Monday, December 8, 2008
Wreath Classes
One of the Ghent’s latest evangelistic outreaches has been Christmas wreath-making classes held by Ruth Mae at both Itayanagi and Harvest Chapels. This has provided a great opportunity to invite women of all ages-many from English and parenting classes- to gather together in the church building for a bit of festive fun. Each lady has not only returned home with a beautiful evergreen Christmas wreath to decorate their home with, but hopefully also a deeper understanding of what Christmas is really about. Please pray that these classes would be another step closer to these women knowing Jesus.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Children's English classes
Ruth gave an English lesson at Harvest Chapel for four children aged around 5 on Thursday. The kids enjoyed the games, and it was a good opportunity for Ruth to talk with and get to know the parents afterwards. She also had Bible time with the kids after the lesson. The Aussies had a great time playing with the kids as well. Please pray that through the relationships formed that we will be able to teach the not-yet-believers about Jesus and may they enter into a saving relationship with Him.
Thanksgiving party
Praise God that Harvest Chapel was able to host a Thanksgiving Party on Saturday, November 22nd. It was the first major event that was held at the new location. Even though it took a lot of preparation to get the place ready, it was fantastic to see around 50 people attending, of whom about 36 did not attend a church regularly!
We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a lot of turkey, stuffing, and, of course, pies. Ruth was able to make everything with some help of some Australian short-termers who are staying with us for most of December.
We were also able to invite an a cappella student group from Hirosaki University who gave us a great performance of some classic English songs, using only their voices to make the music. They were a very lively bunch and we all enjoyed their company very much. We hope to invite them back to a pizza party with the Aussies.
The Aussies also gave us a rendition of a traditional Australian song, Waltzing Matilda, adding a bit of their personal flair.
It was good to see so many people attend, especially so many who do not yet have a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus. Please pray that God used the message Martin gave to bring them one step closer to becoming followers of Him. We really are thankful in all the ways the Lord has blessed Harvest Chapel so far.
We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a lot of turkey, stuffing, and, of course, pies. Ruth was able to make everything with some help of some Australian short-termers who are staying with us for most of December.
We were also able to invite an a cappella student group from Hirosaki University who gave us a great performance of some classic English songs, using only their voices to make the music. They were a very lively bunch and we all enjoyed their company very much. We hope to invite them back to a pizza party with the Aussies.
The Aussies also gave us a rendition of a traditional Australian song, Waltzing Matilda, adding a bit of their personal flair.
It was good to see so many people attend, especially so many who do not yet have a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus. Please pray that God used the message Martin gave to bring them one step closer to becoming followers of Him. We really are thankful in all the ways the Lord has blessed Harvest Chapel so far.
Monday, December 1, 2008
A New Start
Yes it is official- Harvest Chapel is up and running.
The building had no running water, no kitchen, no heating on Nov 9 when worship services began, but people joyfully came to celebrate God's goodness. Since then we have had some people pull back from helping start, other people commit. We are currently at 6 people for whom this is their church home.
The entryway is waiting for siding, a cross, and a signboard- still you can enter the building.
The building has changed- the multipurpose room, was a 4 car garage. When the sanctuary is finished, this will be the classroom and dining room.
Since Nov 9th , the roof has been put on the entryway addition, water and sewage are hooked up, heating stoves installed, and the kitchen usable.
In addition to having 4 worship services in the new facility, there have been 2 parenting classes, 2 wreath making classes, 8 English classes and a sit down Thanksgiving meal for 50 people.
A new ad was finally made for the chapel and it was delivered to the 200 homes in the village where the chruch is located.
Upcoming special plans are for a cooking class on the 11th and a Christmas meeting on the 20th.
The open house/barbeque on Nov 1st had a number of people from parenting classes and special meetings. We pray they will connect.
The Thanksgiving Party had turkey and pie- and the rest of course. 50 people sat down to eat and then there were games after. 
The gymn has been well used. It was an apple and box storage area but its nice to have a place where people can run at will.
So where is the chapel at with regards to finances- little by litle renovation costs are being paid for. The big challenge is the land purchase- the final payment needs to be made March 1st and we have none of the required funds. But as God has led, so He will provide.
The building had no running water, no kitchen, no heating on Nov 9 when worship services began, but people joyfully came to celebrate God's goodness. Since then we have had some people pull back from helping start, other people commit. We are currently at 6 people for whom this is their church home.
The entryway is waiting for siding, a cross, and a signboard- still you can enter the building.
The building has changed- the multipurpose room, was a 4 car garage. When the sanctuary is finished, this will be the classroom and dining room.Since Nov 9th , the roof has been put on the entryway addition, water and sewage are hooked up, heating stoves installed, and the kitchen usable.
In addition to having 4 worship services in the new facility, there have been 2 parenting classes, 2 wreath making classes, 8 English classes and a sit down Thanksgiving meal for 50 people.
A new ad was finally made for the chapel and it was delivered to the 200 homes in the village where the chruch is located.
Upcoming special plans are for a cooking class on the 11th and a Christmas meeting on the 20th.
The open house/barbeque on Nov 1st had a number of people from parenting classes and special meetings. We pray they will connect.
The Thanksgiving Party had turkey and pie- and the rest of course. 50 people sat down to eat and then there were games after. 
The gymn has been well used. It was an apple and box storage area but its nice to have a place where people can run at will.So where is the chapel at with regards to finances- little by litle renovation costs are being paid for. The big challenge is the land purchase- the final payment needs to be made March 1st and we have none of the required funds. But as God has led, so He will provide.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Garden Test Passed
The field next to Harvest Chapel needed a crop grown before the church could buy it for parking and a kids play area. Squash, corn, beans and tomatos were grown. An application was submited to the Farm Review Board and it passed. So we have the green light to submit the papers requesting rezoning of the land- the church can't buy farmland so it has to be zoned multipurpose.
So we now have a pile of squash, a freezer full of corn and beans. Thank you Jesus.And the renovation continues. A 70 some year old man who is thrilled at the new church start vision comes every day Martin is onsite to help with whatever needs done.
Building is definitely different without teenage boys helping!! 2 days a week instead of an allout effort makes progress slow- however, English calsses were help on Oct 2.
Hopefully I remember the camera this week.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Garden Produce
While the summer team was here, the garden was put in. Corn, beans and squash. Well harvest time has come- be nice to have the team back. Ruth and Naomi picked beans for 2 hours and only got done 1 1/2 of 6 rows. Thankfully we all like beans and we know that at least we will have beans this winter.
The corn and squash are looking very good too.
Renovation
The shutters are no longer down- walls are going in.
The future dining/fellowship room mostly has a floor- finish framing it in tomorrow, and 4 walls. The sliding glass door is not in place yet. Plumbing starts tomorrow by a contractor, and electricity has begun.
The entryway and toilets are framed and cement poured. Need to build something that looks like an entryway and put a cross on it.
The men poured the footings for the wall in the santuary as well- the floor in there will have to wait until funds are in hand.
With only Wednesday and Thursday fro Harvest, the weeks go by very fast.
As a result the launch team decided to put off the official start until November. That should give lots of time to get things moving- maybe even have parking by then.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Purchased at Last
The search began last October, narrowed down in January to the place purchased at the end of July. The application for rezoning was approved on July 29th, the deal was completed on the 30th. Beauce of the Ghents vacation, renovation did not begin until today. Alas, I did not take a camera... next week.
The wallboard was ripped off and cleaned up and the framing for the floor begun.
Lack of lights and energy means the floor will not be down until next week.
The elders have begun a cash only policy- no more loans if at all possible. Pray that we would have all that is essential get get up and running.
The wallboard was ripped off and cleaned up and the framing for the floor begun.
Lack of lights and energy means the floor will not be down until next week.
The elders have begun a cash only policy- no more loans if at all possible. Pray that we would have all that is essential get get up and running.
The Garden
One of the conditions for buying the field next to the Harvest Chapel site is that a crop is grown.
The owner has no intention to grow anything so it is up to us. With the summer team and the Mortleys help, that goal is well on the way to being met.
Squash, corn, tomatoes and beans are all starting to produce.
Hopefully the paperwork can start soon- it will take about 5 months for rezoning etc.
Picture taken in July.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
First Prayer and Praise Time
June 29th saw the first ever praise and prayer time inside the proposed new buildings. There were 32 people in attendance. We are looking forward to Jesus meeting us in a special way over the month.
Gardening
The proposed site for Harvest Chapel has about half an acre that is currently farmland. In order to purchase it in the future we need to grow a crop.
For 2 days the Serve Tsugaru Team pulled weeds, rotortilled, put down pastic mulch and planted seeds. It was very rewarding seeing a weed patch become a garden- now to keep up with the weeding.
For 2 days the Serve Tsugaru Team pulled weeds, rotortilled, put down pastic mulch and planted seeds. It was very rewarding seeing a weed patch become a garden- now to keep up with the weeding.
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Big Step Forward
May 4th marks the day that the Tsugaru church took a big step forward in seeing the vision of Jesus being preached to everyone in the Tsugaru. In order for that to happen there needs to be more gates for people to enter and be introduced to and meet Jesus. So what happened on the 4th? Approval was granted for the purchase of building and land for a new chapel. March 30 had marked the date when that had been theoretically been agreed to but without a place to meet it would only have been a dream or vision.
On May8th we signed papers and handed over the downpayment. Over the next month lawyers will be working on getting one half of the land and the buildings rezoned for religious purposes. Once that is appproved, the deal will go through. The remaining land will take up to a year. It is cuurently an old orchard. A crop has to be grown before it can be rezoned. The owner has no intention to grow a crop so the church needs to in order to be able to buy it. Then it needs to be rezoned and so the church can use it as a parking lot.
Stumps have been dug up and the plot tilled. Next week, we hope to get it planted. Its about 1/2 of an acre so Martin's farm background will come in handy. After all the parenting moms and church members take off the size of plots they can use, the remaining will be plaanted in squash. We have a guarantee sale of all the squash we can grow.
So we are hoping for possession of buildings at the end of June. We trust worship services can begin in July with the official opening in August or September.
As to money needed- we praise God that most of the money needed to purchase the property has been donated but we are still praying for the remaining amount. For more details-ask.
On May8th we signed papers and handed over the downpayment. Over the next month lawyers will be working on getting one half of the land and the buildings rezoned for religious purposes. Once that is appproved, the deal will go through. The remaining land will take up to a year. It is cuurently an old orchard. A crop has to be grown before it can be rezoned. The owner has no intention to grow a crop so the church needs to in order to be able to buy it. Then it needs to be rezoned and so the church can use it as a parking lot.
Stumps have been dug up and the plot tilled. Next week, we hope to get it planted. Its about 1/2 of an acre so Martin's farm background will come in handy. After all the parenting moms and church members take off the size of plots they can use, the remaining will be plaanted in squash. We have a guarantee sale of all the squash we can grow.
So we are hoping for possession of buildings at the end of June. We trust worship services can begin in July with the official opening in August or September.
As to money needed- we praise God that most of the money needed to purchase the property has been donated but we are still praying for the remaining amount. For more details-ask.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Building and Land
There is a possibility ofpurchasing land and buildings for the use of the new chapel start. There is about 3300 square meters of land or .8 acres. The buildings need extensive renovation but there is 4,300 sq.ft of space to use.
We are praying that there will be church approval on May 4th and full provision to pay in cash by the end of the year. God has miraculously provided- pray for the remaining amount.
Monday, April 7, 2008
First Launch Team meeting
At long last the launch team had a meeting. Not everyone was present- 10 of the potantial 13 people but still a great start.
People were excited about how God has led us to a very suitable place. I didn't want to dampen the enthusiasm about renovating and growing a garden but after a few minutes we needed to get concrete. God seems to be providing the necessary resources to purchase the building and about 3/4 acre of land.
Tomorrow night is an elders meeting with the new board. Pray for ability to get up to speed on the issues and clarity of thought. We would like to act right away but pray for ability to go at the speed Jesus wants.
And above all, that Jesus would be first in everything.
People were excited about how God has led us to a very suitable place. I didn't want to dampen the enthusiasm about renovating and growing a garden but after a few minutes we needed to get concrete. God seems to be providing the necessary resources to purchase the building and about 3/4 acre of land.
Tomorrow night is an elders meeting with the new board. Pray for ability to get up to speed on the issues and clarity of thought. We would like to act right away but pray for ability to go at the speed Jesus wants.
And above all, that Jesus would be first in everything.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Interview regarding Harvest
This is a recent interview I had online regarding Harvest.
Hello again,
About sending money, Is the following correct?
-If money is sent through OMF, there is no service charge in getting the money to you? (only dealing with the currency conversion rate...)
Yes that is correct
-If a paper check is sent, there is a large service charge involved.The service charge is on this end with the Japanese banks charging because they don’t have a good national banking system.
-If money is sent directly to a church bank account is there no service charge?
There will be a service charge similar to usual banking procedures which will be on your end and none for us.
Do you have any preference whether money......for you, whether personally or for your
ministry/living expenses is sent through OMF or not?
No preference- just ask that it be clear whether its for ministry/living or personal or a specific project.
(I understand that on the giving end, it can be simply an issue of getting a tax-deductible receipt if it's not for your personal use.)...for the church is sent directly or through OMF? (Would it work to send the money for the church through OMF with a note regarding its purpose?)
Yes any of the above 3 categories of donations (ministry/living, personal, special project) can be sent thru OMF. It should be clear for what purpose it is being donated. If there is no explanation of purpose, it is assumed that it is for ministry/living.
Are there dates that it would be helpful for us to know about regarding sending money for the new church? When do you need to have the money in order to make decisions and proceed?
For the initial purchase of land and buildings, we have 3 payment dates.
First is a down payment for which we have money. That will probably be this month.
Second will be final payment for land that the buildings are on. That will be probably at the end of May. It looks like we have enough promised to make that payment as well.
Third will be a payment nearer the end of the year. The current farmland needs to be rezoned for use as a parking lot. We have been assured there will be no problem- just have to grow 1 crop first. So the last payment will be in November or December. That is the money we are praying for and it is somewhere near the $35,000 mark.
You mentioned that "As a church, we have decided to start a third site (chapel)." I confess that even though I try to follow along with all of your prayer requests, I can't keep all of the chapels and things straight. I see "Itayanagi(where we are) in 1991" and "Kanagi in 1994." Are these the first two sites that you have in mind when you refer to Harvest Chapel as the third, or did you have International Chapel (now closing)in mind?
Harvest Chapel is the third. International closed March 29 and Hiraka closed Novemeber, 2007 so you are correct to write that Itayanagi and Kanagi are the other 2.
Checking my understanding:
Itayanagi Chapel-- with OMF full-time missionaries the Ghents
Kanagi Chapel--with OMF full-time missionaries the Messers?
Harvest Chapel--just being started, with a "core group of about 10 people" from one or both of the other chapels?
Yes you are correct.
How much sharing of responsibilities, resources, etc. has there been between Itayanagi and Kanagi? Are you involved in the Kanagi work at all, or only by association through Christ and through OMF?
We are the leaders of a church called Tsugaru Church. (we put Gospel or Evangelical or Christ or a combination in between Tsugaru and church)The church is made up of multiple sites which we call chapels. So we the Ghents are both leaders of the overall church and for Itayanagi Chapel and until more workers joinn the team, Harvest Chapel. Within the church there is 1 membership and 1 staff. There is a prayer target and plans for individual responsibility within each site (chapel) but the possibility of sharing as needs arise. Our involvement with Kanagi apart form overall leadership is to encourage and help the Messers both as OMF senior team leader as well as Tsugaru church leader. Now that they are back, we leave practical day to day things to them.
Similarly, what is your historical and anticipated role with Harvest Chapel? Does the core group of about 10 people include someone who will pastor the church? Would you be involved in an advisory fashion or in some other role?
We have been the movers and visionaries for Harvest along with a few Itayanagi attendees who live in this targeted area. The core group are current Itayanagi attendees (Tsugaru church members) and hope to become Harvest attendees. Our hope is that we will have another OMF couple come to assume responsibility. After 6-8 years of missionary-led church planting, the church hopes to call a pastor who can minister to the new chapel.
For now, we are devoting 2 days a week to this ministry and cutting out our current Kanagi involvement, and scaling back our Itayanagi involvement- with the church’s blessing.
Thank you. It takes me some time to process things.
No problem.
Hello again,
About sending money, Is the following correct?
-If money is sent through OMF, there is no service charge in getting the money to you? (only dealing with the currency conversion rate...)
Yes that is correct
-If a paper check is sent, there is a large service charge involved.The service charge is on this end with the Japanese banks charging because they don’t have a good national banking system.
-If money is sent directly to a church bank account is there no service charge?
There will be a service charge similar to usual banking procedures which will be on your end and none for us.
Do you have any preference whether money......for you, whether personally or for your
ministry/living expenses is sent through OMF or not?
No preference- just ask that it be clear whether its for ministry/living or personal or a specific project.
(I understand that on the giving end, it can be simply an issue of getting a tax-deductible receipt if it's not for your personal use.)...for the church is sent directly or through OMF? (Would it work to send the money for the church through OMF with a note regarding its purpose?)
Yes any of the above 3 categories of donations (ministry/living, personal, special project) can be sent thru OMF. It should be clear for what purpose it is being donated. If there is no explanation of purpose, it is assumed that it is for ministry/living.
Are there dates that it would be helpful for us to know about regarding sending money for the new church? When do you need to have the money in order to make decisions and proceed?
For the initial purchase of land and buildings, we have 3 payment dates.
First is a down payment for which we have money. That will probably be this month.
Second will be final payment for land that the buildings are on. That will be probably at the end of May. It looks like we have enough promised to make that payment as well.
Third will be a payment nearer the end of the year. The current farmland needs to be rezoned for use as a parking lot. We have been assured there will be no problem- just have to grow 1 crop first. So the last payment will be in November or December. That is the money we are praying for and it is somewhere near the $35,000 mark.
You mentioned that "As a church, we have decided to start a third site (chapel)." I confess that even though I try to follow along with all of your prayer requests, I can't keep all of the chapels and things straight. I see "Itayanagi(where we are) in 1991" and "Kanagi in 1994." Are these the first two sites that you have in mind when you refer to Harvest Chapel as the third, or did you have International Chapel (now closing)in mind?
Harvest Chapel is the third. International closed March 29 and Hiraka closed Novemeber, 2007 so you are correct to write that Itayanagi and Kanagi are the other 2.
Checking my understanding:
Itayanagi Chapel-- with OMF full-time missionaries the Ghents
Kanagi Chapel--with OMF full-time missionaries the Messers?
Harvest Chapel--just being started, with a "core group of about 10 people" from one or both of the other chapels?
Yes you are correct.
How much sharing of responsibilities, resources, etc. has there been between Itayanagi and Kanagi? Are you involved in the Kanagi work at all, or only by association through Christ and through OMF?
We are the leaders of a church called Tsugaru Church. (we put Gospel or Evangelical or Christ or a combination in between Tsugaru and church)The church is made up of multiple sites which we call chapels. So we the Ghents are both leaders of the overall church and for Itayanagi Chapel and until more workers joinn the team, Harvest Chapel. Within the church there is 1 membership and 1 staff. There is a prayer target and plans for individual responsibility within each site (chapel) but the possibility of sharing as needs arise. Our involvement with Kanagi apart form overall leadership is to encourage and help the Messers both as OMF senior team leader as well as Tsugaru church leader. Now that they are back, we leave practical day to day things to them.
Similarly, what is your historical and anticipated role with Harvest Chapel? Does the core group of about 10 people include someone who will pastor the church? Would you be involved in an advisory fashion or in some other role?
We have been the movers and visionaries for Harvest along with a few Itayanagi attendees who live in this targeted area. The core group are current Itayanagi attendees (Tsugaru church members) and hope to become Harvest attendees. Our hope is that we will have another OMF couple come to assume responsibility. After 6-8 years of missionary-led church planting, the church hopes to call a pastor who can minister to the new chapel.
For now, we are devoting 2 days a week to this ministry and cutting out our current Kanagi involvement, and scaling back our Itayanagi involvement- with the church’s blessing.
Thank you. It takes me some time to process things.
No problem.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Whats ahead?
Plans are in place for the Harvest House ministry to graduate to Harvest Chapel.
Tsugaru Church has been involved in pre-evangelistic minsitries since 2001- all the while praying for more opportunities to introduce Jesus. They started coming in 2003 and a small group was started in members homes. Then after numerous appeals for better meeting places a building was rented in 2006. We were committed to not starting a church plant until we had confirmed that Jesus was indeed calling people to Himself, and calling the church to actually start a church. We have had a lot of criticism because there are other churches in Hirosaki city.
Late 2007 we sensed that Jesus was saying that 2008 will be the year.
We think we have found a place that will be acceptable to the other churches and still be readily accessible to the over 100 contacts.
The official chapel launch is scheduled for June 8th when we have a summer team helping.
Prayer steps-
March 30th business meeting to decide to begin.
April 8th- elders meeting regarding building.
May 11th - business meeting regarding land and buildings
The Ghents will be spending 30% of their time in this chapel ministry. We particularly are praying for people to meet Jesus.
Tsugaru Church has been involved in pre-evangelistic minsitries since 2001- all the while praying for more opportunities to introduce Jesus. They started coming in 2003 and a small group was started in members homes. Then after numerous appeals for better meeting places a building was rented in 2006. We were committed to not starting a church plant until we had confirmed that Jesus was indeed calling people to Himself, and calling the church to actually start a church. We have had a lot of criticism because there are other churches in Hirosaki city.
Late 2007 we sensed that Jesus was saying that 2008 will be the year.
We think we have found a place that will be acceptable to the other churches and still be readily accessible to the over 100 contacts.
The official chapel launch is scheduled for June 8th when we have a summer team helping.
Prayer steps-
March 30th business meeting to decide to begin.
April 8th- elders meeting regarding building.
May 11th - business meeting regarding land and buildings
The Ghents will be spending 30% of their time in this chapel ministry. We particularly are praying for people to meet Jesus.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
who are we?
Harvest House was set up in July 2006 to be a meeting place for a number of ministries that have developed over the past 6 years.
Current ministries are:
* Community Group: Hiro Komi has been meeting since 2005. It is comprised of 15 people who attend the Itayangi Chapel but live in South-West Hirosaki. Meetings are generally held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. They provide an informal place to invite friends, and to talk about faith-matters over a meal.
* Ladies New Life Group: This evangelistic group has developed into a monthly cooking class usually held at Chitose Community Center. There are over 30 ladies registered and usually they take along at least 1 preschool child.
* Child-rearing Classes: The idea was born in December 2002 when Ruth Mae was asked to teach craft and cooking classes at a members home. Attending mothers had requested a regular child rearing classes but without a meeting place they were turned down. In July 2006 the first class was held to which 20 mothers and 30 children attended. This group continues to meet biweekly.
* Facilitating University students: Harvest House is a 5 minute walk from Gakuin University which has 1100 students. Tsugaru Church has 2 Christian uni students and a number of uni contacts but no church ministry exists targeting this age group.
Current ministries are:
* Community Group: Hiro Komi has been meeting since 2005. It is comprised of 15 people who attend the Itayangi Chapel but live in South-West Hirosaki. Meetings are generally held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. They provide an informal place to invite friends, and to talk about faith-matters over a meal.
* Ladies New Life Group: This evangelistic group has developed into a monthly cooking class usually held at Chitose Community Center. There are over 30 ladies registered and usually they take along at least 1 preschool child.
* Child-rearing Classes: The idea was born in December 2002 when Ruth Mae was asked to teach craft and cooking classes at a members home. Attending mothers had requested a regular child rearing classes but without a meeting place they were turned down. In July 2006 the first class was held to which 20 mothers and 30 children attended. This group continues to meet biweekly.
* Facilitating University students: Harvest House is a 5 minute walk from Gakuin University which has 1100 students. Tsugaru Church has 2 Christian uni students and a number of uni contacts but no church ministry exists targeting this age group.
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