John and Elaine had a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas. There were several key events to end the year.
CHRISTMAS TEA – For Elaine’s Christmas tea 20 women came to celebrate Christmas together. John shared about one disaster victim’s family that was helped and ended up having a Christmas music concert in their home. God is able to change disaster to celebration. Many women commented on the story and how it parallels the first Christmas story.
CHRISTMAS IN TOHOKU – John and Elaine were in Ishinomaki Dec 15-19 to visit 20 families and share Christmas greetings. The timing for the trip was excellent as just a week before on December 7th, there was a large earthquake and then tsunami warnings. Many were very concerned and some were still frightened. They all remembered Elaine’s homemade Christmas cookies from last year and were delighted to get more. Significant conversations were about Christianity and the possibility of starting some Bible Studies. We prayed with each family.
The trip began with a Christmas Concert for 60 people at the neighborhood center. Even though it has not been completely repaired, without electricity, heat, and toilets, people came for the event. Many were encouraged by the music and being able to gather together. Many were relieved to hear John, and sometimes Elaine, will be coming monthly throughout 2013 to help. Thanks for your prayers. One church made a large contribution to the Japan Disaster Response fund, underwriting these trips.
“HOME” FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We were back in Tokyo for Christmas. This was the first Christmas without our children (and grandchildren). We did have the opportunity to Skype the family, Tim & Beth, Molly & Dawson and others as they gathered at Beth’s house. Then we had our own celebration in Tokyo.