カリフォルニアの星教会 Calstar Christian Church
Abraham M. Ishihara, Pastor
www.calstarchristianchruch.org abeishihara@hotmail.com
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Dear Friend,
I hope you are having a happy 2007 New Year.
Enclosed please find the receipt of your offering for the year 2006.
Thank you for your support. Because of givers like you, we are able to continue our ministry. May God bless you and your family abundantly.
We are now preparing to open a residential care facility for the elderly, called Calstar Home. I have personally met many Japanese women in California who had married American soldiers after World War II. Most of them are now in their late seventies and eighties. Many of them are widows. I have been asked by such women to open this kind of facility, but being so busy building our sanctuary, could not begin that work. However, I continued to feel that it must be done, so 2 years ago we started this project.
As you know, in America, regulations and the licensing process are so strict and difficult. Plus, many costs are incurred. We did not any extra money for necessary renovations. Therefore, the initial opening date kept being delayed. I worked a lot by hand, doing most of the construction alone. I believe that soon all the requirements will be cleared. My wife and I took the administrator's course and passed the exam. Background checks and health exams have also been done. The application was also submitted.
Last week my wife and I were interviewed, and yesterday we had the second interview. I think that the opening of Calstar Home is near. Please pray for this senior ministry.
We have decided that this residential care facility will be distinctly Christian-oriented. Most of the employees are to be Christian, including my daughter Carol who is pursuing a career as a registered nurse. We are also planning to hire another Christian worker who will graduate from Bethany University this year. Bethany University is one of the Assemblies of God institutions in Northern California.
We will not only have Christian activities, but will also have lot of enjoyable activities including travel excursions, since I like taking bus trips very much. Future residents may also enjoy my Naniwabushi (Japanese Traditional Story telling with Music). Many Japanese churches have been delighted by my Naniwabushi for the past 3 years. Yes, I play the Shamisen too. I will also teach Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) since I hold a Shodo teaching license. Plus, I'd like to encourage future residents to write their own autobiographies because most of the Japanese women in America have incredibly drama-filled sagas to share. I think I am eligible in guiding them in this endeavor since I am strong in Japanese writing. Ultimately, our utmost desire is to see these people thoroughly enjoy their golden years.
If you know someone who needs residential care, please introduce our facility to them. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Again, thank you for your support. Please continue to pray for us. We also remember you in our prayers.
Sincerely in Him,
Abraham M. Ishihara, Pastor