Tohoku Baptist Retreat

September 29, 2019

Tohoku Baptist Retreat

Last week we attended the Tohoku (northern Japan) Baptist Retreat this week. About 90 members from 12 Baptist churches in northern Japan gathered in Matsushima (well known sightseeing place) to have a retreat. This year, our church hosted this event and all the church members worked as a team to prepare.

Worship Service and Children’s Program

During the opening worship service, children from our church sang two praise songs and they did an amazing job! After the service, we led the children’s program. We took children to the facility that used to be an elementary school. This school was severely damaged by the tsunami in 2011. The city built a new school on a higher ground, but they decided to keep this old building to use it as a memorial place to remember the March 11 disaster. They also wanted to use this facility to teach people what to do during a major earthquake.

Children had so much fun playing at the play area. It was a very unique experience. Each station was used to teach a lesson. For example, the play house represented a damaged town, the rock climbing wall represented a sea wall, the cargo net represented a big tsunami, and the slide represented a mountain. They all teach children the importance of running to higher ground as soon as possible.

Museum and First Aid Training

After playing, we all went to the memorial room to see photos and videos of the March 11 disaster. It was not easy to see them but they stimulated important conversations with the children. We talked about what we should do and several children said “pray to God first”. While that was a good reminder for everyone, it is also a good idea to run to safety as you are praying!

There was another room where children could learn emergency life skills. Many children did not know how to use a public phone. They were amazed! They also learned how to use a vending machine when the power is out!

At the end, we went to the theater room to watch a short movie about the history of this area and how people are working hard to rebuild the city. Some children had tears in their eyes. Before we left, we gathered in front of the entrance to pray for those who are still going through struggles as well as for those who are working hard to rebuild the city.

Encouragement for Adults

While we were away for the children’s program, the adults had several sessions and small group discussions. They all seemed to have a good time learning together. Tohoku area is so big and it is not easy to get together. Many church members look forward to this annual retreat. The speaker’s messages were encouraging and the fellowship was uplifting. During the small group discussions, some people shared the challenges that they are facing in their lives as well as major needs at their church. Please pray for Japanese believers and churches to stay strong and bold to share the good news of Christ!

Categories: Aid for Japan, Hope for Japan News.

Tags: Earthquake and Tsunami Survival, First Aid Training, Museum, Tohoku Baptist Retreat

Autumn Approaches Sendai

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September 21, 2019

The weather here in Sendai is beginning to cool down marking the approach of autumn here in Japan. This means that our fun summer has come to an end. So much to share. Where to begin?

Summer Events

First, children’s ministry is one of our main ministries and we all had a great summer! Just days after we came back from Hawaii, we hosted a children’s camp. Children from two churches got together to have fun studying the word! It is always a blessing to partner with our sister church to host this event and we love serving with their church members. Our boys had a great time making new friends. Many of them came from non-Christian homes. The pastor of our sister church led the Bible lessons and we all had meaningful conversations in small groups. We pray the seeds planted will grow to fruition.

Second, as you may already know, we host a monthly children’s fellowship at our church. We have worship, Bible study, dinner, and craft time. It’s one of our boys’ favorite times of the month. In August we changed things up a bit and had a pool party. Everyone (including adults) had so much fun cooling off in the water! After play time, the children had a time of fellowship and bible verse memorization drills. We love seeing their smiles when they are able to recite a new verse! Please pray they will be bold to share the truth of God with their friends.

Peace and Much Needed Healing

Next, in the beginning of August, children from 4 churches in Sendai and Fukushima got together to have a day camp. We take turns hosting this camp and this year it was held at a sister church. The theme “Blessed are the peacemakers” taught what it means to be a peacemaker. Each small group looked at newspaper clippings to find photos and articles that represented “peace”.

At the day camp there were a few children from Fukushima in my small group. They have gone through unimaginable hardships since March of 2011. The photos they chose really touched me. Please continue to pray for those whose daily life is still affected.

What’s next?

Finally, in closing, we thank you for praying for us and Japanese people! Michael is busy working at Hope House (there will be a new post about Hope House soon), Yu loves her job as a teacher, and the boys are doing well at school. Please remember to pray for us as we attend the retreat this coming Monday. About 70 people from 13 Baptist churches in northern Japan will gather for this event. The main speaker is a pastor from Fukushima. Our church is hosting this retreat and is working so hard to prepare. We are leading the children’s program. We truly appreciate your prayers! Please let us know how we can pray for you! Praise Him! May He continue to give the increase during this autumn season!