the Cross is Central

Kind a cool shot of a hastily mounted cross on lattice for a photo op.
The inside of the worship sanctuary still has a warehouse feel but all parts are up and running.
Even the baby room was used by Keeko and Enju.
The drywall is on the ceiling and lights able to be mounted- woops need to do that Wednesday.
Special event planned for Thursday- an English Day Camp. School is out for the summer from Wednesday so we are hoping for a good number.

Celebration of God's Miraculous Work!

Dancing and singing together!

On May 31st, Harvest Chapel hosted a free barbecue and concert for all ages. It was an exciting time for the Ghents as well as others who have been involved with the development of Harvest Chapel as it was the official debut of the church since the cross and sign were put up (see previous post for pictures). We did not know how many people would come due to the fact that it was a little bit rainy and that there was a county wide children's sports day all day. The Ghents and ourselves were so enthralled to find that over one hundred people came; there were many new faces. The Ghents did not even know how some of the people found out about the concert. The weather had absolutely no effect on God's plans!

(The following is an excerpt from the short-term team's mission blog). "Due to the fact that many of the people attending were children, we did some songs and a puppet show along with the actual concert.

The parents and the grandparents danced and jumped along with the children and did all of the actions. There was so much joy in the chapel! We also had the opportunity to sing "As the Deer" in Japanese as well as English. The people were very receptive to this song because they were so surprised by the fact that we ended with a song in their own language.

(All of the adults joined in a game of "Octopus" with the children)

Martin gave a short message later on in the concert and the crowd was very attentive. Martin said that this was a really new thing for him because the other times he has given messages at these outreach events the people have been uninterested. Many people had the opportunity to hear about Jesus that day and we must keep praying that they will continue to be curious and that they will come out to more events."

Some of the children we met at the concert

Ruth and her marvelous cooking! YUM!

Singing "O Canada"

Needless to say, all who were able to come to the concert had a blast and it was a great time for the Canada team to be able to meet and talk with people.

In other Harvest news, the sanctuary and other rooms are coming along well - there has been much insulation, drywall, paint, etc worked on - be sure to check out later posts to see pictures!

Please continue to pray for Harvest that those who attended the concert would seek after God and those who were not able to attend would also come out to the church; also pray for the many ministries which are being run out of harvest. AND! Pray for Keko-san and her family with the arrival of Enju their new baby boy on June 6th!

- Kaitlyn

Standing Amidst a Miracle

Harvest chapel with its new cross and sign!


There is no doubt in my mind that God has the capacity to make incredible feats occur which at one time have been thought impossible. He makes impossibilities become abilities every day especially through the most unnoticeable occurrences. Sometimes He even gives us the blessing of being able to witness such miracles. Harvest Chapel is exactly that - a miracle which we have been privileged enough to witness.

Since our arrival a few weeks ago, the short term team from Canada has been able to see both physical church development as well as friendships/fellowship continue to grow amongst the church members and their families. The church has much of the insulation and drywall put up as well as the most exciting new additions - the cross and sign! The cross enables the church to now officially be labeled a church and is recognized by the city of Hirosaki as a church (and not a shrine/temple/etc). Keko-san also painted a beautiful sign which has been hung for all to see and know that this is Harvest Chapel!

The team has had the opportunity not only to help out with a bit of building work, but also with church ministry as well. Every Sunday we have gotten the opportunity to lead worship through music and also help out with the children's program. The kids have learned some rhythms on the djembeh and we were also able to teach them some songs in english (with actions!).

We have also been able to help out with english classes which Ruth teaches and even had the opportunity to walk around the community to hand out tracts for the concert last weekend.

Please continue to pray for the different ministries which are going on at Harvest (english classes, bible studies, parenting classes, prayer meetings) and also for the people at Harvest. They are a community growing in God and some have personally asked that you continue just to pray for them as a community.

- Kaitlyn

Pictured above: Keko-san and her baby! No baby yet,
but the doctor said he or she should
arrive sometime this week!

Next Step in Making a Parking Lot

Gradually the parking lot is coming into being. A friend moved some dirt around and now we are ready for gravel. I need to haul in about 30 loads. We found a gravel pit that will sell 2 tons for 1000 yen- about $10. Next is trucking it and spreading- maybe next week!!

Classes

Lately there have been a number of outreach events at Harvest.
A contact teaches dance and voice and piano- so we asked her to do a dance workshop in order to meet new people, and to teach voice and piano to a church member (our daughter).


Then a few weeks later there was a craft class that Ruth led. It had 3 stations- a stained glass area, a pipe cleaner area, and a misc object area. Mothers and kids loved it.



And of course there is always an opportunity to share about Jesus, because he is the one who gives us joy and He is the great creator.

Renovating the sanctuary

Renovating has started. The framing for the baby room and the ceiling for the sanctuary changes the look of the room already. The floor and walls need framed and then wires run, insullation installed, drywall hung. Little by little. The amazing thing is that the Harvest people and really happy and rejoice with each small step taken.

A Parking Lot Soon

Last year we needed to grow a garden in order to even have the right to purchase- we did it for the owner and got a discount!!
That paperwork is all done and the land is owned by the church.
Soon the moving of dirt and hauling/spreading of gravel will turn half of it into a parking lot. Somehow 25 cars squeezed into the exisiting lot at the Passover meal- we are grateful there were no accidents.