Sendai Japan Mission 2011-2014: Odate Building Dedicatiion

After many years of meeting in a small church in Odate that was pretty run down and old and in a poor location, Gary and Pres. Domon was able to convince PBO that they needed a new building to meet in. The second floor of a 5 story office building was found in a perfect location near the bus stop and it needed just a minimal amount of remodeling. Finally the day came for the Odate Branch (10-12 active members) moved into the new chapel. About 3 weeks later, they held an Open House for the community to come and see the new church. Big framed posters about the church were sent to display from PBO (Presiding Bishop's Office in Tokyo). The Mission sent a letter to every Ward in the country of Japan announcing the new building and the Open House so that former missionaries would know about it. (hoping some might come). We announced it on our Mission Facebook Group and on the Sendai Mission website. We tried to make it a BIG DEAL because it was one.

Gary arranged to do some Specialized Training on Saturday morning in Odate for all missionaries in the mission who had ever served in Odate. (An excuse to get them all attending the festivities) Pres Domon did the training which was very good.

Sister Domon prepared a wonderful lunch for the missionaries after the training. Then all the missionaries dendo-ed all afternoon~contacting neighbors in the area to drop by the open house and contacting old investigators.

Getting the posters displayed in the Chapel area.

Front of the Chapel. (Electric Piano, podium, sacrament table.)

All set up and ready for the Open House.

Saturday evening was a Branch talent show. I didn't get a picture but I took video of each participant but I can't upload them to this Blog for which I am very sad.

Elder Dowdy doing his entertaining magic tricks-a real crowd pleaser.

He is also talented on the flute!

Elder Tanaka and Kendal are masters at the rubics cube. They are amazing!

Elder Takei and Taylor sang a hymn.

Elder Merkley and his investigator, Sugawara San, sang a song together.

Member of the Branch who loves to do karioki.

Sunday was a special day for the Branch and Pres. Domon. 2 former Branch Presidents attended and spoke in Sacrament Meeting plus 4 of the missionaries bore testimony. A letter was read from the very first missionary who opened Odate in 1974. He also sent a picture of himself as a missionary and him now. Others sent letters of congratulations and even one person sent flowers. Then it was Gary's turn to speak and give the Dedicatory Prayer. He wrote the prayer in advance and had Pres. Yoshida translate it. Gary read a few sentences and Pres. Domon repeated them in Japanese. He was trilled to be able to do that and it was a tender time for the whole congregation. Sacrament Meeting was 2 hours long so they dispensed with the other meetings. This picture was taken after Sacrament Meeting. Many members came from other branches in the District to support. It was thrilling to see so many members attend the Odate Branch.