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!
