On May 18, Tenrikyo Mission Center in Mexico, located in Mexico City, conducted its 40th anniversary service in the presence of Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama—who attended on behalf of the Shinbashira—and Mrs. Harue Nakayama, the wife of the Shinbashira. The event drew 339 people from various parts of Mexico.
The mission center’s slogan for the anniversary was: “Let all of the followers in Mexico gather and share the joy of faith!” Under the slogan, the center promoted the following goal: “Let us perform the service, spread the fragrance of the teachings, and engage in hinokishin on a daily basis,” and the followers connected to the center worked to put this goal into practice.
One of the projects carried out was “Hinokishin Day for the 40th Anniversary,” held once a month, during which the followers engaged in hinokishin such as cleaning and painting at the center.
The day of the anniversary service was blessed with sunny weather. Rev. Wakio Watanabe, head of the mission center, offered a service prayer in both Spanish and Japanese. The Shinbashira’s message was then delivered by Rev. Daisuke Nakayama.
In his message, the Shinbashira asked the congregation to carry on the spirit of their predecessors who had devoted themselves sincerely to the path in Mexico and to continue walking the path spiritedly by bringing their minds and efforts together, thereby working in unison.
The message was followed by the service performed in unity of mind. Rev. Watanabe then took the podium to deliver his speech, in which he said, “Looking toward the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama as our next milestone, I hope all of us will continue our tireless efforts to make the mission center a place where followers help one another grow spiritually.”
After the anniversary service, a reception was held to mark the occasion.
