AGAPE 2014: thoughts

I just came back from a great adventure and I am overwhelmed with so many thoughts. Being on the mission team was one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I will never forget this trip.

I shared my testimony with the people of the Sakuragaoka Church and I still can't believe I was able to do that. I was scared of what people would think of me, but everybody was so kind afterwards, and God really helped me through the fear of judgement.

I talked to a wonderful lady from Sakuragaoka, and she told me about her struggles with having parents who are against Christianity. Another lady I talked to told me about how the Sakuragaoka Church saved her when she was in the darkest of times.

I went to Yamagata and talk to some people who were affected by the 3/11 disaster. One person told me about how she is still trying her best to live life and things has not been all that easy. I gave her a hug because I felt like she needed it, and then afterwards, she told me she loved hugging people. I'm so glad I was able to hear her story.

We were also able to go to the day care at Yamagata, and my love for being with kids was further strengthened.

Joanne and I were able to talk for many hours about our thoughts and feelings throughout the trip. God really put her in my life for a reason because without her, I would not have been able to pull through some of the things we did at the trip.

Singing "Oceans" with my fellow members was so powerful. I really felt God's presence each time we sang, and I am glad that this song was able to reach out to some people's hearts.

I am so thankful for having such AMAZING people on the team and I love everyone on my team so much. I'm also thankful for everybody that I met in Japan because you all are such an inspiration to me. Even though there are mountains of things to talk about from this trip, these were just a couple of moments that stood out to me.

Thank you God for calling me to be on this mission trip. You are holy, great, and mighty.

That's all for now! Have a lovely rest of the day.

With much love,

Hitomi

BRAVE

WOW. I'm going to Japan today!!! That is so crazy and I can't believe that I am already going on my first mission trip.

I am very excited but also very nervous for this whole thing. Even though I am worried about the trip, I am going to be brave and try my best to serve God with all my heart.

I look forward to meeting the people in Japan and I look forward to growing as a follower of Christ.

Please pray for our safety and our health!


Song recommendation of the month: Brave by Moriah Peters

link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxiRREfpd4g

That's all for now! Have a lovely rest of the day.

With much love,

Hitomi

Thoughts on Orientation and upcoming Mission Trip

Hi everybody!

I just wanted to write up a couple of things that has been on my mind recently.

I came back from my college freshman orientation a couple of days ago, and I feel very good about everything that happened there. Even though I was nervous at first, I was able to socialize and have a really great bonding time at the orientation.

Everybody was extremely friendly and everybody had completely different backgrounds. God made people so beautiful and interesting. I am so excited to meet more lovely people during my college years.

Of course I'm scared to move onto my next chapter, but I'm also very hopeful for this chapter in my life. This is a crucial time to really trust God and think about how I want to live my everyday being apart from my family.

Another thing that has been on my mind is the mission trip. I will be going pretty soon and I am more excited than nervous about it. I am so happy to be able to serve God with such wonderful team members. I only hope that I will be useful under God's eyes during the trip!

That's all for now! Have a lovely rest of the day.

With much love,

Hitomi

Japan Mission Trip Applications

We are still looking for high school and college students at Peninsula who are interested in being a part of the mission team that goes to Japan this summer. Scroll down to see the requirements and application questions, or go to http://www.peninsulafmc.org/youth/Japan_Mission_Trip.html.

Applications are due March 14th!

Japan Mission Trip 2010

We are now accepting applications for the Japan Mission Trip 2010 team. We're looking for youth attending PFMC who are interested in a short term mission trip to Japan. Team members are expected to actively participate in activities supporting the ministries at Tokyo Free Methodist Koganei Church, including a children's VBS program, summer youth retreat, and worship services. Ability to speak or understand Japanese is not required--only the willingness to serve and work together as a team, representing Christ and Peninsula Free Methodist Church.

The exact dates are not finalized but will be around July 27 - August 9, 2010.

Requirements:

- Current high school or college student.

- Baptized or will be baptized before July 2010.

- Regularly attend Peninsula Free Methodist Church services or youth group.

- Available for team meetings before and after the mission trip.

- Have a valid passport.

- Have a heart and passion for serving Japanese children and teenagers.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE IN-PERSON OR THROUGH EMAIL TO SATOMI FUJIKAWA (satomi82@yahoo.com) BY MARCH 14, 2010.

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Name:

Birthdate:

Current year in school/Grade:

Contact phone number:

1. Have you been baptized?

2. Why do you want to go on this mission trip?

3. What gifts, skills, or experiences do you feel you can contribute on this mission trip?

4. What do you hope to gain from participating in this mission trip?

5. Have you ever been on a mission trip before? If so, how was your experience?

6. Are your parents supportive of you going on this mission trip? If "no," please explain.

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