Jamming For Jesus/Final English Class at Takashima

On Saturday we had our first "Jamming for Jesus" session at Mitaki Chapel. We started out with some nice drum ensemble and piano grooves followed by a nice chord progression from our dear brother Kazu who is just beginning on guitar. Kazu's friend came and played some drums. Nice guy! Definitely good to see him, especially since he is not a believer. Hopefully, he will come again next time. The intent of this time is for fellowship and as an outreach for non believers to come and enjoy playing music together, and hopefully to experience the Joy of the Lord that they may be saved. His will be done.

This past Sunday marked the final day of the English series I taught at Takashima Chapel. The class went as usual and we read Scripture from Acts 9 about Paul's conversion experience. I used the text from the Children's Bible since it was an easier read. After reading, we wrote sentences using the key words. This final class marked the end of a year and a half of loving service together with the Mori's and the other brothers and sisters at Takashima Chapel. Hopefully, in the future we will be able to enjoy fellowship again sometime. Praise the Lord for the brothers and sisters at Takashima Chapel!

Takashima English class #5

Our English class went as usual this past weekend. We studied the passage in John 1:36-42 when John the Baptist's disciples began to follow Jesus and Andrew and his brother Simon met Jesus and Jesus told Simon he would then be called Cephas or Peter. The phrase, "the rest of..." came up since it turns out to be a relative phrase to the totality of the subject it is related to. So, I did my best to explain why we say it in English and so I used various examples such as, "the rest of the pie," "the rest of my life," "the rest of the class," etc. Trying to make a simple explanation was challenging, but I did my best. Also, another interesting thing came about when Pastor Mori asked why we use the word "Pork" when speaking about eating pig meat, and beef for cow meat. Again, it was challenging to answer. He brought up a good point when he said that rice eating countries have several words for the different parts of the rice grain. In contrast English speaking countries primarily use the word "grain." So, he said if it is important to the culture, they tend to be more specific identifications for such important things.

Mitaki Chapel Drum Time with the kids

This past Sunday, we tried a new thing with the kids at Mitaki Chapel. It was my first time to get together with them. Usually I attend the English service during this time. Here is the situation: The kids have already had Sunday school in the morning during the Japanese service. However, their parents are involved with the English service during the afternoon, so they need something to do during that time. So, I offered to teach the kids some rhythms. The kids seemed to enjoy it, although it was really loud. I was told later that the people upstairs in the English service could hear us banging away! (Oops! Sorry about that!) Our next session is scheduled for the 20th, and this time we will probably be doing it outside near the river, and away from the church!