Dessert

We had a wonderful evening with our guest, Noriko, who is visiting from Japan.  Noriko is in the States to spend time with churches in the Midwest Conference before going to the women's conference, Triennial, in Washington, DC.  Noriko shared her testimony with us.  While she doesn't feel her English is adequate, we were all able to understand her perfectly.  It takes a lot of courage to come to a new place and share the most important story in your life in your second language!  We are amazed at what God has been doing in her life and the life of the church in Japan!

Noriko shared with us that about 1% of Japanese people claim to be Christians.  She and her husband were called to be pastors at Shonandai Christ Church in Japan several years ago.  Their church was recently able to move from their current location and buy a piece of land in a nearby community with no church presence.  Before Noriko left Japan they moved our of their current parsonage and into a rented apartment.  Their new church will be built over the next few months!  We are so happy that Noriko will be here for a few weeks and hope that she will be able to replenish during her time here. 

Raise the Flag is a part of the mission of the National Covenant Women's Ministries to bring women from around the world to their national conference, Triennial, that occurs every 3 years.  Midwest Conference has been raising money to pay for Noriko's trip and conference cost. We have such generous hearts in our congregation.  We were thrilled to raise $200 for Raise the Flag.  The proceeds will go directly towards the cost of Noriko's trip.  We appreciated the almost 20 women who were able to participate in this informal dessert!  Thank you!