Suzugamine hike

I went hiking up Suzugamine mountain on Saturday morning and it was such a blessing! I had a wonderful time with the Lord, a nice work out, not to mention the view was spectacular!

Jamming for Jesus outreach group ジャミングフォージサスオウトリチグルプ

Here is a picture of the Jamming for Jesus outreach group at our Wednesday night rehearsal. From left to right, we see Kazu (bass), his wife Naomi (piano), Takumi (their son), Seiko (vocals and Bible reading), and Matthew (guitar). We have decided that our first outreach will be on October 12th. Please pray that this will be a fruitful time of ministry and that we would be prepared for what the Lord has planned.

この写真は水曜日のれんしゅうのときにジャミングフォジサスのアウトリチグルプです。左から右までかずさん：ベース、なおみさん：ピアノ、たくみちゃん：ベビ、せいこさん：ヴぉカルと清祥のよめいる、マテウ：ギターです。私たちは十月十二日にはじめのオウトリチを決めりました。このミニストリので利お祈りでください。

Ota river outreach concert preparation 太田川アウトリーチカーンサトの準備

Here is a picture of Ota river. We will be playing the outreach concert on the left side of the river. Usually, people are out walking or relaxing by the river, so we are hoping to reach out to them as the Lord wills. Mitaki Chapel is nearby so it will be very convenient. Please join us in prayer for this since we are planning the date in October.

この写真は太田川の写真です。この写真の左側のところでコンサートをする予定です。たいてい，誰かが歩いていたり、リラックスしていたりします。だから，人に届きます。三滝のチャペルは近くて，本当に便利ですね。十月　コンサートをしたいから，お祈りをしてくだいしね！

Mitaki Chapel 三滝チャペル

Here is a picture of Mitaki Chapel. Pastor Horikawa has blessed us by allowing us to practice here each week. I spoke to his mother this past Sunday and she told me the story of how her husband started the church over 40 years ago. The building was a lot smaller back then since it started as a house church and over the years how it has grown. Praise the Lord for His provision! The Lord has used this church to bless many, many people over the years...may His blessings continue!

この写真は三滝チャペルの写真です。堀川先生は私たちに三滝チャペルで練習を許してくれ、祝福してくれました。私は堀川先生のお母さんといしょうにはなしました。英子先生は、彼女のだんなさんが４０年前にこの教会を開いたときのことを話してくれました。建物もちいさく、最初は、ハウスチャーチとして、はじめたそうです。それから年月が過ぎ、主は、多くの人を祝福するためにこの教会をおおいにお使いになり、今もその祝福は続いています。

Jamming for Jesus (recent gathering/rehearsal and future plans)

Recent session
Yesterday we had another "Jamming for Jesus" musical gathering. It was a good session and we got some "real" practicing done. We continue to work on our arrangements. Basically, our arrangments are chord progressions with alternating soloists aswell as the background music for the Bible readings (mostly Psalms). Also, there are a few praise and worship songs which we have arranged to fit our "Jam band" and Bible reading style.

Group members
The group has been formed into Kazu (bass), Naomi (piano), Matthew (guitar), Seiko (vocals and Bible reading), myself on drums. Kazu's friend Keisuke will also join us occasionally when time permits. (Please pray that Keisuke will be saved). Of course, we welcome anyone who would like to join us, so Lord willing, more will come. In addition, we will be blessed with the service of volunteers who will be passing out tracts, Bibles, etc.

Future Plans
We are planning to have an outreach performance as early as October, Lord willing. Please join us in prayer, that this may be a fruitful outreach.

"Jamming for Jesus"

Tonight marked our third official "Jamming for Jesus" musical gathering at Mitaki Green Chapel. It was another blessed night. Our regular group consists of Kazu on rhythm guitar and bass, his wife Naomi on piano, her sister Seiko on percussion, Matthew on lead guitar, Kris on bass, Junko on keyboards, and myself on drums. Tonight was special since Kazu's friend Keisuke came and played guitar with us. What a treat, he is a very good player. He plays a lot around Hiroshima city. Please join us in prayer for him; that He may see the love of Christ in us and be saved.

Our Vision:
We are preparing to play monthly outreach concerts at Peace park, or perhaps some other public location. The concerts would include worship songs, instrumental jamming with Bible reading, and giving tracts. We will need a PA system and a few other things, so please pray for God's provision. Please pray that this would be a fruitful ministry.

"Especially those who belong to the family of believers..."

Today at Mitaki Pastor Kevin's sermon was on 1John3:16; about Christ's love for us, "...because He laid down His life for us..." During the sermon, Kevin brought up Galatians 6:10, which reads, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
This verse particularly ministered to me regarding the recent ministries I have been involved with. Whether it was teaching an English class for mostly church members at Takashima chapel, or Kid's Drum Time at Mitaki, or "Jamming for Jesus" at Mitaki, these are all examples of, "doing good...especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Initially, I had struggled because I desired to evangelize, to be involved in outreaches, however the ministry opportunities that opened up were more like acts of service to bless the body of Christ. Reading Galatians 6:10 I see that such service is "especially" recommended! It is a privilege to be involved with anything the Lord is doing. Praise the Lord!