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
We are praying! Thanks for keeping these wonderful Japanese people on our radar. Prayer changes so much.