This year, three participants from Kenya and two from the United States attended the Head Minister Qualification Course One, held at the Home of the Parent from August 27 to September 14. The course seeks to train and nurture ministers (kyoto) who have a heightened awareness of being Yoboku and a strong sense of mission and who aspire to work for single-hearted salvation.
The daily routine began early with the morning service at the Main Sanctuary, and, after breakfast and morning assembly, the students attended classes in East Right Wing 4 of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex. This year’s homeroom instructor was Rev. Melvin Iwata, head minister of Honolulu-ko Church, located in Hawaii.
In the morning, lectures were given on such subjects as The Doctrine of Tenrikyo; The Life of Oyasama, Foundress of Tenrikyo; and the Mikagura-uta, The Songs for the Service. In the afternoon, the students practiced the dance and the musical instruments for the service as well as the ritual procedures.
In addition to the above lessons, the program included discussion sessions, sermon practices, and lectures delivered by guest speakers, who provided their insights into the teachings of Oyasama and shared their experiences in faith. The students also had chances to implement hinokishin, selfless and thankful action, by cleaning the Sanctuary Corridor and other places.
All the students in the English Class successfully completed Course One and registered as minister (kyoto). Two of them are planning to attend Course Two of the Head Minister Qualification Course, due to start on September 27 and last until October 19.