Harvest Official Opening

Nov 15th was a day prepared for over a year. The building renovation had proceeded rather slowly over the 17 months since taking possession. And we never felt we could have a grand opening until we were able to welcome people. God had sent 3 teams to help. One to clean out the garbage, one to hang drywall, and a team at the last minute to paint and clean. So altho the place still only had plywood floors and unputtied drywall(albeit painted), the parking lot was done and the building was warm and bright and clean.

Rain poring down did not dampen people's spirits as we celebrated God's goodness and committed to preaching the gospel.

To God be the glory.

English class at Harvest

English Lesson at Harvest. By Kathryn

My first time at an English lesson in Japan. At first, when all the mums and children started arriving, I thought it was going to be a lesson for mums, but soon I found out that it was the children that were doing the lesson and the mums sat around and chatted like a little coffee group which was quite nice. Four children were present for the lesson. They had lots of energy and were quite enthusiastic about learning English. There was a bit of a distraction with fresh snow outside waiting to be disturbed but nonetheless they were a lovely class to be with. We started the lesson with introductions and the children thought it was very funny that my nickname was Kat. Then we went through the alphabet doing letter sounds and saying a word that had the letter sound in it. We also did flash card that the children flipped over and had to say the word shown on the card. Finally, we sang an action song which was really nice. It was a great experience to see what happens at an English lesson and it motivated me a bit more to complete my studies in New Zealand and possibly come back to Japan to teach English some day.

Decorating the tree

Today after English class at Harvest a number of people decorated the tree. Mostly kids were present. The tree is from the former forestry department who have a number of very tall trees. I am allowed to cut the tree down for 3ooo yen- a steal!! The tree was about 30 feet tall so I received a bit of firewood too. Happy camper.

Wreath Class

Today was wreath making class at Harvest. I arrived at 8:30 am and quickly started cutting branches from overgrown trees in the yard. Just as I was finishing cutting up enough for the expected visitors, Ruth arrived. Minutes later cars started arriving. 12 ladies made wreaths in the morning and a number in the afternoon.

Ruth had a great opportunity to share about the meaning of Christmas- using the wreaths unending circle idea, colors red and gold among other things.

Reno Update

We have been working at Harvest Chapel both getting the house ready for the Killers and getting the chapel ready for the official opening service.

Gradually the drywall is getting done. 40 sheets of drywall and remaining insullation is ready to go- maybe this week.

The entryway is slowly getting done- put on most of the siding yesterday. Tomorrow the scaffolding goes up around the entry. After the plastering is done, we want to paint the rest of the front a clean white.

And our infamous parking lot. For 6 months now, we have thot it would be done soon. We have solved the water problem- there is a steady stream flowing from drainage pipes, and the gravel has been spread. Need to have another 5 loads. The backhoe operator has taken 4 days off to attend 2 funerals!! At least it can be used now and soon we will be able to say its done.

Roof and Parking

The roof at Harvest Chapel was an eyesore. It was peeling and looked like it had been for 50 years. So a 73 year old, a 60 year old and me- 49 yr old redid the roof. We scraped and brushed much of the old stuff off and repainted it. Wow! Who would of thot it could be revived!!

The parking lot has been such a slow project. However, it is very close to completion now- there were 3 loads too few. Maybe tomorrow. The water problem was solved with 2 tile drains.

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.