Dear Praying Friends
I'm sure I speak for many Christians here when I say that the tsunami in March has given us a new injection of energy for ministry, renewed love for the lost, more opportunities taken, awe at the privilege of being co-workers in Japan with Almighty God and joy in the gospel etc. The tsunami was sent by God to wake Japan up and we have yet to see that happen- at least in Sendai - there hasn't been the turning to the Lord for which we have prayed. But God has done something else: He has polished up the Church so that she shines brighter. So even though the tsunami was a great catastrophe the result may still be a great blessing which is exactly what we would expect from a God who is both sovereign and good.
1. Christians have been prominent in the relief work. Japanese churches have mobilised their members and along with Christian aid organisations and missionaries have pulled far beyond their weight in numbers and been a good example of the love of Christ.
2. Christians sense that God has acted in this disaster and their moment to bear witness has come. We've seen SECC members more convinced of the truth of gospel, more willing to work hard and cooperate, feel more responsible for the salvation of their neighbours and family, be less materialistic, more prayerful and more aggressive in evangelism. This spiritual refreshing has been repeated in many evangelical churches throughout Japan.
3. Many churches have started to cooperate, not in the formal way we sometimes had in the past but zealously and generously. I have been encouraged by the initiative and love shown by many in their 20s and 30s from other churches who have helped at our temporary housing site (THS) evangelistic events and how SECC people have done the same and I am sure that this networking and cooperation is going on in other places in Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima. Young Christians who were drifting have found focus by serving.
These are concrete spiritual blessings which only God could have done and should make us thirsty to go on praying and to work expectantly for Him to do yet greater things. A refreshed and vibrant church is a good beginning.
Let us keep praying for boldness in telling the gospel. When Paul recounts how he did it in Galatia he says he vividly portrayed Jesus Christ as crucified before them, meaning he clearly and persuasively explained what Christ's death meant for them (Gal 3:1). Until we've done that we can't say that we have done real evangelism. Pray that Christians don't stop short with material relief only, or handing out literature, or befriending people but use these opportunities to do what God has sent us here for. Giving Christ to people is real relief.
Let us pray that tsunami victims and others in the NE get converted. Many are becoming more religious, increasing their religious performances at shrines etc and we have seen cardboard buddhist altars in temporary homes, also the sects like JWs are active. Only God can open hearts to receive the gospel.
Many of you have contributed to the Sendai Earthquake Relief Fund for which we gratefully thank you. Here are some of the ways the fund has been used,
1. Distribution of bibles, vitamin drinks etc
Our aim is to distribute a pack containing a New Testament, tract, church invitation and vitamin drink at each temporary home. Tadamitsu Nishimura, our fulltime evangelist doing relief work, has done most of it himself but we have had at least 4 teams who have gone along with him to do this. Several thousand have been distributed already.
2. Distribution of other relief supplies.
'Food for the Hungry' has a large warehouse with supplies and Tadamitsu has assisted in their distribution. Also they are happy to supply what we feel we need to give out, like heaters, fans, rice, bicycles etc. We have also bought items ourselves for distribution where we have seen a need.
3. Mobile Cafes
Tadamitsu has held many of these at various THS. Usually he has help from SECC members and friends from other churches. They serve drinks and pizzas and other snacks, and give out bibles and tracts, and listen and chat. This Wednesday (9 Nov) we have another in Natori and the church ladies are going along to assist.
4. Mini-concerts
Twice a month a couple from a Tokyo church bring up a team of musicians to do a concert, either outside under a tent or inside the community centre most of the THS have. Because there is a bigger team of helpers we supply various foods like curry rice. SECC and Tadamitsu supply the logistics and organisation in Sendai to make this happen. As Christmas approaches we are planning events in various THS.
5. The Relief Centre.
We have now been refused 9x by estate agents when we have applied to rent shops or office space. Last time it was explicitly because we were a church. We are also applying for an apartment for Tadamitsu. While we are still contacting them we are exploring doing it privately through Samaritans Purse which is a relief organisation who use volunteer carpenters to restore damaged homes. At the moment Tadamitsu stays with his parents which means his petrol expense is about double what we estimated and time is wasted travelling. Please pray we find a suitable place for a relief centre and accommodation for Tadamitsu.
6. Teams.
We have an increasing number of teams who want to help. Please pray for guidance in using them effectively.
OMF has now closed SERF but it is possible to send donations to Local Project Japam: Sendai Evangelical Christian Church.
This coming Sunday (13 Nov) we are having a church picnic in the local park.
On a personal note, we give thanks for a good visit to Christine during Hebron halfterm and we look forward to also seeing Esther and maybe Amy, Sam and Andrew over Christmas.
Thank you!
