God provides another chance for hungry hearts to seek Him through Ruth’s Thursday evening English conversation class. It is an enthusiastic little group, and we really believe each member has been handpicked by God to be there. Alongside general conversation practice, the class also spends some time discussing a short Bible passage each week. Recently, a few Aussie short-termers have also had the chance to share their testimonies. Whilst class officially concludes at 9pm with tea and homemade cake, many members of the group routinely stay on until 11pm chewing over spiritual questions together! Praise God for their genuine interest and openness in discussing Christianity and please pray that they would all come to truly realize that it is Jesus alone who saves.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Parenting Class
Every Tuesday morning at 10.30am, a parenting class for young mothers is held at the Ghent family home in Itayanagi. Ruth Mae Ghent leads bible studies introducing topics applicable for the lives of young mothers. Such topics may include communication with children, communication between husbands and wives, developing healthy relationships within the family and raising children in a loving and supportive environment. Young mothers are welcome to bring their young children along also. Over the past two weeks, a short-termer has been available to help take care of the children while the mothers are involved the bible study. Young women are supported and strengthened by fellowship and the forming of relationships with other women who share similar life experiences. Everyone is also welcome to share a meal together with the Ghent family following the bible study.
English class
On Thursday nights an adult English class is held at Itayanagi Chapel. This week there were five students. Two of the Australian short-termers also joined the class. The students practiced self-introductions and learnt about Australian culture. In addition, one of the short-termers gave her testimony. Many students asked questions in response to this and spent the rest of the evening discussing religion. This was quite exciting as many of the members have been negative towards Christianity in the past. Please pray for their hearts to be continually softened. At the end of the night everyone enjoyed homemade chocolate cake and sweets. Next week, the rest of the Australian team plans to attend. We have also had several expressions of interest from people in the community.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thanksgiving party
We celebrated Thanksgiving at Itayanagi Chapel last Thursday (November 23). It was a great time of fellowship. We enjoyed a turkey lunch as a congregation while watching performances performed by various church members. There was singing, guitar playing, and a not-so-subtle magic show. At one point the whole congregation was even playing scissors-rock-paper with a tall, green frog-man!
Thank God for the enjoyable time we had, and ask God that he will continue strengthening the fellowship we share in. Thank Him with us for his faithfulness in blessing Itayanagi Chapel through all these years.
