Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 14

This morning was another very early start (5:30am with the bus leaving at 6:00am) so that we could get to Narita Airport in preparation for our flight to Singapore in the first instance. It was quite impressive that a large number of those staying behind got up to see us off.

After getting through the numerous airport processes with all the baggage, as our quota’s were different to our initial flights, due to those remaining in Japan for a few days or more for holidays we waited for our flight.

Bidding farewell to Aika, Nao and Brenda who have been looking out for us on the Japan leg of the tour ~ you’re help and guidance has been awesome and very much appreciated.

After what seemed like forever, especially at that time in the morning we boarded our flight and were on our way.

Upon arriving in Singapore we had approximately a five hour stop over, so we went our separate ways to do a spot of shopping etc. to fill in the time.

Again after quite a while sitting around, we boarded the flight to Auckland for the longest leg of the day. Most of us intending to get some much needed sleep so that we would be able to see the day out in New Zealand when we get there.

Upon arriving in New Zealand we had a very short turnaround before our next flight to Wellington and by the time we got through baggage claim and immigration it became more and more apparent that we wouldn’t make our connecting flight.

Air New Zealand staff after a bit of discussion were very accommodating for us as we were travelling in a large group and had heaps of luggage to book in again (which could have caused a bit of an issue with limits) but they were very hospitable, which was awesome.

Unfortunately one of our party won’t be making it home until tomorrow due to interconnecting flights not working out. All in all by the time most of us get home we would have been on the go for over 36 hours; sitting in planes, airports or getting between terminals. Making for a very long day!

It has been an awesome Mission Trip away in which God has been praised and His Word has been spread far and wide ~ it will be fascinating to hear how the seed germinate and comes to harvest over the next few weeks, months and years.

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Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 13

So today in many regards will draw to a close our tour of Singapore & Japan, as tomorrow is a travel day and we don’t get into Wellington until late morning / noon time the following day New Zealand time.

However, this morning we arose nice and early to get a coach to Toyo-Eiwa School as the concert there started at 9:00am.

After a short introduction from the principal the band kicked in to Thy Matchless King which certainly got the audience going. This was closely followed by The Incredibles and as soon as Olivia sung the first few words of O Mio Babbino Caro she had the crowd mesmerised.

The rest of the concert went by so quickly that in many regards it was a huge shame. As this would draw a close to a successful tour, in which we have definitely captured the hearts and minds of young and old alike; bringing the message of Light to the people of Japan.

Throughout the tour we have each heard amazing stories of transformation and God’s presence with His people, as they respond to both the music and the Word.

It has truly been a blessing not only to us as we have shared our gifts and talents, but also to those that have heard them being played, sung and spoken.

After this concert we were greeted to such a rapturous applause and screaming as we gave out cards, badges and signed books, cards and paper. Especially the younger ones (boys in particular) in the band 😊. It was almost reminiscent of images and early videos of The Beatles.

Afterwards we headed into Kyobashi to do an open air of Christmas Carols in one of the many shopping precincts and then grabbed some lunch.

Over lunch we thanked our hosts, those that had assisted with set-up etc. at each location and of course the organisers of the tour both from Japan and the band. Special thanks obviously for Jim and Rowan for how they have gone about making this tour happen and all the behind the scenes stuff that often goes unnoticed and under appreciated. You have done the band proud and continued to raise the profile of The Salvation Army and ultimately God.

In the afternoon a group of us headed into the Central City to do a spot of shopping and enjoy some much needed down time. Before heading back to the hotel for some much needed sleep for those of us that have got to be checked out by 5:30am.

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Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 12

This morning we had an early start as we need to be on the bus ready to go by 7:30am. This meant that we had breakfast on route to Kiyose Keyaki Hall for this mornings service.

Upon arriving the band set up quickly for a rehearsal with the Junior Band. This was followed by a quick rehearsal with the Japan Staff Band, which is the first time that these bands have actually performed together in the 40 year history that we have with the Japanese Tours.

There was a quick turn around and change so that we were ready to lead the mornings Holiness Meeting. This was another awesome opportunity for me to bring a message to the people of Japan to be Children of the Light, so that others would be drawn to Him.

Some of the songs that featured this morning were; Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, The Candle of the Lord, All to Jesus and the Father’s Blessing along with a few Christmas ones to add into the mix.

All in all it was a fantastic meeting and quite a number of people were moved by the music and the Word. As I mentioned in a previous post, there appears to be a Spiritual Hunger here in Japan that cannot be quenched. And so those that know Christ need to not only be examples, but also share the love that they have experienced with others so that God can be glorified.

After lunch we marched towards Kiyose Station and drew quite a large crowd on route that gathered round as we performed a few numbers enticing people to come back for the concert in the later afternoon.

After marching back to the hall we ran through another rehearsal with the Japan Staff Band so that everyone was comfortable with placements and the pieces.

At 4pm the Japan Staff Band started the afternoon concert off to a packed hall with some rousing pieces and they also included in their section a beautiful vocal arrangement.

I was seated up in the top tier of the house getting a birds eye view of the concert and the sound was amazing. The below image shows how many people had been queuing up for a good 1/2 hr before the concert hall doors were even opened so that they could get the best seats in the house.

After a brief change over the Wellington Citadel Band kicked into proceedings with Phoenix followed by three solo’s; My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose featuring Eva, Concerto for Horn featuring Thad and Aka Tombo / Pokarekare featuring Olivia. After a few more pieces they concluded the section with Celebration.

Then it was time for the massed band to commence with Distant Travellers followed by another 5 pieces. The pick of the pieces for me personally, was Kingdom Triumphant which was also a crowd pleaser.

After the concert concluded their was a brief time for some mingling with the crowd before we needed to head of to a shared dinner with the Japan Staff Band and the people who have faithfully served, helping with set up and pack down at each location thus far.

By the time we got back to the hotel it was well past 9:00pm and many of the band members headed straight to bed / relaxation as we have another early start tomorrow, although it is not as early as today thankfully.

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Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 11

This morning we headed off to Kanda Hitotsubashi Junior High School by the underground as this was the quickest way to get there.

Upon arriving the band gathered with all the other bands that had congregated for the day, to run through a few numbers that would constitute the massed band. Apparently there were approximately 300 players, and they packed the gallery.

Jim rearranged the band after the first number so as to get everyone into their parts/musical groupings, rather than in individual bands. Rather than having a lot of bits all over the place the parts would sound much more clearer and easier to direct as a whole.

The immediate difference was extraordinary and when the third piece was played the sound that was generated was astounding. The afternoon massed band was sure to be a resounding success and I’m pretty sure that all the seats would be full when the Festival got into full gear.

After this each of the bands got ready for a march through the streets of the area, even though it was slightly raining as we started it cleared up just as we were finishing. We walked past The Salvation Army Headquarters along the way.

The performances started not long after arriving back at the hosting venue and would go through to at least 5pm. This would include 10 bands and a special band, as well as the massed band at the conclusion, which would make for a long day.

As the other bands were performing our band was encouraged to watch and listen to them as a sign of respect, but also to be encouraged by the many pieces that were played out of the reportoire of previous visits by the WCB, which should be taken as a huge honour to those that have come before.

Interspersed during the day we had a light lunch as some of the bands started playing through their pieces and we were split into two groups to partake in a Japanese Tea Drinking Ceremony.

We ended up watching quite a few of the bands from around Tokyo and further a field. One of the bands had been on the road overnight, leaving at 11pm last night travelling for about 8 hours just to be there. Now that is what I call commitment!

The WCB also had the opportunity to sing O Boundless Salvation as part of a vocal accompaniment for one of the bands which brought people to tears, as they were moved immensely.

The youngest band was from a primary school and one of the shortest people barely was able to see over the Timpani’s, but played his part without missing a beat. It was truly a sight to see when he got up on a stool to play the chimes in a later piece, the chimes being almost twice his height. One of the pieces they played was the title track from the Lion King which was truly an inspiration.

Jim also had the honour of conducting the Special Band made up of people from all over Japan.

It didn’t take long for the time to pass and Wellington Citadel Band was set to go, commencing their 8 piece section with Phoenix and concluding with Let There be Light.

After which time the massed band assembled for Manchester, A Christmas Festival and The Wellingtonian. All of which rang out around the hall and was truly inspiring with so many players.

This was followed by numerous photos of sections, bands and the massed band of course, then there was a meet and mingle time. Many contact details, Facebook contacts, and Instagram connections were made and hundreds of autographs signed on programmes, CD’s and books and hundreds if not thousands of photos taken over some drinks and light snacks.

After about and hour of this we were shepherded out of the hall so that we could have dinner a short walk from the venue and head back to the hotel for some much needed rest, as tomorrow we have an early rise.

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Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 10

This morning we had a slight lie-in as the coach didn’t leave the hotel ’til 9am, to leave for Tamagawa Christian University, which was welcomed by many. Upon arriving at the venue the band got set up for a rehearsal in the concert hall, which is just spectacular.

After a light lunch the band got changed into their festival uniform to have a sound check with Olivia and then we had a group photo with the alumni of the University. This included our host from last night who is part of the alumni and generously supports the University as well.

At 2pm the 2 hour concert commenced with A Christmas Festival followed by three of the soloists; Grant, Olivia and Emma. Doing Air ‘n Variations, O Holy Night and Through The Fair respectively.

After the remainder of the five pieces from the first half and a testimony from Jonathan the band had an intermission before cracking into the second half with a rousing rendition of Let There be Light.

I shared a brief message tying in the theme of Light and Christmas, before Olivia led those gathered in the Christmas Carol, O Come All Ye Faithful which she did in Japanese.

Another four pieces were shared by the band before they sang When I Survey which had many of the people speechless. A number of people mentioned afterwards how moved they were not just by the music of the band, but in particular the singing.

One lady even commenting that the final song moved her so much that she now has a fresh understanding of God and how he has been at work in her life. Another young lady came up to me as soon as the concert was over eagerly shaking my hand and thanking me for my message and that it had moved her to know Him more. To God be the Glory!

This is not the first time that we have heard this throughout the tour ~ there is definitely a Spiritual hunger in Japan to know more about God and as Christmas approaches His Son Jesus.

After the concert there was some time set aside for a group of students to share in fellowship and have a question and answer time with the band.

Then when headed back to our hotel, stopping along the way to get dinner at an all-you-can-eat restaurant which was delicious. All in all another full on day, but we’ll worth it!

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Wellington Citadel Band ~ 2019 Tour Day 9

This morning we had an early start as we needed to make our way to Memanbetsu Airport so that we could catch a flight to Haneda Airport (Tokyo).

The Divisional Leaders and many of the Corps Officers thanked us immensely for our time in Hokkaido. Especially in regards to how we have presented our musical gifts and talents, our Christlikeness and the messages that we have brought to each of the settings.

It has truly been a blessing and we have planted many, many seeds for them to follow-up on, as the Gospel takes root in people’s hearts and minds. It will be amazing to see the harvest comes to fruition.

Upon arriving in Tokyo we were taken to a restaurant near the Asakusa and after we had eaten a hearty tempura lunch, we had the opportunity to have a look around.

Asakusa retains the vibe of an older Tokyo, with traditional craft shops and street-food stalls along Nakamise Street near the ancient Sensō-ji temple. It gave some of the band members the opportunity to get some gifts for loved ones back home.

After a while looking around the market stalls we headed to Tokyo’s tallest building the Sky Tree. Due to the weather we had spectacular panoramic views of Tokyo on the observation deck as the sun was setting almost behind Mount Fuji.

After about 45mins admiring the views we headed to Tamanohada Soap Company to have a reception dinner and entertainment. The owner (a long time supporter of The Salvation Army and sponsor of the tour) accommodated us superbly and the entertainment was outstanding.

This was an awesome privilege and honour and we are truly grateful for the contributions that he makes to God’s Army and in particular to the Wellington Citadel Band. We were each presented with soap that has been specially made for this tour and other gifts to take home.

After this we headed to our hotel which will be our base for the remainder of our stay in Japan.

#wcbtour2019

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