As you know from previous blogs we were sad to leave Yotsukaido after being shown so generous hospitality. However in true Japanese style the Chapel of Adoration have now adopted us and are showing us equally generous hospitality.
The day started at 8.45 with devotions from Sozo-sensei from Hebrews 12 (28 – 29), we then prayed for the day to come. We met the children at 9.30 am and holiday bible club 2 started. We are using a similar format as that used at Yotsukaido. The children were initially quite shy, we had a break at 11.00 am and the children re-appeared with more confidence and were happier to engage with the team.
Julie, Rachel and Suzanne participated in the kindergarten class.
After lunch we lined up outside for the traditional watermelon bashing. It is a summer tradition in Japan. Firstly the children were blindfolded one by one and at be directed to the watermelon by the team. When they thought they were near the watermelon they beat it with a stick to try and split it open. Next, the team were blindfolded and they tried to split the watermelon. After all the beating of defenceless watermelon the children and team eat the watermelon, very refreshing in the heat and humidity.
In the evening we were treated to a home made 3 course banquet by Masada-san. After such a meal all we could do was go back to the guest house and relax. I fear we could all gain a few extra pounds in weight through the generosity and hospitality of our Japanese hosts.
Today, Julie, Suzie and I went along to help out at Little Kids’ Gospel. 33 children attended, who were between the ages of 3 and 5. The day consisted of various games, teaching a song (to be performed at a mini concert on Thursday morning when the parents pick up their children), a tea break and a drama/story acted out brilliantly by The Mullan Sisters. The children responded well to the morning programme and we look forward to the next two days with them.
Please pray for us…
That we would build relationships with the children
That they would pick up the songs quickly
That these children would grasp a little of God’s love for them
and…
Julie, Suzie and myself have to ride bicycles to and from our homestays, please pray for our safety and the safety of the pedestrians that we encounter!
We’re away to hit the futons…thanks for your continual support and encouragement.
Hi Guys
Glad to hear that you are being looked after so well. Im sure the church will be so blessed to have you with them. Do you have an update of David’s ear? We have been praying for him especially. The watermelon thing soulds great- might be worth a try some Sunday morning instead of coffee!- Who said the hot chocolate made a mess!!! Keep up the good work and keep on blogging.
God bless
Lachlan
P.S. love having the clock at the top right- saves me trying to add 8hrs every time!
Good to hear day one went well. I’m sure it won’t take the kids long to lose their shyness , all the games will help. The water mellon game sounds great craic but no word of who came nearest! You are being well looked after , so hope those of you who do their own cooking are making the best of it! We pray on here for all the little details and hope David’s ear is giving less bother. Hope Julie ,Suzanne and Rachel dusted off their cycling proficiency certs. before they went ! Will be thinking of you all . love Sue.
Hi Everyone
Glad to hear that today went well and there were a lot of children there keep pedaling girls it will work all that lovely food at the banquet feast off. i pray that you will get rest tonight plod on in the name of the Lord he is your strength and your shield hope Dave Farrow ear is gettig better
Love Eileen
Hi all,
We praise God that things seem to have gone very well for you at the start of your second week. The melon bashing will probably have helped to break the ice with the children. We hope there will be a photo of you all eating the ‘remains’!
The little toddlers must have been a joy for the girls to teach, so here’s hoping that they will enjoy taking part in the concert on Thursday morning. Keep up the good work.
Hope Dave has had some attention for his ear and that his hearing is returning.
Happy pedaling Julie, Suzanne and Rach/Elaine?
Love and blessings N a P
hi everyone
glad day one went well and you’re all being looked after so well yet again.
enjoy and take care on the bikes girls!
we hope your hearing returns David and your ear doesnt get sore.
looking forward to more pics of this weeks club.
Tony on powerpoint for Stu so a good selection would be lovely!!
with love
T & J
Hi team. Sounds like you had a good first day at KG at the Chapel of Adoration. How kind of Masada-san to treat you all to a banquet. Trust this nourishment has strengthened you all physically and that restful sleep has been enjoyed, all in preparation for Wednesday KG. Praying for health and strength for you all and the stamina to cope in the heat and with the increased number of children attending this week.
Girls on bicycles!! Just make sure that Arfy doesn’t try to go off on hers in the middle of the night in search of some haggis for breakfast!!!
As always dear team, love and prayers from me to you, via the throne room of the ONE who makes all things gloriously possible. Ange xxx
Hi from sunny Glengormley (I dion’t) think. My girls on a bike!!!!! Must have a picture of that. Will rival dave’s photo on the penny farthing or Yen cent bike. Hope there are stabilizers and a man in front with a yellow flag would help.
Everyone is asleep here at present – must be the longest Jonathan has slept for ages.
Hope things are going well today and you all got a good nights sleep and at least a bit of rest.
Watch out Rachel – Suzanne and Julie will be fighting for the yellow jersy. And incase Julie has forgotten there is no clutch.
Dave make the girls bend the other ear and it will get better soon. My way is to just not listen to half of what there jammering on about.
Super night photos by the way.
Keep safe.
God bless
LOL to J+S
Davy
XOXO