Hello there.
With no updates for two months, I think I should tell you what I am up to.
A few things have changed since I came over here, and it's quite heard to know where to start.
To be honest, if it was up to me, I would have packed my bags and gone back to UK ages ago, as it's been quite tough.
It seems the church hadn't checked with the denomination(Kassui no Mure) about having me work at there church, and it was presented to the counsel a week after I arrived. On hearing about me, the denomination requested that I study at there Bible College for 18 month before I work with the church. As the church counsel wont to get to know me and work with me, my placement during the course will be at Hiratsuka church.
The denomination and the church combined together will provide a flat for a small fee, and monthly allowance and free tuition. Once the 18 month is over, the denomination will accept me as a worker.
At first when I heard this I was taken aback as it was quite different to what I had expected. But as I was feeling a “Cultural Shock” especially with the difference between British and Japanese churches, I felt it will be a good time of preparation, and therefore I have taken up the offer to study there for this period.
Many of the subjects I will be studying, I have already studied at the Faith Mission, but it will be beneficial simply because I will get to learn the difference caused by the Cultural difference, and hopefully get to know the Japanese perspective to different matters.
As I came here with hope to do mission work, the 18 month wait is quite disappointing, but I hope I will have the opportunity to help the church during this period too.
As for the actual mission work, I am involved in a Children's club held every other Saturday, youth group once a month, a bible study group every Tuesday and attending prayer meetings on Wednesday and church on Sunday.
Monday is my day off, which I use for house work and relaxation, while the other days are quite busy.
Now that I can update from my phone, I hope to upload photos with short messages every now and then!
Thank you again for your prayers, I truly need them, and feel I need them now, more than ever before.
In Him
Tim
