International Handshake

 

Welcome to International Handshake (インターナショナル・ハンドシェイク).  We hope that you will enjoy your time here, and the connections and friends you can make.

If you look around, you will find a variety of articles and photographs.  Many deal with the activities we hold here in Matsumoto, Japan but there are other topics as well.  We would be happy if you would like to add something to the site as well!  Please just register, sign in, and post what you have to say!

For a blog dealing with the deeper issues and lessons of life and love we invite you to join us at Of Life and Love, a blog for those who want to get deeper, on blogspot.com.

We're looking forward to seeing you here, and, if possible, in person!

 

Martin

 

International Handshake is a project to encourage communication and thought.  The moderators are Martin and Mayumi Gillis, who live in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.  

I, Martin, and Mayumi are long term non-denominational missionaries, members of the international Christian missionary movement, The Family International (ファミリーｲﾝﾀｰﾅｼｮﾅﾙ).  Mayumi is Japanese, I am American-Australian.  Although we are devoted to bringing the love of Jesus to our fellowman, International Handshake is not religious of itself, nor are its activities religious or centered on religion. I believe that in most of us is a desire for truth, love, peace, joy, and all the other things that are hallmarks of the spirit of God.  However, today's cultures demand a very fast pace, and leave very little room, time or incentive for thought; real deep searching thought.  I believe that deep interaction between people, and especially those of different cultures,can help us to think more deeply and love more openly. It can cause those of us who are looking for more in life than the routine of making a living to reach out for those ideals, and as we walk along that road we will find the truth.

I hope you will enjoy the company you find here, and in our various activities.  If you have not been coming to our activities, perhaps you can help us pick an activity that you are interested in at a time that is convenient to you.  Of course, if you don't live in the Matsumoto area, then you can still take part in what's happening here by Internet!

If you think of some way we can improve this site to meet your needs more, please let me know.

 Yours warmly,

 Martin

 

Latest Articles

YOU can change the world!

admin | 04 Jul, 2010 07:22 | Category: General Comments | Views: 1275

Friends, It's nice and warm now, and more people are outside enjoying the warmer weather.  This is the time when you can make your neighborhood, or wherever you may spend your time, into a better place to live.  Each one of the people you meet is hungry for a little love and attention.  Each one has faced many difficulties and heartbreaks in life, and is still battling on.  [More...]

Is It Getting Cold Yet?

admin | 11 Jan, 2010 19:56 | Category: General Comments | Views: 1624

Wow!  It's cold today!  I don't think the sun came up until 8:00.  So cold it got stuck!  Where is global warming when you need it?   However a friend sent me this Powerpoint slideshow.    If we are tempted to feel too cold, it might warm our hearts to watch it again.  If you can't view a powerpoint slide show, you [More...]

Happy New Year!

admin | 04 Jan, 2010 08:00 | Category: General Comments | Views: 1539

We would like to wish YOU a happy new year 2010!  All those who have joined our activities, and even all those who have come to this website are a part of what is happening here.  We are building a better world of love and understanding, slowly, surely, touching hearts one at a time.  I hope you enjoy your part in it as much as we do ours!   With love and prayers for [More...]

Merry Christmas!

admin | 24 Dec, 2009 09:02 | Categories: General Comments, Christmas Stories | Views: 1677

A Christmas greeting to all of our dear friends [More...]

Santa's Miracle!

admin | 21 Dec, 2009 17:39 | Category: Christmas Stories | Views: 1522

Here is another story about Santa:  This one is from Tom Carlin.  Tom Carlin is a radio personality in Utah.  He tells this story at Christmastime.       My Christmas Miracle happened many years ago in Richmond, Virginia, where I had played Santa Claus for about eight years. In fact, the particular year of my miracle I was awarded first prize as one of the ten [More...]