May 2010 Archives

Contents

◆Greetings from Candidates・・・2010 Candidates

◆Letter from East Timor・・・Ms. Satoko WATANABE

◆Information・・・・・・・・Management

◆Study Tour ・・・・・・・・Management

The training for five candidates for Lay missionaries started on 7th April at the Congregation de Notre Came, Chofu Tokyo.
One month has passed and five candidates, three male and two female, at the age of 20s to 50s have more or less got used to their new life there.

Mr. Masashi Shinoda (Karasaki Church, Kyoto Diocese)

I am attracted by the life here in the training center because everyone is characteristic and I can hear unique stories and comments. Now I become to take this new life very serious. Before the training I thought Lay missionary lasted for three years, but I realized that Lay missionary is a way of life. It sounds exciting though it may not be easy.
I will do my best what I can experience only during the training, never in the ordinary life.
Your support appreciated.

Ms. Sakiko Ishida (Seijo Church, Tokyo archdiocese)

I found the words "Live together" in the ad of newspaper "Catholic shinbun" three years ago. I felt fated. I got infant baptism. I could not accept the Catholicism when I was a child, but I got a chance to face God when I was twenty years old.
I had been impressed by Jesus' word "Live together" and became a nurse because I wanted to get messages from Jesus through my life. When I was wondering about my future, I found the ad in the newspaper.
In the training I study Catholicism again, widen my view of social problems in Japan and the world. I share my fresh life here with other candidates and I feel happy everyday.
I appreciate the training and many people's support.

Mr. Takeshi Ono (Motoderakoji Church, Sendai Diocese)

I retired from my company last year. I was thinking of doing cross-cultural exchange to deepen the thought of my life. Fortunately I found the ad of recruiting volunteers by JLMM in the newspaper "Catholic shinbun". I attended the session of experience report and decided to challenge. My religious faith was not so serious during that time, but I started to reflect myself and search my mission to implement the love of God in the country where I will be sent. I am preparing myself to live together with people in my mission area and hope to support them to build the foundation of good society by themselves.

Mr. Masahiro Aizawa (Akitsu Church, Tokyo Arcdiocese)

My training has started and as a Lay missionary I feel the difference between JLMM and other volunteer groups.
I got infant baptism, and I had never thought about God and the relation between God and myself.
The program of the training is not only language, social problems and activities but also church history, Bible and self-reflection. I want to think how I can make use of my past experiences.
I owe God and many people for being a candidate of Lay missionary and my future life.
Your prayers and support appreciated.

Ms. Yui Fukahori (Yuigahama Church, Yokohama Diocese)

I have just graduated from university. Though I am not a good daughter, I could not help but think "I want to live with people all over the world" through my travel to many countries. I did not know how I could apply what I felt abroad to my daily life. I joined JLMM to search the meaning of "living together".
I thank my family, Father, my friends and people of Yuigahama Church for having encouraged me. One month has passed and I experience delights and difficulties. I appreciate for being able to live this life, learn a lot of things and meet people and for everything. I want to live my everyday life with thanks and belief in the way given by God.

By Ms. Satoko WATANABE (Yamato Church, Yokohama Diocese)

Ms. Kuniko Sato is working hard and effectively, on the other hand I try very hard to catch her up.

< Workshop and meeting >
PSF workshop was held on 3rd and 4th March in AFMET. PSF is the volunteer for health system of the country.
Day one was the training on how to check children's nutrition, how to record and read mother-child book how to fill in home health environment check sheet and so on.
Day two was the problem analysis by Mr. Alino followed by making action plan.
In the workshop PSF were very positive and expressed their opinions; what kind of training they need, which area they are not sure or not familiar with and what kind of teaching material they want for health promotion for the residents.
PSF reviewed their activities and now forge ahead. I will implement the action plan starting April for further step-up.