The Young Men’s Association organized the International Hinokishin Corps from July 18 to 24, targeting association members of overseas chapters. A total of 54 participants took part from seven countries and regions: the United States, Hawaii, Brazil, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and South Korea.
This special corps, formed as part of the Oyasato Construction Young Men’s Association Hinokishin Corps, is designed to provide overseas members with an opportunity to dedicate their sincerity to Jiba and to interact with their fellow members from many parts of the world. The opportunity had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the corps was organized this year for the first time in five years to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Oyasato Construction Young Men’s Association Hinokishin Corps.
Following the opening ceremony on the 18th, the corps members began their various tasks the next day. They were involved in setting up the venues for attractions and activities to be offered during the Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba and carrying out wood extraction on Mount Jatani in Mitsue Village, Nara Prefecture. In the evenings, activities such as the “Dialogue Based on the Teachings,” promoted by the Young Men’s Association, and the practice of the monthly service were held at Moya 100, where participants stayed for the duration of the corps. During the period, Young Men’s Association President Daisuke Nakayama also joined the corps members and worked and sweated with them.
Kaio Yuichi Namiki, 25, is a Brazilian Yoboku who belongs to Motoki Mission Station. He expressed his gratitude, saying: “I am very thankful for this precious opportunity to dedicate myself to Jiba. Even though the staff taking care of us do not speak the same language that we speak, they create a welcoming atmosphere. I want to learn from their considerate attitude and cultivate a mind that strives to bring joy to others.”
Gwon Hyeong Gyun, a 20-year-old lay minister affiliated with Namil Church in South Korea, participated for the second time in a row. He joined the corps during his break before starting his next job. He said: “Working together with my comrades, sweating together, and encouraging one another naturally lifted my spirits. Next time, I definitely want to return with my family.”
At the closing ceremony on the 24th, President Nakayama gave a speech, in which he commended the corps members for their efforts during the period, and said, “I look forward to meeting you all again and having many conversations.”