MISSIONS MONTH HIGHLIGHTS
October is harvest time in Japan. It’s amazing that God uses many people to bless us with farm produce even though we live in the city and don’t own any land. We’ve received rice, sweet potatoes, apples, and chili peppers to name a few.
This month is also a good reminder of the harvest we are suppose to be doing – the harvest of souls in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Thus, we have introduced our annual Missions emphasis month at the Assembly Kyoto Church since 2007.
This year, our messages are not only centered on this ministry. We are doing some practical applications too. First, we identified several missionaries now serving overseas. We communicated with them and asked for information on how they are doing personally, in their ministries and as a family. We made it a point to introduce them to the church during the services and to also pray for them. The congregation also prepared letters/cards of encouragement for them.
We also encourage everyone to increase their giving. As an international congregation, we prepare “sacrificial meals” after every worship meeting. Those who join are then giving donations that they have decided in their hearts.
In the last few weeks, the Philippines experienced extraordinary battering of typhoons that killed, displaced and traumatized many people. The church has decided to support ministries that help those most affected. From October 18-25, we are collecting and packing relief goods to be sent to various places in the Philippines. We are looking at ten big boxes of supplies filled with clothing, food items and other basic necessities.
The month is not yet over and we will keep on talking about prayer, missions, giving and personal evangelism. We are exhorting our flock to make missions a part of their daily life. We are also featuring a missionary couple attending our service to give a testimony about the challenges and joys of doing missions.
Click here for the link on the music video of the song, “You Said” on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnai5kc36bs&feature=related
“He (Jesus) told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Luke 10:2, NIV
Friday, October 23, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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GRACE FOR TODAY
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:25-34, NIV).
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FRUITFUL VISIT
Pastor Gani Sison (Chair, IT Leadership Team/CEO, ITP) together with his wife, Edith (IT-East Asia Leader) concluded their trip to Japan on a high note. After spending several days in Nagoya Prefecture, they arrived in Kyoto City on the 21st of September and wasted no time in meeting with International Teams field missionaries and their host churches represented by the churches’ pastors and their wives.
The guests saw first-hand the ministries that the missionaries are engaged in and the potential for growth even as the local pastors pledged to accept more missionaries into their fold. IT-Philippines has sent a couple in Nagoya Prefecture, a family in Kyoto City and two other families in Hyogo Prefecture.
Pastor Gani also preached in the evening service before the AKC International Congregation on September 27 encouraging the believers to look into the future with hope by citing the passage in Jeremiah 29:11 and telling stories of God’ miracles.
The Sisons flew back to Manila on September 29.
CONGRATULATIONS
On September 24th, our dear sister in the Lord, Ampaitepin Singhabhandhu (Thailand) graduated from Kyoto University garnering her PhD. Patroba Odera, Muhannad Fakhoury and I were there to witness the solemn occasion.
SAYONARA
Our short-term missionary, Ken Poon left for the U.S. on October 3 after staying in Japan for six months. He served in various capacities including but not limited to leading English Bible Studies, video production, doing a skit for children and establishing rapport with new contacts. Please pray for Ken as he considers and prepares himself for a career in Missions.
Likewise, Ampaitepin went back to Thailand on September 30 to chart her future. Please pray for wisdom and a powerful witness among her relatives and friends.
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:25-34, NIV).
**********
FRUITFUL VISIT
Pastor Gani Sison (Chair, IT Leadership Team/CEO, ITP) together with his wife, Edith (IT-East Asia Leader) concluded their trip to Japan on a high note. After spending several days in Nagoya Prefecture, they arrived in Kyoto City on the 21st of September and wasted no time in meeting with International Teams field missionaries and their host churches represented by the churches’ pastors and their wives.
The guests saw first-hand the ministries that the missionaries are engaged in and the potential for growth even as the local pastors pledged to accept more missionaries into their fold. IT-Philippines has sent a couple in Nagoya Prefecture, a family in Kyoto City and two other families in Hyogo Prefecture.
Pastor Gani also preached in the evening service before the AKC International Congregation on September 27 encouraging the believers to look into the future with hope by citing the passage in Jeremiah 29:11 and telling stories of God’ miracles.
The Sisons flew back to Manila on September 29.
CONGRATULATIONS
On September 24th, our dear sister in the Lord, Ampaitepin Singhabhandhu (Thailand) graduated from Kyoto University garnering her PhD. Patroba Odera, Muhannad Fakhoury and I were there to witness the solemn occasion.
SAYONARA
Our short-term missionary, Ken Poon left for the U.S. on October 3 after staying in Japan for six months. He served in various capacities including but not limited to leading English Bible Studies, video production, doing a skit for children and establishing rapport with new contacts. Please pray for Ken as he considers and prepares himself for a career in Missions.
Likewise, Ampaitepin went back to Thailand on September 30 to chart her future. Please pray for wisdom and a powerful witness among her relatives and friends.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
In Case You Missed It
A Summer to Remember
It is a bit disconcerting to write this blog quite belatedly. However, as the title goes, I literally have to remember some of the details to write this narrative.
Some two weeks ago we did something in the international service that we don’t usually do (never done it under my watch to be specific): a party prior to a worship service! In the church garden!
Well, it’s the last Sunday of August and we wanted to approach the coming month with a bang. Actually, it’s Keiko-sensei’s idea that we do the program outside the church sanctuary. The weather that week was unpredictable with the possibility of rain. I was skeptical at first, but later gave in to her suggestion. The rest is history.
The program started with a prayer, some songs and games. Who says that Christians don’t know how to enjoy some fun? It’s laugh-out-loud for everyone with every move and antics recorded on video for future reference and for posterity’s sake.
Imagine yourself with a pack of “hungry” (read: modest) people ready to devour (read: first-come-first-serve) every bit that jumps from the grill. Meat, vegetable and seafood are in abundance to whet everyone’s appetite. The scent of kimono-clad women is replaced by the tinge of barbecue. I surmise that the most popular drink that night was mugicha (barley tea) although other non-alcoholic drinks were also available. To top it all, there was kakigori (flavored shaved-ice) for everyone to enjoy.
As the sun finally rested its eyes to sleep, we proceeded to the second part of the program, which was solemn and worshipful. My wife, Jo Ann, led the singing and Cerrone rendered a special song, characteristic of his soulful style. Trey Rowzie shared his heart-warming testimony of how he received God’s grace during his wondering and wandering years before Christ found him. Moreover, for the sermonette I delivered that evening, it was all about the lighter side of Jesus’ life on earth entitled, “What Else Did Jesus Do?”
It’s important to note here that fellow missionary Hayato Fukui did a great job of translating all the proceedings of the program. His spirited and meaningful expressions are truly remarkable. Likewise, all who volunteered to make the said event a success deserve a real kudos. Some 94 people graced the occasion.
Kindly check the other link in the church website to see some of the photos.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Summer to Remember
This is an invitation to everyone to join us for an evening of fun and fellowship on August 30th. It's a barbecue party with a minimal cost of 300 yen per participant. Program starts at 5PM and the ladies are encouraged to wear their summer kimono. Should you need one for the occasion, please don't hesitate to contact us so that we can make arrangements for you.
PASTOR KEIKO - 075-311-5193
JO ANN - 090-1903-1226
PASTOR KEIKO - 075-311-5193
JO ANN - 090-1903-1226
Monday, July 6, 2009
Summer Picnic
Dear One and all,
I hope that you are having a great day with Jesus!
As you know, summer is just around the corner. I suppose many people are busy planning their trips or simply taking it slowly, thinking on how to spend some of their spare time. Let me offer you something to look forward to and probably, squeeze in to your schedule.
EVENT: Summer Picnic
PLACE: Takaragaike Park (Located at the back of Kyoto International Conference Center)
DATE/TIME: 18 July 2009, Saturday (From 10:00AM to 15:00PM)
THINGS TO BRING: FOOD, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks (and lots of it if you want to share); board GAMES, card games and Frisbees, if you have any; sun-block lotion, if you’re not in the mood for a tan; Bible; CASH, if you want to buy from the only two available shops (selling taco and takoyaki) inside the park grounds or if you want to use the floating devices on the lake
ACCESS: Take a subway train (Karasuma Line) that runs from north to south of Kyoto City. Get off at Kokusaikaikan Station (end of the line to the North) otherwise known as the Kyoto International Conference Center Station. As you exit the ticket gate, follow the signs to EXIT 5 leading to the park. We will wait for you right there by the soda vending machines.
Please come on time. Make plans to arrive before or at 9:45AM. Spots that we can use as a group are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We will walk together to the designated place.
FAQs:
1. Can I invite or bring along some of my friends? Yes. They are all welcome. The more the merrier.
2. Can I swim in the lake? I did not ask when I went there. My hunch is you cannot. I saw some ducks and fishes, but the water is not inviting for a right thinking human being.
3. What if I cannot come as early as 9:45AM? Just give us a call and we will figure things out together. Remember, it takes a while to walk and pick someone from the station and back to the park. It’s a good exercise though.
4. What if it rains? Please bring an umbrella. We will push through as scheduled, especially if it’s just a trickle or a cloudy day. If it’s a stormy weather, then we will cancel it.
CONTACT INFO: Pastor Joseph Ricohermoso (080-5029-2540); Sister Jo Ann (090-1903-1226); Leena/Hayato Fukui (080-3139-4164); Assembly Kyoto Church – 075-311-5193 (c/o Pastor Keiko Murakami).
LINKS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFH0uDRLYOQ
http://www.kyoto-minpo.net/archives/2009/04/08/post_5599.php
Thank you very much for patiently reading this blog. I hope you could make it and have fun with us. I’m longing to hear from you to say, “YES, I’M COMING.” Or, to hit the reply button to say, “COUNT ME IN.”
Pastor Joseph
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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