Clothing tip for churches

This comes from Elaine regarding Kinomoto, but could well apply to the other 2 churches we visit:

For people taking part in the service it is better to wear slacks than jeans. The girls don't have to wear skirts. All the ladies here will be in slacks by then, as it will be cold. Also for the girls, they should make sure their tops come down well over their jeans or slacks so that their bare skin doesn't show when they bend over! Also no plunging necklines - even seen beneath a scarf, etc.

What not to wear - Kinomoto, Biwako

Here's some tips from Elaine - this is most relevant to our last week (the coldest and the least well heated inside buildings):

Don't forget to have some thick socks for wearing in the house (without shoes).

I don't know how it will be in Tokyo, but in this area, houses don't usually have central heating. We use kero heaters, which don't warm the room a great deal, so you will need to be warmly clad inside the house. You will also need warm wind-proof pants to wear over your jeans for when we are outside. If you haven't got anything, you might be able to pick someting up in Tokyo - the same goes for socks. You may not have time to go shopping once you get to Kinomoto.

I don't know if she really means 'under your jeans' rather than 'over'. Here's hoping.

Newsletter snapshot

Here's what Shuichi and Elaine are telling their supporters about us!

Student Mission Trip (8 students plus leader)

We are looking forward to the visit of a group of students from Newcastle, who are eager to help us in our local outreach. They will be with us from 19th December till 24th. Their visit to us is just a part of a wider mission trip outside WEC to other parts of Japan, and has been made possible because several of our friends have been willing to give hospitality, anticipating a chance to practice their English!

Although this is still several weeks away yet, the time will fly by, and we will not be putting out another news letter before they come. We would appreciate prayer for the following:

1. Good relationships in the “home-stays” (they are all non-Christian) with natural opportunities to share testimony.

2. Good relationships among the team members and with ourselves – the Lord blesses unity!

3. A lasting effect in people’s lives from the outreach events: possible community service on Saturday (20^th); special Christmas presentations on Sunday morning (21^st) and on Tuesday (23^rd )which is a public holiday; caroling outside local shops on Sunday afternoon/evening (21^st); village literature distribution on Monday (22^nd).

4. Good attendance at all events, and good weather (it will be winter!)

5. Good participation by the Christians, especially for the caroling.

6. Freedom from colds and flu for all concerned, including those we hope to invite.

From Shuichi and Elaine

Here are some cool things from the church in Kinomoto, Biwako (our final week):

Shuichi says:

Dear Dene,

Time to work for God's Kngdom together is drawing near!! Within two months, you and the team of students will be in Kinomoto!! Please give warm regards to all the students in the team.

.

At the time of this financial crisis we are grateful for your sacrificial mission trip for the Japanese people. We pray God will bless your ministry in Japan.

We are eagerly looking forward to seeing you. ! God bless you richly.

Shuichi Kitamura.

Elaine says:

Internet usage: we are hoping to get our PC set up so that you can use it for email. Can't promise, but hoping! There are no Internet cafes near here as far as we have been able to find out so far.

Things to bring: It is good to have some photos, as it is a good talking point with the host families. Prints in a small album are best. Things like the student's family, the uni surrounds, church, Australian life and scenes, etc are all of interest.

We have two guitars (classical).