Is Banana Cake popular in Japan? You betcha! Every year, at the beginning of May, is a holiday time called, “Golden Week. ” Soshin Baptist Church holds their annual bazaar on May 3 during this holiday. It is a fun event with lots of little kids, games, special foods, and music. Lots of people from around the neighborhood come and enjoy the festive time!

I usually help with banana cake making a few days before and they let me do much of the mashing! Mostly, moms from the kindergarten help bake but have never had to do massive mashing. They appreciate having the help and saving them from sore hands and arms. They make dozens of small cakes in mini-bread pans and they always sell out!

One of the older moms shared how they loved the taste of banana cake shared by a missionary from America. Somehow, the tradition started many years ago and continues to this day at Soshin Church’s annual Bazaar.

What is sweeter than bananas? Honey. What is sweeter than honey? The Bible says:

“The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” Psalm 19: 9-10

As we share the work with our friends, we want to share the sweetness of the Lord through His word.

With Thanks and much Love,

Gordon and Lee Ann Hwang

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