Japan is not the same and may never be again. We in Christian work talk about this being the “new normal.” What we will be doing in Japan has already changed and probably will continue to change. Four months after the triple disasters there are still many without their homes, many are still to be found, and people continue to suffer physically and emotionally. But the good news is that spiritually people are very open.
DISASTER RESPONSE TEAMS
Since May Converge Worldwide teams of 2, 7, 10, and 16 have already been deployed to the hard-hit areas. I (John) have been on all these teams working in 7 affected areas. We are cooperating with our Japanese partners the Rengo who are also sending teams. The mission purchased a 10 passenger van to assist the Rengo in sending teams. Later this week the Kokubunji church will be partnering for disaster response with a Japanese congregation in Vancouver, Canada. Pray as a more permanent ministry in the Tohoku area will be developed over the next few months spearheaded by the Rengo and partnered by the Japan Mission. Currently another team, led by Ken and Gerry Milhous, retired missionaries, is working in Ishinomaki City.
The Japan mission continues to recruit some Team Coordinators and also looking for volunteer teams to come in the fall and spring. We are planning to receive teams this fall and need them early next year and the spring. To serve in Japan individually or in a team go to www.convergeworldwide.org/japanmission. We also need you to pray. To pray for Japan and Japan relief http://groups.google.com/group/Pray4Japan. We are constantly posting new updates on Japan disaster response and our ministry updates at www.gospelrest.com. Check them out. Elaine and I recently posted a video outlining our disaster response ministry. Please share this video widely and also encourage your church to show it in their worship meetings. http://www.gospelrest.com/how-are-you-doing/.
CPI NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The 3.11 triple disasters spotlighted Japan’s need for many more churches. The CPI National Conference will be held Nov 9-11 at Fuji Hakone Land. This conference with the theme of “together” will be a very interactive format and will have a session on “Church Planting in the Wake of Disaster.” We hope together we will all learn compassionate church multiplication. First, pray for the preparations for this historical conference. Second, consider coming to Japan to help with the Children’s Ministry and other ministries.
FAMILY VACATION TIME – Our first grandchild, Molly, will have her baby dedication at Beth’s home church on July 24th. My mother will also be celebrating her 90th birthday with us. And Elaine has a family reunion with her siblings, which is a rare event. Of course, we will spend lots of time with our children Tim and Beth along with others. Pray that we get the rest we both need. Also pray that God would refresh us with himself, teach us and use us at this family time, and that God would grant new visions for the coming months and years.
ELAINE’S MINISTRIES have been growing. One Bible study member is currently on a team in Tohoku. Pray that the women that Elaine relates to would consider their eternal fate and their relationship to God during this time.
Thank you for praying for the EVANGELISM TRAINING for the Crossroad church. The training was very encouraging and went well. All are more motivated to share their faith and all are engaged in sharing “their story” with people in their lives. Pray for new opportunities to do this training again.