Welcome to Adair Update
“The views and opinions expressed in this blog are personal, that of Robert and Roberta Adair and do not necessarily express the view and opinions of Asian Access | SIM, its leadership, or its partners.”
Picture of the Week (May 29)
Picture of the week (May 20th)
Picture of the week
Ukulele joy
A team came from Hawaii for 10 days. Part of what they are doing is going to temporary housing areas and giving ukulele lessons. When I first heard about it, I thought it sounded pretty unusual and difficult. When I tagged along yesterday afternoon, however, I was so impressed and encouraged.
Although they’ve been to other facilities that were bigger and had more people show up, I really enjoyed the time with the 3 people who came. We sang and played along to a traditional Hawaiian song, a traditional Japanese song, and Amazing Grace (in both English and Japanese). We drank tea, talked, and complained about our sore fingers. Yet we were making music together and learning a new but fairly simple instrument (my view: the pre-recorder of stringed instruments).
My favorite part of the visit involved an older lady who apparently used to sing in competitions. When we sang the Japanese song, her eyes got a little red, but she sat up so tall. It was touching, really. I was glad I could witness her beauty, her honor, her joy. (pictured below.)
I think the team is making two more rounds to the four facilities (clusters of temporary houses) next week. I hope that their witness will continue to be one of bringing beauty, giving honor, and beaming joy. (and, golly, I hope I get to tag along again!)
Encouragement on a hard day
Monday was a hard morning for whatever reason. I think I was just having a down day after my first month being back in Japan. Nothing particularly bad had happened, I was just feeling down. Anyway, I checked my e-mail and this picture was posted on my facebook wall. It is one of the guys I knew during my four years in Minamata being baptized last Sunday. I knew he had become more and more involved in the church over the last year but had not heard that he had made a decision of faith. I really felt like it was a sweet gift from God that my friend shared the news of the baptism on the morning I was feeling a little low.
Anyway, I wanted to post this because it is great news. My friend Nanri was baptized and is now plugged into the body in Minamata. I played a small role in being his friend, sharing my faith when I had a chance, and teaching him some english. Our associate pastor, Mamoru, it seems was very influential in his decision of faith. And obvious it was the God who ultimately revealed himself to Nani.
I am thankful that the ministry in Minamata is still bearing fruit and look forward to sharing more stories of people choosing to follow Jesus from both Minamata and Tohoku in the coming years. Please join us in praying for both the church in Minamata and for Nanri as he grows in his faith.