love and effort people put into baking the cakes. Pray that this will point the people to Christ.
- Pray that Ruth's cooking ministry will continue to be fruitful in building relationships with the community and supporting Martin's teaching ministry.
Day 09 - 6:30am tracting
Saturday, 10 December 2005 AD
Rural Japan's biggest need? People need to hear about Jesus and for relationships to be formed in order to bring people to the churches. With Shinto-Buddist temples and shrines scattered everywhere, this part of japan is in many ways unreached in regards to the Christian message. Another barrier is simply geography. A single town is not usually large enough to support a church, so anyone going to a church is likely to need to travel some distance to attend church or any outreach functions at the church. Trains don't run very often in rural areas and a car is usually required to drive to the church. This limits the number of children, poor, and wives with husbands who are not happy about involvement at church.
One thing that we're doing with the Itayanagi Chapel is tracting in the surrounding villages. Putting things in people's mailboxes is not illegal in Japan and it is a fairly common method of announcement (assuming that the organization has more available labor-time than money for stamps).
By providing flyers introducing the long-term missionaries along with a gospel tract, it's an opportunity to create awareness within the community about the church and an invitation to check it out.
Prayer points:
- Pray that God will work in people's hearts to make them responsive to the gospel
- Pray that the Ghents will be able to form relationships with people in surrounding villages so that the gospel may be proclaimed
Rural Japan's biggest need? People need to hear about Jesus and for relationships to be formed in order to bring people to the churches. With Shinto-Buddist temples and shrines scattered everywhere, this part of japan is in many ways unreached in regards to the Christian message. Another barrier is simply geography. A single town is not usually large enough to support a church, so anyone going to a church is likely to need to travel some distance to attend church or any outreach functions at the church. Trains don't run very often in rural areas and a car is usually required to drive to the church. This limits the number of children, poor, and wives with husbands who are not happy about involvement at church.
One thing that we're doing with the Itayanagi Chapel is tracting in the surrounding villages. Putting things in people's mailboxes is not illegal in Japan and it is a fairly common method of announcement (assuming that the organization has more available labor-time than money for stamps).
By providing flyers introducing the long-term missionaries along with a gospel tract, it's an opportunity to create awareness within the community about the church and an invitation to check it out.
Prayer points:
- Pray that God will work in people's hearts to make them responsive to the gospel
- Pray that the Ghents will be able to form relationships with people in surrounding villages so that the gospel may be proclaimed
Friday, December 09, 2005
Day 08 - Young Life
Friday, 09 December 2005 AD
The youth group at Itayanagi Chapel is called Young Life. Tonight, we had pizza, jam sessions, played games and shared testimonies.
Prayer points:
- Thank God for Itayanagi's youth group. Pray that the people who attend will grow in their faith and live it out in their lives.
- Pray that Ryo and Mikki, Aaron's junior high friends will come to Sunday's church for the first time.
- Hoshi shared with some of the team that it is hard to be a Christian in school because they get ridiculed for what they believe in.
- Micah is leading the group at the moment, but due to work commitments next year, may not be able to lead regularly. Pray that God will provide someone will be able to lead on a regular basis.
The youth group at Itayanagi Chapel is called Young Life. Tonight, we had pizza, jam sessions, played games and shared testimonies.
Prayer points:
- Thank God for Itayanagi's youth group. Pray that the people who attend will grow in their faith and live it out in their lives.
- Pray that Ryo and Mikki, Aaron's junior high friends will come to Sunday's church for the first time.
- Hoshi shared with some of the team that it is hard to be a Christian in school because they get ridiculed for what they believe in.
- Micah is leading the group at the moment, but due to work commitments next year, may not be able to lead regularly. Pray that God will provide someone will be able to lead on a regular basis.
Day 08 - Don't mind doing it for the kids..
Friday 09 December 2005 AD
And we'll paint by numbers
Till something sticks
Don't mind doing it for the kids
So come on
Jump on board
Take a ride, yeah
(You'll be doin' it alright)
Jump on board
Feel the high, yeah
'Cause the kids are alright
yeah.. the kids are alright.
Prayer points:
- Thank God that the owner of the preschools around the Tsugaru prefecture, though he isn't a Christian, is happy for the Ghents and short-term workers to visit the schools.
- Pray that these events may be great opportunities to tell children about the true meaning of Christmas.
- Pray that as a results of these visits, may seeds be sown in those who hear the great news about King Jesus.
And we'll paint by numbers
Till something sticks
Don't mind doing it for the kids
So come on
Jump on board
Take a ride, yeah
(You'll be doin' it alright)
Jump on board
Feel the high, yeah
'Cause the kids are alright
yeah.. the kids are alright.
Prayer points:
- Thank God that the owner of the preschools around the Tsugaru prefecture, though he isn't a Christian, is happy for the Ghents and short-term workers to visit the schools.
- Pray that these events may be great opportunities to tell children about the true meaning of Christmas.
- Pray that as a results of these visits, may seeds be sown in those who hear the great news about King Jesus.
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