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?
13 comments:
I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God bless, Lloyd
What a truly amazing example of God using His word to prepare us for what is coming next in our lives. Thank you for sharing what God has been doing in the midst of this devastaing tragedy. Thank you also for being the hands and feet of God. I praise God for your faithfullness.
I try to keep up through Samaritan's Purse and what I have seen is the complete work of God through the people of SP and the Japanese people that can teach us so much, if we would only let them. You are there and you're able to provide us with first-hand knowledge of the many ways God has touched everyone there. God be with you and keep you safe so you can continue with your work there. (...and come home to us!)
Are you kidding? I would like to help with a donation of one or some of those things. I think we could all contribute in something..
Want to help and send something they ask for. Where does one of the items get sent to?
O Skip, thank you for being there and being our eyes and ears as we pray for the people and our hearts ache for what they are going through. Thank you for showing us the rays of hope and joy and revival in the midst of pain. Please tell the people that Jesus loves them and we love them and hug them all for us!
That is an amazing testimony of God's peace in the storm. No food for three days, and they are joyful. The destruction is so massive yet these people are moving forward and praising God. That is a great example to Christians to wake up and live only for Jesus!
It is scripture in action--a wonderful testimony of the power of our precious Lord. Only He can give peace, joy, and hope in the face of loss and devastation--He is amazing. 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Thank you Skip for all you do.
Our God is an awesome God! And His ways are absolutely not our ways. For that we are grateful.
It's grate the things that can be done with God. Even in bad times grate things happen. Thank you guys for doing the work that God tells us to do.
Hey Skip! Let me just say how awesome it is to hear good sprout from a disaster such as the one that devastated Japan. Only God's love is capable of doing such a beautiful thing for those people.
I've decided to start a prayer journal, and I think my first entry is going to be for Japan, thank you for your insight.
Let me thank you also for your family's inspiring work. I thoroughly enjoy every sermon they have to offer this world and look forward to learning more everyday. With love and regards to you and your family.
~ Hannah Sylvester
Weary,
There are many fine groups inside and outside of Japan who are providing supplies and help. I love using Samaritan's Purse--they have "boots on the ground" and know how to do it and do it in the name of Jesus, giving the comfort of Christ in a time of crisis:
Samaritanspurse.org
This is so typical of the goodness and faithfulness of our Lord. The power of His Holy Spirit is an unstoppable force of love and compassion, pouring out on those He loves. How awesome to hear that the bride of Christ is healthy and joyful in the midst of chaos and heartache. Thanks for love and ministry to the body of Christ. Keep pointing to Jesus. :) -Patrick
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