Izunome Group’s Beginning of Spring Service took place on February 4 under the presence of Kyoshu-sama at the Hotel Nagoya Castle, Tenshu Hall, with a total of approximately 3,500 members of Izunome Group gathering for morning and afternoon services. Along with the presence of Kyoshu-sama’s wife Mayumi-sama and Masaaki-sama, Kunihiko Muroi, member of the House of Councilors (upper house of the National Diet of Japan); Rev. Yoshiro Nagae, President of World Church of Messiah in Brazil (Igreja Mundial do Messias); and Rev. and Mrs. Fernando Alambert from Portugal also attended the service.
First, Kyoshu-sama offered the Opening Prayer for the service. Next, everyone prayed the Amatsu Norito and Zengen Sanji, then sang Meishu-sama’s hymns. After the reading of Meishu-sama’s teaching, Kyoshu-sama channeled group Johrei.
After Rev. Shirasawa’s greeting, a video was aired, offering a look into Kyoshu-sama’s missionary visits within Japan last year. From time to time, voices of wonder could be heard from the hall and members giving way to tears could be seen. After Masaaki-sama’s greeting came Kyoshu-sama’s message.
Next, much loved by Meishu-sama and previously pointed out by Kyoshu-sama, the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s oratorio Messiah, was offered to God and Meishu-sama, the chorus of which was formed by chorus directors from all over the country. It was a historical Beginning of Spring Service that brought Meishu-sama’s wish into fruition. At the upcoming Paradise on Earth Service in June, a larger scale offering of the “Hallelujah Chorus” made up of still many more members is scheduled.
At the end, all the attendees sang “Goin’ Home,” with lyrics set by Kyoshu-sama. When the service ended, Kyoshu-sama, Mayumi-sama and Masaaki-sama were seen off by great applause from the members. From beginning to end, it was a service that was filled with the joy and deep emotion of praising God.
The contents of the Beginning of Spring Service—Meishu-sama’s hymns and teaching, Kyoshu-sama’s message, Masaaki-sama’s greeting, President Shirasawa’s greeting, as well as a video digest—is scheduled to be released soon.
Always one heart with Kyoshu-sama!
