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The
cost of this project is about one million American dollars. We have
pledged eleven thousand dollars toward this project with the help of
the Lord. This is quite an undertaking for Japan, Jim and Darla and
even for our pledge support, however, with God all things are
possible. Jim Snipe wrote this about how the Japanese normally have
ground breaking ceremonies.
?In a traditional Japanese ceremony a
Shinto priest is hired to perform the ceremony. In the first part of
the ceremony the ?ground god? is summoned. After the priest pays
respects to the god it is returned to the ground. Then the priest
prays for the safety of the construction workers and to appease the
god, who is about to have the earth around him seriously interfered
with.
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Jim Snipe, Tony & Aoki sensei break ground. |
Sumoto Chapel is filled to capacity for services. |
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A
scythe, pick and shovel are used in the ceremony. Interestingly,
grunting is a an important part of the ceremony as the various
implements are used. The ceremony is completed with a toast of fine
Japanese sake.? (rice wine) Jim writes further: ?Sunday was a very
exciting day for Sumoto Chapel. |
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Darla Snipes prays at the ceremony.
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Our chapel was very full
for the Sunday service. (Tony and Marge blessed the people with
their anointed ministry. Aoki sensei did the interpreting.) We then
went to our new church site for the groundbreaking ceremony.
The site had been
cleaned and about 6 inches (15cm) of clean fill had been spread over
the site. A tent for people had been prepared on the site for the
ceremony. Tony Abram preached and then Tony had Jim Snipe and Aoki
sensei join him with shovels at the same time.
(Tony told us which
end of the shovel to stick in the ground. Everyone laughed.) |
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I
then shared about how God led us to Japan, to Awaji and to the
church site. Tony then prayed for everyone including the workers and
contractor. Then we went from house to house giving a small gift
from the chapel and a picture of the future church with scripture
and an invitation for their children to attend the kindergarten and
for them to come to the church.? Jim further told us the people of
Japan never saw a groundbreaking ceremony like we conducted. Aoki
sensei said that we had brought a new standard to Japan. They have
asked us to return to teach at the Bible College when we can also
lead the dedication of the new church building.
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Marge Abram with Yumiko sensei teaching at the Bible College with
some of the high school joining in to hear Marge teach the Word. |
Computer printout of the future building and grounds |
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One humorous event was that we were invited by the owners of the
Awaji Hotel to have a special dinner. It was very nice except for
some of the raw things.
Marge would place her raw shrimp and squid on my plate when I was
not looking.
The owners are friends of Jim and Darla but as yet not believers.
However, we believe God will save them. |
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The Japanese love to hear Marge sing.
Here she sings with the words
in Japanese on the overhead. |
We led in the dedication of the Good Samaritan Church when it was
completed some years ago in Kawanishi, Osaka, Japan. It is one of
the largest churches in western Japan with its 12 year Christian
School and now Bible College.
They also have planted a number of new
works in Japan. All the ministry was very good in Japan. We know
what success we have is due to the prayers of the saints that carry
us and our ministry with prayer and faith.
Please continue to pray
for us. The Good Samaritan Bible College, though small, is going
well, being the first year of the three year college. |
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The elderly are very happy when Marge comes to minister to them. |
I am the acting
President of the Bible College. All of my lessons this time were on
faith. Marge taught Personal Work and Personal Ministry.
She also
sang in the services and had special meetings with the senior
ladies. They all seemed to love ?Marge sensei,? as they are call
her.
It was good also to see Martha Heimsoth, the growth not only in
her language skills, but also in spiritual and ministry areas of her
life. |
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Here she shares with the ladies
and they share cake and tea with
her. |
Another highlight of
ministry was the ordaining of more workers for the ministry in
Japan.
We are believing that in these last days, God is raising up a
great spiritual army that is going to sweep the islands of Japan.
I
am praying that Japan would become a great exporter of Christian
workers, evangelists and missionaries to the whole world. |
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Aoki sensei, Yumiko sensei, son and mother
we ordained
to the ministry, Marge and Tony stand together after the
ceremony |
I have said many times
that I believe Japan is a key to great revival for Asia along with
Taiwan. We want to continue to be about our Heavenly Father?s
Business.
God bless you and yours is our daily prayer
Martha Heimsoth preaches to youth
(sorry Martha for the picture...) |
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OUR SUPREME TASK IS THE EVANGELISM OF
THE WORLD! LET US BE BUSY ABOUT OUR FATHER?S GOOD BUSINESS! WE
ARE WORKERS TOGETHER WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Mark 16:15 Go ye
into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. |
