November 9 Where in Japan are Bob and Chris?

November 9th Pastor Bob and Chris were at Tokyo Lutheran Church on Okubo Dori in an area of Tokyo known as Korea Town according to one of the pastors of the church. Bob and Chris experienced three different and wonderful worship services. The litugy of each was very traditional. The difference was in the congregation who worshipped. The earliest service was a complete Liturgy of the Word for children. It was attended by young families. At this service Pastor Eric Hansen; a young American who has been serving in Japan for about 14 months preached the children's sermon in Japanese! This service was followed by a service of Word and Sacrament for English speakers. Pastor Bob preached and Pastor Eric presided at Holy Communion. The last service of the day is the service in Japanese; the main service for this congregation. Pastor Bob preached and his sermon was translated by Pastor Kazuhiro Sekino. Pastor "Kaz" is a young Japanese pastor with a wonderful command of English. He visited the South Carolina Synod and spent a summer serving the residents of the Lowman Home in Ballentine, SC. After worship Bob and Chris were invited to a reception and lunch with the staff and council of Tokyo Church. During the traditional introductions and sharing Pastor "Kaz" shared his work in South Carolina. Chris made the connection that he is the same "special young pastor from Japan" that her mother Irene McCutcheon enjoyed so much some years ago. Mrs McCutcheon, now deceased was particularly pleased with the lantern she was given by Pastor "Kaz". It was a special connection that put a loving bow on a wonderful day of worship and fellowship at Tokyo Lutheran Church. Bob and Chris are looking forward to Bible Study next week at this same church. Pastor Bob will lead a study on Matthew 8:4-14.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben