The women’s ministry group from the Lodi-Fairmont church wanted to host a program that would draw members from the community who would not be open to an explicitly religious event at the church. So, the group decided to hold a program called An Afternoon in Asia, which celebrated Lodi’s Asian history, highlighting the Japanese influences that were especially strong in the first half of the 20th century. “An Afternoon in Asia was a really cool community outreach to invite friends, which provided more than just a religious environment,” said Lacie Parsons. “It was informational, because we got to hear from Lodi Japanese citizens who lived here in WWII. I had never really thought about how they lived and what they experienced.”

Their idea was a success, as 120 ladies from across Lodi entered the church’s decorated social hall to attend the program that featured food and entertainment from several Asian cultures.

The program began with a five-minute devotional and opening prayer by Laura McVay, and then transitioned to the two featured Japanese guests. Sumiye Okuhara, who was an 11-year-old living in Lodi when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, told of her experiences growing up in Lodi and then of the challenges she and her family faced when they had to live in an internment camp. Ann Tanimoto gave a presentation on kimonos, and held a brief fashion show with the help of four models. Korynn O’Connell, a 14-year-old member of the church, did a traditional Japanese dance with a paper fan. And Suga Moriwaki, from the San Joaquin Historical Society, helped to facilitate the program. “The thrill was meeting Sumiye, whom I had graduated with from Lodi High School in 1948,” said Lyda Schimke. “She knew I was a Seventh-day Adventist and was looking for me there. It was special that they agreed to come and share their experiences, and I enjoyed hearing how the Japanese were a special part of Lodi.”

While the attendees enjoyed the food and the entertainment, the purpose of the program was to build relationships in the Lodi community. According to Donna Tungesvik, Lodi-Fairmont’s women’s ministries leader, An Afternoon in Asia achieved its goal. “A lot of our guests were non-Adventists, and in one case, atheist,” she said. “A number of guests, including the atheist, have asked to be invited again, so it was a positive event for Fairmont. Our Buddhist Japanese guests expressed deep appreciation for our Adventist group to invite them and then treat them so attentively and extend such friendliness.”