June 14, 2013 — I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who came to welcome and meet the Shinbashira (central pillar or head of Tenrikyo) this morning. Thank you very much and thank you to those who assisted in various duties for his visit!
The Shinbashira gave a short speech reminding us of the role of the church having received the Truth of the Jiba, as a place to perform the service for universal salvation and our roles as yoboku (timber or missionary): people who can administer the sazuke to those suffering from illness and stressed the importance of having a mind to uphold what Oyasama taught us regardless of being a yoboku or not.
In the dining room, I explained the history of Pearl Church beginning with first head minister Rev. Tsugi Nagayama, the first Tenrikyo woman missionary in Hawaii and then introduced members and friends of the congregation starting with the our former head minister, Rev. Yoshinobu Nakao. In spite of the limited time everyone had a chance to meet the Shinbashira and share a few words of their faith and experience with him.I felt that we were able to convey our warmest aloha and respect befitting the honor of his visit.
Again thank you very much to all of you for your support!
Rev. Owen Nakao