Gratitude Message from Father Jakub, Provincial Minister of the Czech Franciscan Province!

(Photo above: Father Jakub, left, and Pastor David, right)

Dear Pastor Paul Akimoto and everyone at TLEA Church.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your preparations, your ministry, and for taking your valuable time to serve us during our visit to Japan.

Through this stay, we would like to share what deeply touched our hearts.

First, beyond the differences between Protestant and Catholic churches, we strongly felt true friendship, mutual respect, and heartfelt fellowship.

We were especially touched by your warm welcome and spirit of cooperation, and by Pastor Paul Akimoto’s courage and decision to invite us. We express our deep respect and sincere gratitude.

Second, we were deeply moved by Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun,” especially by the precious history and spiritual strength of Christianity in Nagasaki.

We were touched by the faith and devotion of the Twenty-Six Martyrs, who remained faithful to God even in great suffering, and by the calling they faithfully fulfilled.

Third, we strongly felt that the Lord is now calling us to open our hearts more fully to the Holy Spirit.

In particular, we were reminded again of the joy and peace found in the Lord, and of the grace that God is our Father and that we are His children.

Our visit to Japan was a great joy for us.
We sincerely thank God for this opportunity to minister together, to spend time with you, and to share many rich experiences. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry abundantly. Jakub Sadirek