Megumi Hioki (Israel College of the Bible)

excerpt from ICB Japan　News Letter No2.

ICB have helping returen of Jews from Oddessa to Hyfah through EEF as a part of there trainning caricurum. 8 people from ICB were preparing for it, and we learned Jewish dance and Russian language.

A trip of this time was for a week. But it was such a precious experience. The equipment of the ship was so beautiful, and there were pool ,jaczee and so on..

Olim (Reternees) were about150 in this trip. Our work started with carring their baggages into the ship at Oddessa port.The baggages that were carried on an elevator were taken into each rooms of Olim.

And we guide them to rooms or restraunt, and we meet their needs. Basicly, they speak in Russian, so that I had to contact with them with my body language because I learned a few Russian words.

We sang famous songs from the Bible and danced. "Mayim　Mayim" which is famous song in Japan is also from Israel. We gave a message that God loves Jewish people, and encouraged them to be blessed their new life. They were touched by the messages.　

My heart was touched by a children program which based on the Bible. EEF staff let children put costumes of "Exodus" and had fun time with colouring, so that children can become familiar with the Bible. Unexpectly, I taught Origami.

I was taking some Origami because I had heard one Japanese volunteer taught Origami 3 years ago. I had not been making Origami since my child hood, so that I had to practice again and again. We made trick-ship, Kabuto and crane which is very Japanese traditional. The crane that I taught was with movable wings, so the children were excited.

Megumi danced Jewish dance

This is very personal thing that I had a birthday on the ship. After "Ebenezer Show," a staff leader brought a big cake and other stuff and Olims sang birthday song for me. I can not find any words to thank. It was such a wonderful time.

My biggest purpose to come to Israel is for serving them. During the show, I read aloud from Isaiah 60:4,8,9. Actually I would like to read verse 10 that says, "Foreingners will rebuild your walls." I was impressed because I realized I sood there by fullfilment of the scripture.

I met a girl named Nastya, age 12. She was so cute and smart. She could speake some English. During the trip, she yearned us and look after other kids. She might have the time of hardship living with her family in Jerusalem. At the mean time, I would like her to remember, "You and your family are chosen." We took a picture together and gave her with a message. She was very happy with it, and we said good-bye after we hugged and kissed.

Unwilling to part from each other.

On the last day of the trip, we arrived Hyfah port.

It seemed long and short. We saw families were waiting for their family members. Olim were hugging each other. They looked like they were very happy.

It was like a movie to see the moment of their arriving from exile through long history.

It was very precious experience even though it was only for a week.

I learned many things through the trip. I was going to serve Olims, but in fact, I received so much joy form them.

ICB supports EEF ministry as one of learn-by-doing teaching.

ICB Japanese home page. http://www.zion-jpn.or.jp/icob/