日: 2023年11月23日

On November 23rd (Thursday), on the day of Labor Thanksgiving, the J.Gospel Festival in Kichijoji was held at the Inokashira Park outdoor stage. After a gap of about four years, blessed with good weather and amid the beautiful autumn leaves swirling down, 25 teams affiliated with The Vision sang original gospel songs from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Even before the start, the benches at the outdoor stage were filled, and there were many people sitting and listening attentively. Throughout the event, over a thousand people were engrossed in listening to J gospel music. The event was also streamed on YouTube.

During the final all-cast performance of “God is Love,” many in the audience raised the “L” sign, and the festival concluded with a sense of unity and blessings. Additionally, many people were seen holding the festival flyers and Heartfelt Gospel Concert pamphlets that were provided.

On November 23 (a holiday), the praise bands of TLEA, VOCE, Cross Lord, Maeda Sara, Come&Worship, and ISRAEL took the stage at the “ONE VOICE GOSPEL FESTA” held at Umi-sora Park in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. With a high of 26°C and clear skies, gospel songs echoed through the specially erected stage at the seaside park, resonating with the praise bands that gathered from all over the country. During the performance of the final song “God is Love” by Come&Worship, the atmosphere became lively with everyone dancing and clapping, leading to an encore.

On November 22, the Machida Gospel Club from Tokyo Machida Church, responding to a request from a volunteer organization in Machida City, sang gospel music songs from “Yasuragi no Uta” and “Kazenohibiki” at an elderly care facility in Machida City.

Approximately 30 people, including staff, listened to the performance, and many were moved to tears by the J gospel sogns for the first time. Comments such as “Even those who are usually quick-tempered were joyfully listening with tears. It was truly wonderful to hear songs full of love and hope. People who usually stand up quickly were surprised to find themselves quietly listening. I also cried. Please come again.” were received.

Three members of the volunteer organization also attended, and all of them were deeply moved, with tears in their eyes. Many photos were taken, and the volunteer organization will introduce this activity on their Facebook page. We are grateful to the God who blessed us.

(Photo from Emmanuel’s Facebook on November 16, 2023. Susan is delighted with the news of the birth of her first grandchild.)

Earlier this month, Susan, daughter of Mr. Philip, gave birth to a baby boy!

For Mr. Philip, he now has a great-grandson, and for Susan, it’s her first grandchild!

Congratulations!