2010 Spring(1)
2010.04.24 TGIS Blog (Posted by Wayne)
Icebreak
Colin had another great game called "Which Do You Like Better". He would ask "Do you like Coca Cola better or Pepsi better?" and questions like this. People would either stay on
his right or left according to the category. At times it was 50-50 and at times the whole
group would like a certain thing. It was all non-threatening and fun. And as
Colin said, we could find out what people liked in life.
Worship
We sang two lively songs.
- My Redeemer Lives by Hillsong
- Lord, You Are Good by Israel Houghto
Then 3rd song was the much slower for worship unto God
- There Is None Like You by Lenny LeBlanc
And the ending worship was
- Mighty To Save by Hillsong
- My Redeemer Lives by Hillsong
- Lord, You Are Good by Israel Houghto
Then 3rd song was the much slower for worship unto God
- There Is None Like You by Lenny LeBlanc
And the ending worship was
- Mighty To Save by Hillsong
Testimony: Colin
Colin shared as a little boy how he wanted to be a
military or civilian jet pilot and fly the Boeing 747. His family advised him that he go to college first and then he can pursue his dream. Well, he finished
college and got into the US Air Force, but he failed the pilot test because of
bad eye sight. He then went to be a missle launcher, where at any time if
the president of the USA gave the order he would have to push the
button and send an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) or nuclear warheads to
another country, causing a big war. But he failed that
physical exam and became a purchasing contractor instead.
On one flight home to Okinawa, he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at 37,000 feet high and on the same Boeing 747, the plane he wanted to pilot as a small kid. God had His hand on Colin all his life and now he encourages everyone to look to Jesus as He is the one who can fulfill your dreams.
On one flight home to Okinawa, he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at 37,000 feet high and on the same Boeing 747, the plane he wanted to pilot as a small kid. God had His hand on Colin all his life and now he encourages everyone to look to Jesus as He is the one who can fulfill your dreams.
Message
Pastor Elmer shared on Acts 17: 16, 22, 23. He talked about
Athens the famous places of Greece. Athens had beautiful
buildings, but the Greeks worshiped many idols just like in Japan.
In verse 22 Paul mentioned that the Greeks were
religious and even had a plaque dedicated to the unknown god. Who was he?
Nobody knows, that's why he's unknown.
Take for instance Japan, it has many gods and idols. But who is the first god in Japan? The Sun Goddess of Shintoism was considered to be the first. But before Buddhism or Shinto there was one god whom the Assyrians brought to ancient Japan and this god lines up with the Bible God the creator or heaven and earth. Then Pastor Elmer talked about the Edinburgh meeting and how he found out that before the Franciscan monks with Xavier were not the first Christians but some Assyrian Christians preached Jesus and he is the true God of Japan as Pastor Daniel Kikawa researched this from Hawaii.
So the true and original god of Japan is Almighty God of the Bible. Then Pastor Elmer showed us slides of a place in Mita, Tokyo where about 200 Christians were martyed (burnt to death) in this gateway to Edo in the 16th century. There is a beautiful park with a giant stone and a small monument and plaque. There a 60 other places of these martyed sites right here in Tokyo.
Take for instance Japan, it has many gods and idols. But who is the first god in Japan? The Sun Goddess of Shintoism was considered to be the first. But before Buddhism or Shinto there was one god whom the Assyrians brought to ancient Japan and this god lines up with the Bible God the creator or heaven and earth. Then Pastor Elmer talked about the Edinburgh meeting and how he found out that before the Franciscan monks with Xavier were not the first Christians but some Assyrian Christians preached Jesus and he is the true God of Japan as Pastor Daniel Kikawa researched this from Hawaii.
So the true and original god of Japan is Almighty God of the Bible. Then Pastor Elmer showed us slides of a place in Mita, Tokyo where about 200 Christians were martyed (burnt to death) in this gateway to Edo in the 16th century. There is a beautiful park with a giant stone and a small monument and plaque. There a 60 other places of these martyed sites right here in Tokyo.
Refreshments
We had a nice time of chips, chocolates, tea, and juice.
Everyone was having such a good time that when pastor ended the fellowship time
it was already 5:20 pm. Time flies when you're having fun!
Hello, people! Welcome to TGIS!!! (Posted by Ritsu)We had a 6 new comers this week! Its always fun to meet new people!!!
English class
We made 2 small groups because it gave us more chance to practice speak English.
Ice breaker
Thanks to Colin that he led us in such an interesting ice breaker! I am impressed that he is not just only good at playing the Ukulele!) Do you want to know what we did? Well, we used different kind of chocolate to give us chance to share story with others. What is your dream Job? Favorite memory? By the end of the game, we got to learn a little bit about each other. Some of the stories were surprising and fun. Today's ice breaking activity was fantastic! We want do this again plus we want to eat the chocolates again too~~~
WorshipThank you Ronnie for leading worship AND today was my first time to navigate the Powerpoint slides. I was so nervous at the start but soon I was relaxed because Ronnie would come over and help me if I pressed the WRONG button. (Phew! No accident thank you Lord!)
Message
Thank you for Wayne giving us a message and talking about his experience. Whenever we feel our life stuck like in a jail, then we should praise and worship sing to the Lord. God will let us out from jail like how He freed Paul and Silas and He will release us too, set us free!!! And we'll have peace in our heart! Do you want to have a peace in your heart? It's up to you!
And last part of TGIS!!!
Refreshment
Enjoyed talking and drinking coffee and munching snacks! (oh, careful. You might get fat!) But I need energy to carry on for a week until next TGIS! I always charge up on Sat and Sunday! This is how it is like with most of Christians, who walk with Jesus!
And here is a picture of us Kiwis~~~ =P
And after TGIS, Colin is teaching Maru how to play the Ukelele~~ Come join if you like
Have a good week!
And after TGIS, Colin is teaching Maru how to play the Ukelele~~ Come join if you likeHave a good week!
Thanks!!! (Posted by Ritsu)
WARM UP
During the English Conversation activity today, Colin, who just arrived from Okinawa, asked us "Do you know how can we tell the difference the real Japanese or Japanese Hawaiian?" We didn't know. The answer was
"Real Japanese bows, but the Hawaiian Japanese nod their faces." (It's so true!!!)
Each time Colin visits us, he gives us a good laugh! He is such a funny guy.
As for Ice Break, Wayne prepared a very good quiz game. We were all excited about which team is going to win. Red team? or Blue team?
After the ice break, Kanako shared her testimony about Jesus to her friend. At first her friend didn't want to listen but her friend's heart got softened so she listened to what Kanako spoke. (Praise the Lord!)
WORSHIP
Colin led the worship today. (Pastor Elmer joked that he himself is a Hawaiian but who can't play Ukulele, but Colin is the "Real Hawaiian man" who can play Ukulele.)
When I heard this, I thought to myself. I can't pray Shamisen, so that means I'm fake Japanese! Yes, I am!!!
MESSAGE
We watched a DVD about this Professor Howard Storm who had a serious case of stomachache and passed out in the hospital. He saw his body in the ER then followed these people and voices down the corridors for miles. They started to pull at him and bite him. He felt as if he was in a kind of hell. Then he called out to Jesus and Jesus talked and comforted him. He was then sent back to earth. That's his story. God bless.
REFRESHMENTS
Robert got us some nice and soft beef jerky and Colin brought us Cashew nut chocolate. They were so yummy! We were totally spoiled by American products today!
Here is a photo of us with the HAWAIIAN POSE~
WARM UP
During the English Conversation activity today, Colin, who just arrived from Okinawa, asked us "Do you know how can we tell the difference the real Japanese or Japanese Hawaiian?" We didn't know. The answer was
"Real Japanese bows, but the Hawaiian Japanese nod their faces." (It's so true!!!)
Each time Colin visits us, he gives us a good laugh! He is such a funny guy.
As for Ice Break, Wayne prepared a very good quiz game. We were all excited about which team is going to win. Red team? or Blue team?
After the ice break, Kanako shared her testimony about Jesus to her friend. At first her friend didn't want to listen but her friend's heart got softened so she listened to what Kanako spoke. (Praise the Lord!)
WORSHIP
Colin led the worship today. (Pastor Elmer joked that he himself is a Hawaiian but who can't play Ukulele, but Colin is the "Real Hawaiian man" who can play Ukulele.)
When I heard this, I thought to myself. I can't pray Shamisen, so that means I'm fake Japanese! Yes, I am!!!
MESSAGE
We watched a DVD about this Professor Howard Storm who had a serious case of stomachache and passed out in the hospital. He saw his body in the ER then followed these people and voices down the corridors for miles. They started to pull at him and bite him. He felt as if he was in a kind of hell. Then he called out to Jesus and Jesus talked and comforted him. He was then sent back to earth. That's his story. God bless.
REFRESHMENTS
Robert got us some nice and soft beef jerky and Colin brought us Cashew nut chocolate. They were so yummy! We were totally spoiled by American products today!
Here is a photo of us with the HAWAIIAN POSE~
Heart of Thanksgiving (Posted by Ronnie)
Thank God for another great TGIS service last week.
Ritsu introduced a new Ice Break activity. She gave each of us a postcard with balloons drawn on it. We wrote our name on our postcard and then we passed it around. When we received someone else's postcard, we would fill a ballon with words describing something good about the person.
This activity was encouraging and motivating~~~ Hee Hee, here is a snapshot.
Message
This week, Pastor Elmer shared a message about "Heart of Thanksgiving". He first started the message by asking each of us if we grumbled anytime this past week. Each person shared something, and I gave the example of how I grumbled about how the ramen I had for lunch had too few toppings.
Pastor Elmer went on to talk about the Exodus and how the Israelites grumbled all the way when they traveled across the desert of Sinai. One case was that they grumbled about having no water, and grumbled even more later when they found water, but it was bitter water. Moses pleaded with God and God gave him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water and the water became sweet. (Exodus 15:25)
Pastor Elmer mentioned that whenever wood is used in the Bible, it usually symbolizes the cross of Jesus Christ. Like bitter water, bitterness swells up in our heart when we worry and grumble, so we need to have Jesus in our heart and transform this bitterness to sweet joy and peace. Whenever we do not know an answer and cannot find a solution, instead of grumbling, we need to look to the cross and seek the Lord's help, for He came to redeem us from our sins and curses. (Galatians 3:13)
Thank God for another great TGIS service last week.
Ritsu introduced a new Ice Break activity. She gave each of us a postcard with balloons drawn on it. We wrote our name on our postcard and then we passed it around. When we received someone else's postcard, we would fill a ballon with words describing something good about the person.
This activity was encouraging and motivating~~~ Hee Hee, here is a snapshot.
MessageThis week, Pastor Elmer shared a message about "Heart of Thanksgiving". He first started the message by asking each of us if we grumbled anytime this past week. Each person shared something, and I gave the example of how I grumbled about how the ramen I had for lunch had too few toppings.
Pastor Elmer went on to talk about the Exodus and how the Israelites grumbled all the way when they traveled across the desert of Sinai. One case was that they grumbled about having no water, and grumbled even more later when they found water, but it was bitter water. Moses pleaded with God and God gave him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water and the water became sweet. (Exodus 15:25)
Pastor Elmer mentioned that whenever wood is used in the Bible, it usually symbolizes the cross of Jesus Christ. Like bitter water, bitterness swells up in our heart when we worry and grumble, so we need to have Jesus in our heart and transform this bitterness to sweet joy and peace. Whenever we do not know an answer and cannot find a solution, instead of grumbling, we need to look to the cross and seek the Lord's help, for He came to redeem us from our sins and curses. (Galatians 3:13)
Snack Time!!!
White Day Special!!!
Wayne were very thoughtful to prepare White Day gifts for the ladies at TGIS.
Special Thanks to Takanori, who helped out with the slides today. He will be leaving Tokyo next month to study medicine in Okinawa. Six long years before he may return to Shalom again. We will miss you Takanori!!!
Today's special treat is Banana chips!
White Day Special!!!Wayne were very thoughtful to prepare White Day gifts for the ladies at TGIS.
Special Thanks to Takanori, who helped out with the slides today. He will be leaving Tokyo next month to study medicine in Okinawa. Six long years before he may return to Shalom again. We will miss you Takanori!!!
Helping People in the Right Way (Posted by Ronnie)
Ice Break Time
This week, I was in charge of the ice break activity. I passed out paper slips for everyone to write one or two hints about the dream place they wish to visit.
Someone wanted to go to the Fiji islands, someone wanted to go to Hokkaido, someone wanted to go to the land of smiles, Thailand. It was fun to find out where each person wants to have their dream vacation.
Testimony by Wayne
Last week, Wayne emailed us a prayer request to ask us to pray for his mom. His mom was very ill and the doctors didn't give her much to go on. She had cyst on her liver and that's blocking the circulation in her body. Wayne and each one of us prayed for a miracle and God has given it! Wayne's mom's condition has gotten much better and up and walking. Thank God for healing her mom.
Testimony by Sou
Sou, age 20, returned to Japan last year, and came to Shalom church. Before that, he was studying in New York for seven years. He did not graduate from the high school over there, so he was searching for a school to attend in Japan. However, it seemed difficult for him to go to regular Japanese High School since his level would not catch up with the local curriculum. However, God guided him to Shinjuku Shalom church and he became the first student at Shalom's church Best Life School. Here, he received the education he need to pass the high school level exam last Nov, and just last month, he received the good news that he got accepted to the university he wanted. Thank God for Sou and his service at TGIS.
Message Time
Today, after introducing his new, ultra-light Bible contained in his IPHONE, Pastor Elmer gave the message about how people can help someone the right way and the wrong way. He talked about the book of Job.
When Job was struck with boils and grieving over the death of his children, Job's three good friends came over to sympathize with him and comfort him.
Job 2:12-13
12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognise him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.
Ice Break Time
This week, I was in charge of the ice break activity. I passed out paper slips for everyone to write one or two hints about the dream place they wish to visit.
Someone wanted to go to the Fiji islands, someone wanted to go to Hokkaido, someone wanted to go to the land of smiles, Thailand. It was fun to find out where each person wants to have their dream vacation.
Testimony by Wayne
Last week, Wayne emailed us a prayer request to ask us to pray for his mom. His mom was very ill and the doctors didn't give her much to go on. She had cyst on her liver and that's blocking the circulation in her body. Wayne and each one of us prayed for a miracle and God has given it! Wayne's mom's condition has gotten much better and up and walking. Thank God for healing her mom.
Testimony by Sou Sou, age 20, returned to Japan last year, and came to Shalom church. Before that, he was studying in New York for seven years. He did not graduate from the high school over there, so he was searching for a school to attend in Japan. However, it seemed difficult for him to go to regular Japanese High School since his level would not catch up with the local curriculum. However, God guided him to Shinjuku Shalom church and he became the first student at Shalom's church Best Life School. Here, he received the education he need to pass the high school level exam last Nov, and just last month, he received the good news that he got accepted to the university he wanted. Thank God for Sou and his service at TGIS.
Message Time
Today, after introducing his new, ultra-light Bible contained in his IPHONE, Pastor Elmer gave the message about how people can help someone the right way and the wrong way. He talked about the book of Job.
When Job was struck with boils and grieving over the death of his children, Job's three good friends came over to sympathize with him and comfort him.
Job 2:12-13
12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognise him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.
13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No-one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.
This is the right way to comfort a friend who is in pain. However, for the rest of the book of Job, for about thirty chapters, Job's three friends helped him in the wrong way. They judged Job, condemned him for bringing all these disasters upon himself, and they only made Job more indignant and self-justifying. However, in chapter 32, Elihu, a younger person, came out to point out Job's wrongs. Elihu was saying quite the similar things as the other three friends of Job, but one thing was different. Elihu spoke in a way that directed Job's attention and focus to God, leading Job to repentance.
The point of today's message is that when we try to help people, we should help them in a way that leads them to God, that allows them learn about the love and grace of God, and learn about how He can help us out of any problems. When we give advices our friends, we should base it on biblical scriptures and principles. Finally, always pray for your friends.
Worship and Praise Time
Here is a picture of today's worship time.
Finally, we finish the service with SNACK TIME!
A dear sister went hiking in Mt. Narita and she brought us castella and peanuts monaka. Yeahhhhh~~~~
Come and join us next week for a bunch of fun~ God Bless You ~
What Happened Today? (Posted by Ronnie)
Ice Break Time
*Since a dear brother in charge of the PowerPoint slides may be running a little late today, Pastor Elmer decided we may have to prolong the icebreak time until the ice MELTS.
We played PICTIONARY! The topics were animal and Winter Olympics!
Testimony by Robert
Robert shared how a miracle occurred and brought the grandson of a dear friend back to life when they prayed. The grandson drank a bottle of rubbing alcohol attempting for suicide and was sent to the hospital with the kidney intoxicated and losing nearly 90% of its function. When Robert and his friend prayed together for this boy after a meeting, the boy's life pulse miraculously revived and surprised the entire medical crew. Hallelujah!!!
Message Time
Wayne shared the message on the three "right" sacrifices which are pleasing to God.
1. A Humble Heart Of Repentance
Psalm 51:16-17
16 You don't take delight in sacrifice.
If you did, I would bring it.
You don't take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The greatest sacrifice you want is a broken spirit.
God, you will gladly accept a heart
that is broken because of sadness over sin.
2. Praise From Our Heart
Hebrews 15:13
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer
to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
3. Our Body As Righteous Instruments
Romans 6:13
13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin,
as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer
yourselves to God, as those who have been
brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body
to him as instruments of righteousness.
Lastly but not the least: SNACK TIME!
DOUBLE FUDGE!
Ice Break Time
*Since a dear brother in charge of the PowerPoint slides may be running a little late today, Pastor Elmer decided we may have to prolong the icebreak time until the ice MELTS.
We played PICTIONARY! The topics were animal and Winter Olympics!
Testimony by Robert
Robert shared how a miracle occurred and brought the grandson of a dear friend back to life when they prayed. The grandson drank a bottle of rubbing alcohol attempting for suicide and was sent to the hospital with the kidney intoxicated and losing nearly 90% of its function. When Robert and his friend prayed together for this boy after a meeting, the boy's life pulse miraculously revived and surprised the entire medical crew. Hallelujah!!!
Message Time
Wayne shared the message on the three "right" sacrifices which are pleasing to God.
1. A Humble Heart Of RepentancePsalm 51:16-17
16 You don't take delight in sacrifice.
If you did, I would bring it.
You don't take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The greatest sacrifice you want is a broken spirit.
God, you will gladly accept a heart
that is broken because of sadness over sin.
2. Praise From Our Heart
Hebrews 15:13
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer
to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
3. Our Body As Righteous Instruments
Romans 6:13
13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin,
as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer
yourselves to God, as those who have been
brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body
to him as instruments of righteousness.
Lastly but not the least: SNACK TIME!
Robert brought some SPAM for each of us.
Thank you so much! I can't remember the last time I had these.
Thank you so much! I can't remember the last time I had these.
DOUBLE FUDGE!
This is the dear bro who was almost late...
Haha, look at his innocent face. Let's forgive him~
Haha, look at his innocent face. Let's forgive him~