Ministries of E-TEAM Tokyo 2009
------------------
The E-Team journey continues! Friday was a day
of downtown cultural experiences with Ken and
one of our Japanese Christian friends, Mr.
Kazama, a high school teacher. Mr. Kazama
brought a young friend, Ryohei, along. The
first stop was Kabuki, traditional Japanese
theatre, something that many Japanese aspire to
see at least once in their lifetime. Next was
the Emperor's residence and gardens, then a
traditional Buddhist temple. Saturday was a
work day with Pastor Kojima at the Iriso Church
and a lunch shared with some of the church
people. We then visited two stores for some
shopping. We ended the day at Kamifukuoka
Church with a delicious curry dinner prepared
by the Nomura family.
Sunday was a day of ministry, beginning at the
Iriso Church. The skit and songs were
performed, then a "Mexican Haystack" lunch
(Mexican taco meat served over rice) was
enjoyed by everyone. In the afternoon, the
group headed to Kamifukuoka Train Station to
hand out fliers for the upcoming Dinosaur Party
outreach. We then continued on to the
neighborhood park for more handouts, then went
to a local buffet restaurant.
Monday morning we participated in a Japanese
Tea Ceremony with six teachers. This group has
been welcoming Tokyo E-Teams since 2003,
through one of Judy's former students, Mrs.
Satomi Ishizu. Each student was given an
opportunity to try their skills at this
characteristically Japanese tradtion that dates
back to the early 1600's. Julie, a member of
one of the French FWB Churches who arrived in
Japan on Friday evening, joined our group.
After the Tea Ceremony, we met Dale and Sandra
Bishop and Iriso Pastor Kojima for lunch. The
group then continued on the trains to downtown
Tokyo.
Please keep the testimonies of the group in
your prayers as they are witnessing to Japanese
in our local area. We've been working for
several months with many of the people we are
introducing the E-Team members to, trying to
build relationships. We are praying that
through their actions many will be led to
Christ in our neighborhood!
-------------------
In the last few days of Tokyo E-Team's visit,
they have been very busy with ministry
opportunities! A visit to New Life League, a
Christian publishing company that sends Bibles
and Christian literature throughout all of Asia
and into other parts of the world, was
enlightening as we heard the trials of
Christians who struggle to obtain Bibles. The
Team gave an offering to send Bibles into
China, Africa and throughout the world. The
Team also visited English classes at Iriso
Church and The Good News Chapel. Many hours
have been spent preparing evangelistic fliers
for posting in mail boxes and to distribute at
our train stations. They have been very
enthusiastic about these ministries! Our
Children's Outreach Dinosaur Party, held at our
local train station building, was a wonderful
day! 103 people attended, and we had many
opportunites to present our church and
English/Bible class outreach programs. The
students were especially happy to see some of
the people they had given fliers to show up for
the meeting. Sunday morning worship was
attended by many of our English class members,
and several took students home for an overnight
stay. The Team did a fantastic job with their
pantomime and singing, and we were all blessed
to see how people's hearts were touched through
the message presented.
