Update on March 24th

Sorry it has been a while since we gave you the last update on Japan.  Our internet access has been limited but now we are able to post from Korea.  Here are some updates:

Praises:

-The family that lost their home in Arahama was able to move to their relative’s house in Sendai.  Yu’s dad was able to deliver food.  The girls’ grandparents have been found.  Pray for the girls as they go to the new school in April.  Some of their friends are still missing.

-Kimura family that lives near our church received food that we had bought in Sakata.  Mrs. Kimura e-mailed us saying it made her cry to see her kids have enough food to eat after not having much to eat for a week.  Yu’s dad also delivered 70 litters of water.  Continue to pray for them as they miss their dad who is in the Japanese Army.  He has not come home for two weeks helping and rescuing people.   They have 4 kids who are so precious.

-All the church members were able to share food that we had bought for them in Sakata.  We talked to some of them on the phone and they said thank you to those who had donated money.  You have touched their lives in an amazing way!  We will continue to help them with your donations.

-Japan Baptist Convention has formed some teams to deliver food and supplies to the churches that were affected by the earthquake.  Each church will deliver food to those in need.  They also decided to evacuate the kids, mothers, and pregnant women in Fukushima (where the nuclear plant is located) to their office.

-Some Japanese people are visiting the local churches for the first time.  Some of them are there to ask for help, and others are there to ask for prayers.  Either way, we know God is bringing them to a church. Please pray their hearts will be opened to accept Christ.

-Yu’s grandparents were able to move from Ishinomaki (where half of the city was destroyed) to Sendai where her family lives.  Her grandfather is able to go to the hospital for dialysis without driving for 2 hours every time.  We talked to him before we left Japan and he was in tears.  Losing his friends and seeing his home city being washed away by tsunami was such a traumatic experience.  Pray he will understand God’s love through this difficult situation.

-Water and power are back in most cities. Lots of supplies are being delivered to the shelters.

Prayers:

-Pray for the situation with the nuclear power plants.  Pray for the people and workers that have been affected by the damage.  Pray for the Japanese government as they decide what to do.

-Pray for the children who have been affected by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plants.  They are so vulnerable.  Some children still don’t have enough milk and diapers.  We are coordinating with our church to see how we can meet their needs.  We will be asking you all to help us with this important project.  More information to come…

-Pray for the local churches that are trying to minister to the people in need.  Our church in a suburb of Sendai is trying to serve as the lighthouse for the community.  Pray that they will be able to share His love with others by loving and caring for them.

-Pray for the people who lost their homes.  Many cities and towns have started a “Host Family Program” that allows these people to stay with the families that have some extra space in their house.  Pray many people will be able to leave their temporary shelter and stay with a family that welcomes them warmly.  Also, pray for the government as they build new houses for these people.  Countless homes were destroyed and the need for housing is great.

-Pray for Yonezawa family that is a member of our church.  Mr. and Mrs. Yonezawa (our church members’ in-laws and grandparents) are still missing in Ishinomaki.

-Pray for the family of Taylor Anderson, an American English teacher who was found dead in Ishinomaki.  You can read more about her at http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/21/6313764-family-mourns-american-teachers-death-in-japan

-Pray for enough gasoline and food for everyone.  There are still long lines in front of gas stations and grocery stores.

-Pray for the students who have become orphans.  Miyagi Gakuin, a wonderful Christian school where Yu graduated from, has many students who have lost their parents.  There are others whose parents lost their homes and jobs and cannot pay tuition anymore.  The president of this school, Mr. Yoshizaki, is a faithful member of our church.  He has asked us for help.  Some of the money you donate through our website will be going to this school so that many students can pay their tuition.  If you want to know more about how to help, please e-mail us (michaelandyu@gmail.com).

We found this YouTube video. This shows some pictures of the devastated areas. Please note that the death toll is outdated.  As of today, 10035 people died, 17443 people are missing, and more than 200000 people are staying at the temporary shelters.  The officials said they believe the death toll would increase dramatically.  Please continue to pray for the Hope for Japan.