Quite a day

Today was the day of the Hiragishi Family Christmas - the first time we have ever held such an event here since the church started last year. We had no idea how many to expect and thought we would do really well to reach 50. We began to hand out invites and to give us some idea of numbers, we asked people if they could let us know if they planned to come. Numbers began to creep up. However, it was still quite amazing to welcome 93 people this morning - 73 children and 20 adults. One of our team was sick and couldn't be there so we were really stretched. We wondered about the weather as the forecast was for high winds and rain just at the time people arrived. We were praying about it and the rain stayed off till the right time. It was great to see many children we know (and parents too) as well as others we don't know. They listened well, joined in with singing a Christmas song, had great fun with the games and it was really a delight to have time with them. Most of those there have probably never before heard what Christmas is all about. Great as it was to have all these folks there, this is just the beginning. Some have now come to two or three events we have held. We long for some of those to move on and express interest in learning more about Jesus. That is the challenge for us now - to pray for fruit. And as a church here to pray regularly for these families and children that we had the privilege of welcoming to our Family Christmas. God is at work in Hiragishi and it's exciting to be a part of it.