THIS MONTH'S SERMON

by Rev. Junsei Nagayoshi

Thanks to your help and support, my training period of four and a half months was completed without incident. I truly want to say "Thank you very much." It was decided that I will remain here, at Nichiren Mission of Hawaii. I’m so glad, but as you know, I don’t understand English very well yet. I may be of trouble to you, but I will try my best.

Time rolled on quickly for me as I look back on my training period. I didn’t have time to think of the future at all because I was always pushing toward my new training and English school every day. Especially, at the beginning of my training period, I did nothing but make errors. I often despised myself for these mistakes. Also, English school gave me a lot of homework, so I couldn’t fully sleep every day. Some days I fell asleep at my desk without knowing. I often dreamed of studying English. Moreover, I couldn’t get accustomed to the life in Hawaii easily. I had trouble catching the bus because I didn’t know the geography of Hawaii, very well. My first time on the bus, I got lost. Moreover, when I overslept in the bus, I was in a place where I didn’t know at all. I was uneasy and made mistakes everyday because I had to learn many things. However, those days were very full. Probably, this was the period when I really learned the most in my life.

By the way, members come to our temple to clean and visit on Saturday and Sunday. You talk to me with your bright smiles. I was encouraged a lot by your hearty smiles and your warmhearted characters. I feel that we link with our hearts through the Lotus sutra and the Odaimoku. Also, I am very glad and grateful that I can meet you through them.

My training period is over, but I have to study English very hard. I want to understand English quickly and want to be of your help. I will train here together with you and want to share both joy and sorrow together. I always think that I want to be a minister standing by your side all the way. I continue to have an ambition and will try my best to be your help. Moreover, I wish to visit Minobusan together in the future. Thank you so much for having me as your minister.