A DAY AT TAMA HILLSIDE CHURCH AND SOME RAMBUNCTIOUS PRE-SCHOOLERS

Dear Beloved,
We are blessed with being here in Japan.  Your prayers have led the way in all that we do here and our cups overflow with joy and thanksgiving.  Thank you for being with us in spirit and in truth.

It was Sunday yesterday and we spent the entire day at Tama Hillside Church.  Last year was our first visit to Minegishi Sensei and her small and faithful congregation, and much has changed.

TAMA HILLSIDE CHURCH (LIGHTED AREA)
AND THE MANSION.  (PICTURE TAKEN AS WE
WERE LEAVING IN THE EVENING)

Earlier this year, they moved to this new location which is about 10 minutes from the former church site and in close proximity to a local university.  It is connected to a huge condominium complex which the Japanese call a "mansion", and there are multiple mansions in the area around the church.  Many young families live in these mansions and the church is connecting with their children through events like our Christmas party.

WORSHIP SERVICE
OUR TEAM OUTNUMBERED THE MEMBERS

The congregation is small.  Well, very small with less than 10 members attending the worship service yesterday.  But Pastor Minegishi's vision is big, just like her God.  She plans to penetrate these mansions and the university with the love of Jesus.  Her sermon reflected that same attitude that all things are possible when done under the wings of the Holy Spirit.  It was good to see our three churches (Evergreen, South Bay and Crossway) involved with this church and Pastor Minegishi solicits your prayers for them.  Thank you.

There were 23 children and their moms who attended the event.  It is very similar to the beginnings at Chino Christ Church and we are encouraged that the results will also be positive.  More pictures follow below.

Earlier today (Mon), we visited the Wakakusa Pre-School and were met with 2 classes of 60 rambunctious children..  So much energy and enthusiasm, and so much fun.  Joy has been ministering here for over 5 years and we pray that the seeds that have been planted in these little hearts will one day blossom to the Kingdom and glory.  One of the classes put on a presentation especially for us and it was quite moving.  Please pray for Joy and the Wakakusa children.

"YES, TEACHER, DIANE"

FUTURE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

VERY SPECIAL PRESENTATION

LUNCH AND A VERY SPECIAL 'STEEL" CHAIR

This afternoon, Diane and Yuriko met with 10 JOY Club mothers while their kids were with Joy.  They spent the time making a special Christmas craft and getting to know one another.  We're mindful that God will touch the heart of each Mom, as He did with Michiru Nakazawa.

                                     

So ends another few days in Japan and it is such a joy to be here.  We're thankful for our home churches and all the support we've received from you.  We ask that you pray without ceasing for the people of Japan and for the missionaries who patiently serve here.  It is a good work and the Lord will be praised.  Domo arigato gozaimasu.

And we will praise Him.

Your Machida Team

More pictures from the Tama Hillside Christmas Party.