Items for Prayer for Japan and our ministry.
Over 9 months later, people in the disaster area still live in temporary homes. Half of the 61,000 homes in Ishinomaki were lost in the tsunami. Difficulty still continues. More homes need to be rebuilt. Video from YouTube about Temporary Housing situation in Ishinomaki. CLICK HERE. One singer at the end is Mika san who we know personally and has done concerts in the Shintake neighborhood.
We are Back in the US. Thanks for your prayers for us as we made the transition from one home in Japan to another home in the US. It is good to be back. We were greeted by friends, family, and the flu on arrival. We are settling in, got reliable transportation, and set up our respective offices. Of course, the highlight was being with all our extended family for Christmas. All four generations were…
Just before Christmas Yas Yoneda and John and Elaine Mehn went to Tohoku to visit families who have received Converge Worldwide help since the earthquake and tsunami. Here are the highlights from each of the team members. Yas – The trip to the Ishinomaki city with John and Elaine to visit some 20 families stricken by the tsunami was a rewarding experience. We prepared to bring these dear friends a grand Christmas greeting with Elaine’s…
The CPI National Conference in Nov was larger than the last one in 2009. God really worked and so many people were encouraged, equipped, and re-envisioned for evangelism and church planting in Japan. Many were able to share their stories about the 3.11 triple disasters and also their current ministries. Many left with more refined plans for their ministry future. Thanks for praying. John probably gave his best CPI message ever. Elaine and John’s training…
Thank you for praying for the Rengo Annual Meeting and the Japan Mission Field Council. There were some car problems but not on the road and so much work was completed. Elaine and I leave the field knowing we have these great relationships. Success for Tim – Having just returned from his 3 months doing relief work in Japan, Tim is contemplating returning to help with the final steps for the Samaritan Purse building program…
A few days ago we had someone ask about our financial situation. Here are the facts. We have ended the last two years over 100% of our needed financial support. But due to the overall global economy and the declining dollar against the yen this year will be the most challenging. When we came to Japan the dollar was 200 yen, now it is 75, an all-time low. This means gasoline (reg) is $7 a…
Every year Elaine invites all the women from her various cooking, needlepoint and Bible classes to our home to celebrate Christmas. They sing Christmas Carols (note the video) and share a Christmas message from an invited guest. Today, December 5th, 24 women came and heard Chiho Nakano, our pastor’s wife, share the meaning of Christmas with them at the Tea. The house is packed with women who really have a great time. They all went…
Last week I had someone ask about our financial situation. I thought more of you would like the facts. We have ended the last two years over 100% of our needed financial support. But due to the overall global economy and the declining dollar against the yen this year will be the most challenging. When we came to Japan the dollar was 200 yen, now it is 75, an all time low. This means gasoline…
The 1,000 year tsunami occurred over 8 months ago but the struggle continues for victims. Since May Converge Worldwide has sent 8 disaster response teams focusing mainly the in Shintate and Urayashiki neighborhoods of Ishinomaki, one of the cities the tsunami hit the hardest. Over 60 volunteers from 11 different churches have worked over 5,390 man hours (1) distributing relief supplies and goods to 874 individuals totaling over $2,800 dollars and (2) removing the mud…
Happy Thanksgiving. If anytime where was a time to be thankful in Japan it is now. So grateful that God has sustained us through the disasters and empowered us to mobilize others to help. The whole situation is sobering about how fragile life is and how easy it would be for civilization to break down. We are thankful to God for these and many lessons from disaster victims. God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Let’s…