On April 15, 2012, we had Hanami Rehai ("viewing flowers service") in a Fussa-shi, Tokyo park amongst the sakura ("cherry blossoms"). As far as we know it, Haijima UPC is the only church in the world that has a Hanami Rehai. And it is lovely! Matter a fact, the person who installed the internet at my apartment said when invited to the service, "Oh! You are the big church who meets during Hanami in the park?" Haijima UPC is well-known in the community for this gathering, so we thank the Lord for helping us get the Word out.
Our combined English and Japanese service started with worship led by Bro Arai, Bro Lucas, Bro and Sis Yokoyama, Sis Lucas, and Bro Daniel.
Bro Lucas spoke on "Relationships" and how everything God asks of you has to do with your relationship with God and with your neighbors.
One of our sweet Japanese sisters, Sis Ikeda, invited her fellow Kindergarten teachers and 20 came as a result! Praise the Lord!
We had multiple visitors including the Coker family (Apostolic US Navy Chaplain) from Atsugi Naval Air Facility. Below is my new friend, Mio, who came with a couple of our saints from Yokosuka Naval Base. Her English is excellent! She has expressed an interest to come again to church, and we are believing that the Lord will draw her to the Truth.
Being Apostolic also means the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42 - "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers"). Here is just a sample of the international food brought and enjoyed as we fellowshipped in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ.
May News
May 4th through 6th is the 2012 Japan United Pentecostal Church General Conference hosted here in Tokyo. We are blessed to have our UPCI General Superintendent and his wife, David and Connie Bernard, speaking as well as the Asia Regional Director, Lynden & Kathy Shalm. As Superintendent of JUPC, Bro and Sis Lucas will be presiding along with other national leaders. We are excited for what the Lord will continue to do through His church!
Prayer Focus
May 4th, 5th, and 6th will be upon us shortly. If you would, please join me in praying 3 focused points for the Japan General Conference:
- God's will to be done in all business and services
- visitors to be born again or renewed in the Holy Ghost
- continued vision to reach the people of Japan
Kim Hatch
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