SMT Japan – Update #2

For our second week in Japan, we had our first day off. On that day we met up with Jamison Taube, a friend some of us know from the US who now lives in Japan. He showed us the quiet yet beautiful city of Chiba. We also visited a beautiful park and a shrine nearby. On Tuesday we have the pleasure being at the Shibuya Corps where we helped set up for the kids festival on Sunday. On Wednesday, we led an oasis meeting in the afternoon that started in 2011 when the tsunami hit Japan when the neighborhood was seeking to build community. Every meeting begins with the simple phrase, “Welcome home”. It was nice to see how important the Kanda corps values staying faithful to their oasis meetings 7 years later. Afterwards, we took part in a Tai chi class led by a retired officer. The variety of programs offered to the aging population in Japan is one way the Salvation Army is using to make their name more well-known. On Thursday, we went to the Suginami Corps where we participated in the over 60s club. We led a few songs, presented skits, and performed our SMT dance. Afterward we had a time of fellowship where we learned more about some older corps members and we learned the art of traditional tea making. With some time left, we got to explore the city of Odaiba. On Friday, we went to THQ for an open air meeting where we marched around the street of Tokyo with a band and timbrels. After the open air we had the privilege to attend the cadets summer assignment meeting. On Saturday, we went to the Omori Corps. We helped with a kids program alongside the TYS. There were only three girls but it taught us that every person is important and loved by God. We sang silly songs as well as played games. Then we had an ice cream sundae party. On Sunday, we got up early to help pass out bento boxes to the homeless at the Shibuya Corps. We also got to take part of their holiness meeting by presenting a testimony and special music. In the afternoon, we participated in the kids festival by doing crafts, games, and snack. About 200 people showed up. After cleaning up, we helped set up for a Corps member’s wedding. We are doing well and appreciate all the prayers.
From Team Japan -Justin, Stephen, Lyndsey, Kaleigh, Mai Khou, Makoto, & Aika