After a hearty breakfast for many of us, we headed by coach to the Nankodai Community Centre for church. From all accounts it was well received and those gathered really enjoyed what the band and I brought to the meeting.
For many churches, especially The Salvation Army here in Japan they don’t necessarily have much in the way of live musical accompaniment (apart from piano) in worship. So it was not only a huge honour and privilege to be @ the Sendai Corps, who in a few weeks will be opening there own building set aside for doing mission and ministry out of in the community. But it was also a massive blessing to bring our gifts of music and song to the people of this area.
The translation of the testimony of Major Glenton Waugh and my message was handled superbly and those that gathered were moved by the Holy Spirit as they took in what was being shared about “Living as Children of the Light” which was taken from Ephesians 4:17 – 6:19.
After lunch we headed across to the Nankodai Junior High School to rehearse for the afternoon concert programme with the Sendai British Brass Band as they would accompany us for some of the massed band pieces in the second half of the programme.
Those that gathered, (approximately 450) were suitably impressed and hugely appreciative of the Wellington Citadel Band and the Sendai British Brass Band. So much so that they wanted an encore. 🤓
Some of the pieces that were played included; Aka Tombo / Pokarekare beautifully accompanied by Olivia, El Cuban hero which featured Jonty’s solo, and Flower Blossom amongst others.
Once the Sendai British Brass Band joined in to create the massed band the audience was especially enamoured by the first piece, Fire in the Blood. After the concert the band played a few Carols as attendees exited the building which was a lovely touch.
After the concert we were treated to dinner and the Sendai British Brass Band joined us, sharing in some fellowship.
All in all the community of Sendai have been blessed mightily and it will be hugely encouraging to hear how God moves in this community as the Corps establishes itself in its new building over the coming months and years. As I’m sure that we have left a lasting impression of what it means to be Chriatlike and how we have modeled being “Children of Light“.
#wcbtour2019
The life and times of Perry... 