Update on April 22nd

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April 22, 2011

God continues to work in the lives of Japanese people.  The disaster relief team in Sendai had a busy week.  Many volunteers have arrived in Sendai and Yu’s dad has been busy hosting them.  What a blessing it is to know that so many people want to come help with the disaster relief effort.  It is hard not being able to be there physically to help, but we are doing everything we can do to share the needs of Japan with people in Korea and those who are praying for Japan from all over the world.

Praises:

-A team of Christian men was able to go to the elementary school that is being used as a temporary shelter to feed 180 people.  Yu’s dad reported many people said they had not had such a nice meal in over a month.  Usually, they only have breakfast and dinner.  They were blessed to have lunch!  Many women were tired from cooking every single day, so they were happy to have a day to take a rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-While walking on the coastline in Hanabuchihama, Yu’s dad and our missionary friends met a girl who graduated from Miyagi Gakuin (see the old posts).  They found out that she went to school with one of the missionary kids that we know.  Her grandparents’ house was completely destroyed by tsunami but they were safe because they ran to the hill behind their house.  As you can imagine, they are desperate because they lost everything they had.  Since she went to a Christian school, she remembered some of the things that she had learned in the chapel and Bible classes.  They talked about the Bible and she said she would read it again.  They were blessed for this opportunity to encourage this girl.  Please pray that God will draw her closer to Him and she will be able to encourage her grandparents by sharing about the Bible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-We have been going to many stores to buy rain jackets.  We are still concerned about the radiation leak in Japan, and we want to do everything we can to help people who are facing such a serious challenge in Japan.  Yu’s dad found out many parents wanted to get rain jackets for their kids.  He looked for them in Sendai but they were sold out at most stores.  So we decided to buy them here and ship them to Japan.  When we went shopping, several people asked why we were buying so many of them.  We explained that they were for kids in Japan and the staff of the stores went to the back to get more so that we could buy everything they had.  A huge “THANK YOU” to those who have donated.  These rain jackets will help many children and their parents.  Your donation also helped us to buy mattresses for people in Japan (Sorry we don’t have many pictures of the people we are helping.  We found out that many people in temporary shelters are really sensitive about having their pictures taken.  The news media is there almost every day and they feel like they are monitored all the time.  Please be assured that your help is making them smile).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-We are partnering with several schools, churches, and organizations to work on special projects so that we can help those with the greatest needs.  We have been so amazed by people’s hearts for Japan and God’s faithfulness.  We can’t wait to share more with you all!

Prayer Requests:

-We are working with our sending church and organization to discuss when to go back.  We are patiently wanting for God’s timing.  Please pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.  Also, pray for our leaders who are working so hard to support us.  Please continue praying HARD so that the serious situation with the nuclear power plants will be under control as soon as possible.  Pray for the people who are working there and their families.

-Please pray for students whose school was damaged by tsunami.  Many schools are still closed and they don’t know when they can start school again.  Some schools decided to meet at a different location but it means many students have to walk further to get there.  They are already under so much stress and we don’t want any more stress to be added.  Please pray for these precious students who are hurting.  Also, pray for city/town officials as they try to help these students.  Another concern is the people who are staying in the schools that are used as temporary shelters.  As some of the schools started, many people were asked to move to another shelter.  As you can imagine, they are going through a lot.  Please keep them in your prayers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Second floor of Arahama Elementary School.  The tsunami came through the second floor windows.)

-Please continue to pray for Mr. Yamaki (chief of the local fire department) and his team.  They have been working without taking any rest for over a month.  Several firefighters started to have health/mental problems.  Mr. Yamaki shared many of them want to go see a doctor or a counselor, but they choose to keep working because the need is so great.  Yu’s dad goes there to encourage them and to pray with them every week.  Please pray that they will find rest and strength in God.  We are still praying that they will come to know Him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Mr. Yamaki looking at flowers people had left by the ocean that took so many lives.)

This video was made by our friend’s friend.  It is powerful.  We hope you will take time to watch this.

 

 

“The light of the world”_After the Earthquake in Japan(English ver.) from Dear.Japan on Vimeo.

 

During this Holy Week, we have been thinking a lot about God’s love and sacrifice for us.  There are SO many Japanese who don’t know Jesus died and rose again for THEM!  Please join us as we pray for their salvation.

Happy Easter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Aid for Japan.

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Speaking Opportunities

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April 19, 2011

As we wait for God to take us back to Sendai in His timing, we have been blessed with many opportunities to share about the needs of Japan with Korean people and to ask them to pray for Japan. We have been touched by kindness and powerful prayers of Korean people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first sharing opportunity was at Eunpyeong First Church where we stayed for two weeks. There were about 300 people in the service and many of them stayed to talk to us after the service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is Pastor Sim. Even though he has a busy schedule, he took time to get to know us and to take us to places.  We were blessed by his hospitality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was at Far East Broadcasting Company. This is a Christian radio station that Dr. Billy Kim. We spoke at their chapel service. After we shared, they took time to pray for Japan. They are already helping those in need with financial and prayer support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With such wonderful staff. We will always treasure their love and friendships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to church with April (we are staying with her right now and we are SO thankful for her kindness), and it is a huge church called Onnuri Church in Yangjae.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They had a special prayer time for Japan. What a blessing it is to know that so many people are praying for the salvation of Japanese people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spoke in the Young Adult Sunday School class. They sang and prayed for us which brought tears to our eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another opportunity at Max’s church. Max is our friend from DBU and his dad is a pastor of Disciple Baptist Church in Suwon. We were the main speakers of the service and Max translated our message.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the service, we had dinner with the young adult group.  They have been praying for Japan for such a long time.  They are planning to take a mission trip to Sendai this year.  They asked us to join the upcoming retreat and we are looking forward to building relationships with them.

We continue to receive invitations to share about Japan at schools and churches. We praise God for using us in so many ways here in South Korea. He is good ALL the time! Thank you for your prayers!

Categories: Aid for Japan.

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Update on April 11th

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April 11, 2011

It has been a month since the massive earthquake and tsunami hit Japan.  Since that day, so many lives have been taken and changed forever.  For the past month, we have heard and read so much about the damages and losses from the earthquake, tsunami, and radiation.  We may never understand why things like this happened, but we can rest in God who is in control.  We just had prayer as a family and asked our Father to give everyone in Japan peace and hope.

Praises:

-Thank you for praying for the Kimura family.  Yu talked to Mrs. Kimura today. Thankfully, school and kindergarten started again today.  The kids go there only in the morning.  Mrs. Kimura prays getting back to their daily routine will help them release some stress and they will be able to have fun with their friends without being worried all the time.  The kids’ rashes are better.  Please continue to pray for physical and emotional healing.

-We received an e-mail from Mr. Yamaki (chief of a coastal fire department).  His team is working so hard and everyone is encouraging each other.  He said they are finding many bodies under collapsed buildings.  It is sad that many people have died, but ever since the tsunami hit this area, people have been praying to see their loved ones’ bodies once again even though they are no longer alive.  This is a very important mission for his team, and he knows he can rely on God who gives them strength.   Praise God for such a godly leader.

-Yu’s dad and the disaster relief team from the local churches have visited Ishinomaki again.  Praise God for the relationships that have been built.  Tokyo Baptist Church (one of the big churches in Japan) has also sent a team there to cook for people who lost homes.  So many people have been blessed by the supplies and food that have been given to them.  It has been encouraging to see so many Japanese people hearing about Jesus for the first time.  Keep praying for their salvation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Before the tsunami- this picture was taken at the park by Yu’s grandparents’ house)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(After the tsunami- the white building in the middle of this photo was the city hospital.  Water came to the second floor.)

-All the pastors and leaders from the local Baptist churches met with the team from Japan Baptist Convention (JBC).  JBC is planning to send personnel who can move to Sendai to lead the disaster relief effort.  It is an answer to our prayers.  We will partner with JBC and the local churches to meet the needs of those who are waiting for help (JBC’s disaster relief information- http://baptist2.exblog.jp/).

Prayers:

-We received an official request from Miyagi Gakuin.  Please read this letter (http://www.mgu.ac.jp/01news/2010/2011-0318-1220-39.html).   As we receive more donations, a part of the money will be donated to help these students.  We appreciate your continued financial support.

 

 

 

 

(Chapel at Miyagi Gakuin- this school really blessed Yu while she was in high school.)

-Mrs. Yonezawa’s (our church member) father-in-law was found dead.  They have not found her mother-in-law.  Please pray for their family as they grieve.  Mrs. Yonezawa and her three children are members of our church, and they have been praying for Mr. Yonezawa’s salvation for a very long time.  Please pray he will find God’s peace during this difficult time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(The lady in the middle is Mrs. Yonezawa)

-We are working with our churches in Sendai and Arlington to have a clothes drive to help the children who lost everything.  We think it will be a great opportunities for both churches to work together to share His love.  Please pray for guidance and wisdom as we lead this special project.

-Please pray for us as we prepare to speak at a local church on Sunday.  We have spoken at 3 different places already and we are grateful that God continues to use us here in South Korea.  We have been touched by the hearts and prayers of Korean people.  We will write about how God has used us and blessed us.

As we close this post, we want to ask you to take a few minutes to pray for Japan and the people of Japan.  Today, many Japanese Christians are getting together to pray.  As I type, they are having a special prayer meeting at Sendai Baptist Church.  This month has passed so quickly, but we know it can take years for many people to have their normal life back.  Please pray God will draw them closer to Him and they will find hope and peace.

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

Categories: Prayer Needs.

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Blessings from God

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April 11, 2011

Last week, we were blessed to have two special friends from Arlington, Texas!  Cindy serves as the director of our sending organization (GCPN) and she is also our pastor’s wife.   For about two years, we spent our Monday nights at her house to have a training session to learn about missions.  It was such a great learning experience for both of us, and we also made some close friends who all have hearts for the world.  After we found out about the radiation leak, Cindy and Dennis (our pastor) spent several nights without sleeping in order to come up with our evacuation plan.  We are so thankful for their leadership and wisdom.  Another friend, Cathie, has been such a blessing to Yu ever since she first met her.  When we were still in Arlington, she invited Yu to her house to have lunch or take her to nice restaurants, and it was always a special time for her.  She prayed for us as we went through difficult times and also encouraged us as we prepared to become parents.  She has an amazing husband, two sweet kids, and a precious mom from Japan.  Please pray for her mom as she is away from her family in Japan.

They came all the way to South Korea to encourage us and to take care of our baby!   As you can imagine, Luke LOVED spending time with Aunt Cindy and Aunt Cathie!  They blessed us and encouraged us so much.  We had an amazing week together and words can’t express how thankful we were to have them with us.

Here are some pictures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They arrived in Seoul safely!  The girl on the far left is Yu’s high school friend who lives in Seoul.  She took care of us last week (another blessing from God).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clothes, diapers, wipes, toys, food, towels… It was like having another baby shower!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So excited!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A huge “THANK YOU” to those who gave these gifts!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy to be together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took a cable car to go up the hill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the guard in front of Seoul Tower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got to see an awesome show (Koreans really value their traditions).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Seoul is huge!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had to take this picture!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our favorite tea room.  Luke was spoiled by these beautiful ladies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We visited this place called “Secret Garden”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Such a beautiful palace where Korean kings and queens used to live.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love this photo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the pastor, deacon, and translator at Eunpyeong First Church.   They were so kind to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Far East Broadcasting Company.  It is a Christian radio station that Dr. Billy Kim started.   These girls are his assistants and they welcomed us so warmly.  They invited us to share our story at their company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So comfy in her arms!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at his smile!  She took care of him while we had a meeting with Cindy.  We had a devotional and talked about our plans.  We are blessed to have a church family that cares about us and prays for us.  Even thought we don’t know what will happen, we know His plans give us hope and a future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the deacons of the church took us to have a feast!  Cathie and Cindy were so brave to try some seafood that they had never seen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We tried on the traditional Korean dresses.  It was such a neat experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We learned so many parenting skills from these experienced moms!  They babysat Luke while we went on a date!  We had such a great time but we sure missed our baby boy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had lunch with our friends from DBU.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also had a special prayer time for Japan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saying good bye (and see you again) at the airport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doesn’t he look sad in this picture?  We already miss them both!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cathie and Cindy, thank you so much for loving us, encouraging us, and ministering to us.  Both of you are such blessings from God.   We are also thankful for FBCA for sending them to see us.  We are blessed more than words can express!  Thanks be to God!

 

 

 

Categories: Hope for Japan News.

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Update on April 3rd

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April 4, 2011

We are overwhelmed by prayers and support that are coming from all over the world.  Thank you for remembering Japan in your prayers.  God is answering your prayers.  It is encouraging to see the Japanese churches and Christians working together for His kingdom.  God is touching and changing so many lives.

We were able to talk to Yu’s dad on the phone and he shared so much information.  We will try to summarize what he has shared.

Praises:

-He took several pastors and Texas Baptist Men volunteers to Arahama (destroyed town on the coastline).  Yu’s dad’s close friend (also a wonderful Christian) is the chief of the local fire department there so he allowed them to enter the restricted areas.  They were able to encourage the firefighters.  They also discussed how to meet the needs of those who lost homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, it is devastating.  The government officials predict it would take years to rebuild the cities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They had prayer together.

-Tony and Marsha Woods, our missionary friends who are just like our family, came to Sendai over the weekend.  Yu’s dad took them to Ishinomaki (Yu’s grandparents’ city) where tsunami washed away half of the city.  They were able to deliver the supplies that they had brought from Tokyo.  They also visited people in the city to encourage them.  In the midst of such a busy time, Yu’s dad was able to have a good time with his best friends.

-Yu’s dad was able to meet with the President of Miyagi Gakuin, a Christian school that we mentioned in the last update.  They discussed how to help the students who can no longer pay tuition due to their loss from the earthquake and tsunami.   They are in the process to find out how many students need help and how much they will need.  When Yu’s dad shared that some of your donations would be given to them, he repeatedly said thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This picture was taken when we visited the campus.  We were planning to visit this school weekly to build relationships with the students.  Some students and their parents are still missing.  Please pray.

-Local churches in Sendai are working together to minister to others around them.  Two Baptist churches in Sendai just welcomed their new pastors this April.  With their new leadership, they are praying that God would use the Christians in mighty ways.  Please keep praying for revival!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent worship service.  They are still praising God in this difficult time.  Pray that they are able to help those who are asking lots of “why” questions.

-Countries around the world are helping with disaster relief.  Here is the picture of American soldiers cleaning the tsunami-hit school in Ishinomaki.

 

 

 

 

 

Prayers:

-Please continue to pray for Kimura family (read our old posts to know more about them).  Yu talked to Mrs. Kimura yesterday.  They are thankful to have food, water, and power so that their physical needs are met.  However, they are struggling emotionally and mentally.  Their kids are scared of the earthquake and start crying when they have aftershocks.   Some of them started having rashes because of the stress.  The kids still don’t know when they can go back to school (school year in Japan starts in April) because the textbook factory was destroyed by tsunami and they don’t know when they can get the new textbooks.  Due to continuous aftershocks, the city officials are still deciding when it is safe for the students to come back to school.   Mr. Kimura is in the Japanese Army, and he is only allowed to come home for a few hours once a week.  His job is to find the dead bodies, so Mrs. Kimura can tell he is having a difficult time mentally, and their kids know their dad looks different.  It breaks our hearts to hear what they are going through.  There are so many families like this one and they need your prayers.  We are thinking about delivering some toys to the kids like them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The boy on the far left and the boy on the bottom are their sons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two girls on the left are their daughters.  Aren’t they precious?

-Pray for the firefighters. Mr. Yamaki, the chief of a local fire department, told Yu’s dad that they had lost several firefighters who were rescuing people.  Obviously, many of them are grieving but they have to keep working without having time to rest or mourn.  He also shared he is concerned about their mental health.  They have to see so many dead bodies every single day.  Many of them feel helpless.  Please pray they will find peace and comfort in Christ.  Mr. Yamaki is a strong believer and he is trying to reach out to them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Continue to pray for those who lost their loved ones.  Many people are still missing and their family members want to have their bodies back so that they can have a funeral for them. Also, the people who are staying in the temporally shelters are starting to have health problems due to lack of nutrition and sanitation.  Many cities are trying to build new homes for them.  Pray that they can move there soon.  One of the local Baptist churches is letting people come to use their shower.  Please pray for this special ministry.

-Our last prayer request is for Yu’s dad.  He hurt his foot while helping with tsunami relief.  He says he is okay, but we are very concerned.  He goes to his regular job from 8 to 5 and then goes to help people after work.  He buys food with some of the money you have donated and delivers them to people on our behalf.  Since he has many connections with the city officials in the tsunami-hit areas, he has been asked by many volunteers to take them there (people are not allowed to go to those areas without a special permission).   In addition, he is taking care of Yu’s grandmother and our two dogs that we left behind.  We know he has been so busy but we have never heard him complain.  When we talked to him on the phone, he just wanted to make sure that we are okay.  His selfless attitude and heart for others remind us of Christ’s love.  Please pray for God’s strength and protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of you have asked how we are doing.  We are doing well in Seoul.  The church where we are staying and believers here are taking such good care of us.  We had our special friends from Arlington last week and they ministered to us in many amazing ways (we will write about them soon).   We are reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness every single day.  This week, we will be going to the Christian broadcasting company to share our story. We praise God for this wonderful opportunity.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Aid for Japan.

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