Palmberg Visits Japan As Part of Tour

Glenn and Sharon Palmberg joined members of the Hatshuishi Covenant Church in worship on the first Sunday in Advent, part of a 14-day visit that will take the Evangelical Covenant Church president to Covenant ministries in four countries.

The Palmbergs are being accompanied on the trip by Jim Gustafson, executive director of the Department of World Ministry, and David Stockamp, coordinator of church relations for the World Mission department. The trip not only marks Palmberg's first opportunity for a first-hand look at Asian ministries since he became president, but it also underscores the importance Palmberg places on Covenant ministry throughout the world.

In the days to come, the group also will visit ministries in Thailand, Laos and Taiwan, returning to Chicago December 14.

The visit to the Hatshuishi church was of special significance as the worship experience was only the second service in the newly dedicated facility, which is a converted neighborhood store. The congregation had been praying throughout the summer months for God to lead them to a new location to accommodate the group, which at times numbers 50 individuals. Rev. and Mrs. Katsumoto pastor the congregation. In the accompanying photo, Mrs. Palmberg greets one of the church members who will celebrate here 101st birthday in January. For additional photos, visit Asian Tour

Following the service, Palmberg spent several hours in discussion with Katsumoto, talking about the future for the church in Japan as well as challenges faced in relating to a culture that is considered by some to be reluctant to embrace the Gospel. Katsumoto also serves as leader of the Japan Covenant Church. A brief visit to the Shin Akitsu Church was scheduled later in the day.

Following a tour Monday afternoon of the Covenant seminary, the group traveled to Taipei, Taiwan. The time zone where the group is traveling is 14 hours ahead of Central Standard Time.

(Editor's note: This report, one of a series scheduled during Palmberg's four-country visit, is a collaborative effort involving David Stockamp, traveling with the president; Don Meyer, executive director of the Department of Communication and writing from Chicago; and Heidi Griepp, photo/graphics designer on the Communications staff.)

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