At our church (New Life Christian Church, Osaka Japan), we are blessed to have many wonderful musicians, and we always enjoy doing music together. Today, I want to introduce a very special friend of mine.
Shima Karasuno, (we call her as Shima-chan), is an exceptionally skilled pianist and one of the star pianists at our church. She played a piano in our recent music videos "You Are Free" and "Your Lovingkindness."
In the past, during the worship services at New Life Christian Church, there was a time called "Quiet Time" between the worship and the sermon. This was a time for the congregation to calm their hearts with music before listening to the sermon. However, for the musicians, it was a time of great anxiety. The worship leaders had to prepare special music for this "Quiet Time" every week. Leading worship and preparing special music for Quiet Time every time was challenging. I quickly ran out of ideas, and every week was a struggle. But the one who shone the most during this time was none other than our Shima-chan!! When Shima-chan began playing the piano during Quiet Time, the congregation would settle down and simultaneously turn their hearts towards God. We all loved and eagerly awaited Shima-chan's turn for Quiet Time. Her piano playing was very sophisticated, yet it was so relaxing that it made people sigh with relief and let go of their tension. At the same time, her beautiful melodies moved us and filled us with inspiration. She is a wonderful pianist who brings forth the presence of God. The Bible tells story when David played the harp, Saul's spirit would be calmed, and I believe Shima-chan's playing has a similar anointing.
Recently, Shima-chan created a channel called "Shimanote - Shima no Oto (Sound of Shima)" where she shares her piano recordings. It features traditional hymns and original songs arranged and played in her piano style. Please visit her website or SoundCloud channel to listen her piano recordings and support her beautiful music! The links are provided below.
"Shimanote - Shima no Oto (Sound of Shima)" Homepage: shimanote.jimdosite.com
SoundCloud Channel: https://soundcloud.com/user-633312115
Shima-chan also played my song, "Living in Grace." It is so beautiful and I was so happy that she recorded this song. The link is provided below.
"Living in Grace":
