Psalm 93 in Living Color!

The day we were to leave to visit the Japanese coastline was the day I was reading Psalm 93 early in the morning. It read, "The mighty oceans have roared, O LORD. The mighty oceans roar like thunder; the mighty oceans roar as they pound the shore. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore-- the LORD above is mightier than these!" It was stunning to read how poignantly those verses fit the promise of what God was wanting t do in Japan.
"What an encouragement to meet with pastors from all parts of Japan the last few days who are giving their lives and resources to help heal the victims' lives in the tsunami-affected areas. One pastor, Sato had a church in the Fukushima Daichi area only 2 kilometers away from the reactor. His entire congregation of 250 people had to evacuate the city. Their homes were washed away. His church building is entirely gone. Over 50 members of his church are missing. He stated that for three days there was nothing to eat. But he emphatically said that the church is alive and that every day the church gathers for prayer now and many people have recently gotten saved. “The Lord is really shaking things up,” Pastor Sato told us and even though the congregation is meting without an official building. Though displaced he stated emphatically, “we have joy! Several of he leaders we met had been not only visiting the areas but sending teams there to bring healing in the name of Christ.
On Saturday we visited the coast destroyed by the tsunami, the town of Ishnomagi. Boats and cars atop tall buildings revealed the wave was over 80 feet high! 5000 people are still missing and presumed dead. We were able to give a brand new truck filled with supplies to Pastor Masao Kanaya. I prayed as we laid hands on him and thanked him for his valiance for the cause of Christ. All he could do was weep as he received the keys. He is distributing hygiene kits, water, food, clothing, bicycles and emergency supplies through his church. I am so encouraged by what I saw. What do you guys think?

Pray for Japan

Its not new news that the people of Japan are suffering in the wake of two natural disasters and one man-made nuclear potential disaster. The 9.0 earthquake that rocked the island-nation by it's tectonic author eventuated in a devastating tsunami that claimed the lives of 28,000 people and rendered 250,000 more longing for homes and loved ones while consigned to one of 2000 evacuation centers. The estimated cost to that country is already over $300 BILLION dollars.
I am currently en route to Japan to meet with the leaders of churches and government to assess the needs and strategize ongoing support. Our church has responded financially but I wanted to go personally and encourage those who have been tirelessly working on the field to hand out hygiene kits, food and water to the affected ones. Tomorrow a small team I am a part of including Franklin Graham will touch down and met with Samaritan's Purse field coordinators to get the latest update. I will be tweeting updates (wifi permitting) through the next couple of days. Please pray for the people and pray for God's hand to be seen through the local churches and field personnel. Pray also that the Fukushima reactor will be stabilized soon.

A Tribute to a Dear Friend

Mark MacAllister was the very first staff member I put on staff back in 1982. Born in California, and relocating to Denver, Mark joined me when we first began our Bible Study at "The Lakes" Apartments in Albuquerque. As the little group of people emerged into a worship community and later into fellowship known as Calvary of Albuquerque, Mark was there at my side. Like Jonathan was to David in the Old Testament, Mark became the closest of friends and co-laborers. One of the fondest memories I cherish is that He and I had our own unique way of joking and seeing life in a humorous light that helped to mitigate the harder aspects of ministry and church planting. But Mark also struggled. Pain in his back and a subsequent surgery made daily life a sheer torment for him. Mark also struggled with depression and because of that he became the most sensitive and caring shepherd for God's sheep who struggled with deep issues. He knew the "frequency" that sufferers and pain-bearers tuned into and he could dial right into their thoughts and provide comfort and assurance. Sadly Mark left this world on January 7th, 2011. Though safe in his Father's house and without the constraints of the physical world, I sorely will miss him and am thankful for his immense contribution to my life as friend, counselor and fellow worshiper. Please pray for Marks wife Jody, and his children Levi and Bree.

The Memorial Service for Mark MacAllister will be held at Calvary of Albuquerque on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 2:00 pm in the main sanctuary. For those of you that cannot make it, the service will stream live online at http://www.calvaryabq.tv/live/ starting at 1:45 pm.