One Way Jesus

The youth meet every week. It is led by high schoolers and attended mostly by church kids. Lately a few town kids have started to attend. May each one follow Jesus.

Youth Specials

Lately the youth group has had a number of interesting evenings. They had a dress up party- interesting to see what costumes people came up with. The New Zealand team helped with an evening which added spice. Every week music is a vital part of the night. They are getting quite good and at times lead the music during worship services on Sunday!!

Christmas Kids

In December there are many opportunities to share Jesus with others. Flyers were handed out in front of 2 schools. Around 40 kids attended. Micah and Aaron just in from Bible school on winter vacation led games and did the Bible talk.

Engagement Party

Because numbers are few in a Japanese church, it is a real joy to baptize and to wed people. They aren't married yet but church member and previous short termer were engaged in a church ceremony. Because the wedding ceremony is planned elsewhere it gave the church family an opportunity to celebrate; and the responsibility to pray for and encourage them during this period of time.

Skiing on Mt Iwaki

Jan 9th saw a number of church folk on the slopes. It was initiated by the church youth group but in all about 20 folk skied. The weather was great- lots of new snow and not much wind. Even Ruth Mae was coaxed to go by her daughter conditional on lessons. She managed 2 times down on top of the skiis. A number of friends were also out that day.

Senior Rest Home Ministry

Senior Rest Home. By Sarah

Our first dew days in Ityanagi we only went to preschools so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when we went to the senior rest home. I was expecting to sing and do our dance and I had heard from past teams that the people got a bit emotional sometimes however I wasn’t expecting how emotional it would be for myself too. Seeing the elderly people, talking to them afterwards and receiving their generous gift made me wonder if they knew Jesus Christ as their own Saviour. I don’t know where each of them were at in their own life but their experience opened my eyes even more to the Japanese culture. I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and interacting with these people who at times may not receive much attention from outsiders was very rewarding.

Reaching children in Japan

Preschool. By Lizzy

I enjoy working with children and have really loved the opportunity we have had to go to preschools to teach cute kids sings and dance. It is lots of fun and encouraging to see them interact and enjoy themselves. I love seeing the joy on their faces when we sing in Japanese and they sing along with us. They have been very loving, happy children. And I hope that through our songs, baking, smiles and Christmas message, a seed will be planted and grow as they, hopefully, try to learn more about Jesus.