Where are Bob & Chris in Japan February 15

Bob and Chris were in worship, fellowship and meetings on February 15th beginning bright and early with Matins at Shimizu Lutheran Church in Shimizu-ku Shizuoka City at 7:00 am. It was almost literally just out their back door because they are living in the parsonage behind the church for the next couple of weeks. Matins was followed by English Bible Study at 8:00 am. A group of highly dedicated and motivated students at Shimizu Lutheran Church led by gifted and dedicated teacher Kusaka san read translated and repeated the story of the Raising of Jarius’ Daughter in English. Bob & Chris participated wondering how such rigor might help them if the reading was in Japanese. There was little time to ponder because the second church under the leadership of Akehi sensei had worship services later in the morning. Today the worship at 10:30 am at Oshika Lutheran Church in Shizuoka City included both the congregations of Shimizu and Oshika in a joint celebratory worship. Pastor Akehi preached with attention holding power in his sermon from Mark 2:13-17. This was his second message of the morning, the first at Matins coming from Genesis 19. The 10:30 am sermon was sandwiched between a prelude and postlude of glorious organ music offered by guest organist Mari Oki. Oki san is a student at the prestigious Tokyo University of the Arts in Ueno Park pursuing a Masters Degree in Organ performance. She is a daughter of Oshika Lutheran Church who in April leaves for two years of advanced training in Germany. Her music was concert quality that lifted the spirits of all in worship. Pastor Bob made a point of telling her about the wonderful opportunities to perform on quality instruments in the Lutheran Churches and Schools of South Carolina in the event that God might one day bring her to the United States. He was very impressed by her talent. After worship a fellowship meal combining both church’s members fed bodies that were ready spirit fed from worship. The day was not yet over for Bob and Chris. The cluster of churches in this area invited both to attend their meeting; one of three held each year. After a meeting where the ministry events of the past three months and the upcoming ones of the next three months for the five churches in the area were shared along with good fellowship the day drew to a close for Bob and Chris. Akehi sensei drove them home to Shimizu Lutheran Church parsonage in time for dinner and the end of a wonderful day. Pastor Akehi however would finish his day with one more service back at Oshika Lutheran Church. For Akehi Sense, a hard working faithful pastor of the JELC the day that began with Matins at 7:00 am at Shimizu Lutheran Church would not end until the conclusion of Vespers at 7:00 pm at Oshika Lutheran Church. Then another day of ministry was concluded.

Keep praying,

Zen Ben