On Saturday the 9th Mark Keyes and Jim Laverty from N.Ireland arrived in Japan for a 8 day mission trip. They are the 4th mission group we have recieved since coming to Japan although they are the second since we named ourselves United Ministries Japan! After getting settled in and adjusting to the jetlag and heat (hot and humid!) they were ready to go. This morning (sunday 10th) they lead some worship at a local church called Kohitsuji Chapel and it went brilliantly (pic 1). The church really loved them and we all had a meal together after the service (pic 2). The Japanese curry was enjoyed by all! They are due to speak and worship again tonight, and everyone is looking forward to hearing more from them. They really have been a great blessing to everyone even though they only arrived yesterday.

We have loads of other stuff planned for them for the remainer of the trip, including:

• A primary school visit
• Sightseeing trip
• Midweek meeting at our church
• Women's meeting at a church in south Osaka
• English class
  

So things are going great (apart from Jim having a few problems with his mobile phone!) and we are looking forward to the rest of the trip. More news later!