Disaster Response

Thanks to God we are doing well. These last few months have been far from normal. Living in a country where the largest natural disaster has occurred changes normal significantly. For many people here their lives and businesses are ruined and they have to start over. We have been doing our best to mobilize our Converge Worldwide family along with our Rengo partners to be engaged in this process of transforming Japan. This has led…

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First Converge Team Success!

A high school assistant principal, an artist, a business woman, and an engineering student made up the first Converge Worldwide disaster response team. Workers were based at the Samaritan’s Purse’s Tone base and worked with missionary Dean Bengston and Mr. Abe of the Ishinomaki House of Prayer in the Shintate neighborhood of Ishinomaki City. Team members have taken out walls, floors and removed mud from homes affected by the tsunami. Also the team cleaned yards,…

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Iwate #2 Blessings

Last week John was with four of our Tokyo pastors, a lay couple, and Phil Tsai, short-term missionary, serving with a team in Iwate Prefecture. In John’s previous trip with the Nerima church they worked with the Iwate 3.11 Church Network. This time they stayed at Pastor Kondo’s church where he outlined his vision for church ministry throughout this prefecture. Iwate presents several large challenges to mission ministry. There are only a few existing churches…

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You Can Help Japan

There are many ways to help Japan right now you can pray and specific requests are listed at this site you can come to Japan to serve hands on. More information listed here. you can give generously and compassionately. Here is how you can give through Converge Worldwide. Japan Disaster Relief from Converge Worldwide on Vimeo. Converge Worldwide has already given funds to CRASH Love-On-Japan. Any further gifts will go to organizations like CRASH that…

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Japanese Drums Meet Black Gospel Music

We have several friends working in Black Gospel music ministry.  This has been helpful in introducing the gospel of Jesus to Japanese.  Recently they wed this with Japan Taiko Drums which have become popular in western music. Check out this short video excerpt of a 300 member choir singing “Ride On King Jesus” with Taiko drums. PS Black Gospel music was first developed in Chicago.

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Nice Tie on TV

I just found out I was on Christian Television here in Japan.  I was working with one of their staff on getting a list of names of church planters that they could interview for a weekly show on church planting.  They sent me a web link to see about the program.  When I was at the home page I noticed something about the Rengo.  It was about the Coming of Age celebration on 1/12 where…

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Video for CPI Prayer

Please Promote Prayer for the CPI Conference! Just released a new YouTube video to encourage prayer support for the CPI Conference Nov 3-6.   This 1 minute 50 second video is designed to shown in churches.  Please help us mobilize God’s people to pray for this important Japan National Conference by passing this along to whoever you can think about. For public showings if you want a higher resolution file you can download Available at http://www.dhdentertainment.com/video/Mehn_Video_Prayer_CPI_2009.mp4…

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How to Be Involved with US

A pastor interviewed us a few weeks ago and asked, “How can we be involved with your ministry in Japan?”  Just a few ideas. Please think of some more and let us know. Connect with us Surf this same website www.gospelrest.com (a well kept secret). Shoot us email. Drop us a note. Visit with us on Facebook. Subscribe to our email news updates at this website. Watch for us on video. We will be producing…

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US Tour Message Online

If you missed our US Tour messages, well you can listen to them online (video also available). To listen or download the audio sermon “Good News for a Distressed World” at West Hills Community Church just click on this link . And back in February Elaine was on Moody Radio in Chicago. A recording of her sharing during a sermon was played as part of the show Chris Fabry Live! Here is a link to…

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