On November 23, 2024, the Handbell Choir from Hiroshima Saniku Gakuin High School, located in Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, visited Imabari Seventh-day Adventist Church for a special concert. Twelve students and three teachers participated, delivering a heartfelt and inspiring performance for the attendees.
The event, held on Sabbath, featured a short sermon by the choir’s conductor, Mr. Masamitsu Takada, who spoke about the significance of handbells. Following the sermon, the students performed several handbell pieces. They presented four songs during the Sabbath School program and over ten during the worship service, bringing joy and inspiration to the audience.
In the afternoon, the event extended to include residents, resulting in a larger turnout. Thanks to the distribution of 500 promotional flyers, around 80 people attended the concert. The church’s deacons and the leader of the missionary association had personally distributed the flyers to local schools and community groups, inviting many to the event.
Although the choir initially consisted of 14 members, two students could not attend due to personal circumstances. To compensate, Mr. Takada conducted and played handbells during the performance. Despite these challenges, the performance was a resounding success, profoundly moving the audience.
Feedback collected through questionnaires distributed after the concert included positive comments such as, “I was deeply impressed,” “It was truly moving,” and “I hope the students continue to grow and learn well.” A few attendees suggested that the students could smile more during their performances, though this was likely due to their focus on covering for the absent members.
The students expressed their hope that Hiroshima Saniku Gakuin High School would continue to grow and prosper for God’s glory, asking attendees to keep them in their prayers.
Hiroshima Saniku Gakuin High School has 105 students and is known for its vibrant musical programs, including a choir, brass band, and handbell ensemble. Particularly during Christmas, the school actively conducts evangelistic concerts at various locations, sharing the message of hope through music.