Photo Contest
The Nippon Initiative announced on Friday the "Let's Send Brooke Back To Japan Photo Contest". The friendly competition, hosted on the NipponNow facebook page, is designed to raise awareness of Brooke Segerstrom's return to Japan in mid-January of 2012 to serve with the English immersion ministry of the School of Youth Ministries in English (SYME). The NI will be donating $500 toward the costs of Brooke's ministry in recognition of the contest winners, along with $1 for every "vote" or "like" received by all of the entries (up to an additional $1000).
Brooke Segerstrom traveled with the NI Summer Ministry Team this past July, having also served on the Summer Ministry Team of 2009. NI Summer Ministry Teams develop an understanding of the cultural and religious climate of Japan, while also parterning with Japanese nationals to do various ministries and service projects. This summer's team helped to staff a VBS, distributed relief supplies to earthquake/tsunami refugees, and engaged in numerous conversations and cultural exchanges with Japanese nationals.
Brooke will be returning to one of the areas the Summer Ministry Team visited in 2009. SYME is located in Karuizawa, north of Tokyo. Brooke plans to join the SYME staff there for three months from mid-January through the end of March.
HOW THE CONTEST WORKS
To enter a photo into the "Let's Send Brooke Back To Japan Photo Contest", go to the NipponNow page and click on the photo contest link in the column on the left. Submit a photo that has something to do with Japan and enter it. Only one entry per person is allowed. The deadline for entry is October 15, 2011. However, you and everyone else can begin right away to "vote" or "like" your favorite entries.
Even if you choose not to submit a photo, you can show your support for sending Brooke back to Japan by going to the NipponNow photo contest page and "voting" for your favorite shot. Remember, the NI will be donating $1 to Brooke's ministry expenses for every "like" or "vote" (up to $1000). So you're "vote" will count in more ways than one!
The deadline for "voting" is October 30, 2011. In addition to the support given for Brooke's ministry, the top 3 winners will also get their photos featured on Nippon Initiative's blog at the end of the contest! You can find this and other contest rules on the contest page.
Ok, then, what are you waiting for? Why not look through your photos of Japan (or of you and your Japanese friends), upload your favorite, spread the word, and "vote". Let's Send Brooke Back to Japan!
(Please note: There is no charge to submit a photo. And this is NOT a contest to raise money. The Nippon Initiative will be donating toward the cost of sending Brooke back to Japan no matter what. However, the Nippon Initiative is able to receive additional donations for Brooke's ministry should any feel led to give. Gifts may be given online at www.nipponnow.org/invest.)
