Last week in Fukushima...

I saw this video on a friend's blog this morning, then found the video below. I am at a loss for words- as they said it is "absolutely heartbreaking". Praying for the people and leaders of Japan...

little reminders of a big God

I love the little things God does. His reminders that He's there, understands what's going on, cares. It's often the little things that many would call mere coincidence that strike me deeply.

Like this awesome friend who claimed Jeremiah 33:3, and now whenever I see "33" anywhere (and it's amazing how much they show up!) I can't help but be reminded of God. Of a God who, even at my lowest of lows, listens, wants me to call, has an incredible plan, and reveals His plan (and even the mystery that is Himself) one beautiful piece at a time.

This morning my little reminder was in Nehemiah. For some reason, I've kept up the Bible reading plan from the church I went to in Jackson. On what I thought was a random whim this morning, I decided to get back into reading not just the New Testament passages, but also the Old Testament (which happened to just be starting Nehemiah). As I start off the week needing to get back into the swing of support-raising, fighting to persevere when being fully supported financially feels so far away, what a beautiful and gentle rebuke from my Father that He's got it under control.

Nehemiah was broken (because Jerusalem is an absolute wreck). But He prayed with praise, confession, and bringing his request before God. Then 4 months later, he confronts the King. He was always praying, and even though he was terrified, the time comes and he makes his request to the King: can I go back to my hometown and rebuild? This guy who was terrified just to ask for permission to go, once he sees he has the King's favor, goes on to ask for a free travel pass, and by the way King, would you mind providing all the lumber for the rebuilding? And instead of executing the guy for being so bold, the king fills his request and more- sending soldiers with him. So through this foreign king, God provides for all of Nehemiah's needs so he can go.

God provides. Sure the process might take months, sure I'll be absolutely terrified sometimes, but in incredible ways that blow our minds, God provides. It's a simple message I was probably taught at the age of 4, but sometimes...it's good to be reminded.

There and back again

I spent this past week as the female chaperone/leader/person for my church's high school summer retreat, Fun in the Son. Basically, I went to the beach with Jackson (the youth leader) and 4 awesome youth from 1st Pres, where we hung out with 51 other youth groups: beach, pool, sports, cards, busting out all their dance moves, and best of all learning from 2 speakers and worshiping together in the most ginormous tent ever.

Besides being a fun time, I hope this was also a great time of growth in God: what it means to worship and "Elevate" (the theme for the year). We centered around Romans 12, a chapter full of good stuff, and I'll share just one bit of what we learned, found in verse 15: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn". A great way to summarize what living as a Christian/loving others/worshiping God with our lives looks like: simply live life with those around you (and God!) by rejoicing and mourning with them, sharing their worries and excitement (and sharing yours with them).

Whether in Danville, Jackson, or Tokyo, what a simple message to keep in mind, and what a good one.

What do people do all day?

読んでいます! (translation: I am reading!) Ok, so I don't really read all day, but the Richard Scarry reference popped into my head and I couldn't resist. I am very much enjoying one freedom of being done with school: I get to read whatever I want! Below is a sampling of what I've been digging into so far...

I'm reading "Silence" right now, and next on my list are "A Life of Jesus", also by Shasuko Endo, "The 4 Loves" by C.S. Lewis, and maybe even finish up Scott Westerfield's Uglies Trilogy. What else should I add to my list?

In summary...

What's going on in Japan? Below is a news brief from MTW's latest newsletter. Enjoy!

"The stricken area, the Tohoku east coast, is an area of small, coastal fishing villages and small cities. Churches from the Tokyo and Nagoya areas have sent over 100 individual truckloads of relief supplies and volunteer teams, helping stabilize the area. Though government relief efforts have been relatively swift and effective, there are still many people who are homeless or living in temporary shelters. And, as a result of the deaths of approximately 25,000 people, there are now many shattered families and orphaned children.

However, there seems to be a new spiritual openness among the Japanese, particularly those directly affected by the tsunami. This openness presents an unprecedented opportunity for MTW missionaries and partners to work in cities virtually untouched by the gospel. Relief efforts have noticeably changed from carrying supplies to carrying love—serving hot meals, performing concerts, playing with children, and simply listening. And as Japanese Church members and missionaries listen, they are making friends and opening doors for long-term relationships.

“We have been warmly welcomed by the residents of the region and anticipate an ongoing and lengthy effort to help,” said Bob Drews, assistant team leader of the Chiba team.

Only about 0.22 percent of Japanese are evangelical Christians. Most Japanese do not know a Christian and have no knowledge of the Bible, much less of a sovereign and loving God. Moreover, Tohoku is the least-churched area in all of Japan.

Currently, there are no Presbyterian Church in Japan (PCJ) works in Tohoku, though MTW is actively working with evangelical churches in the area. The ministry dreams of renting a facility, or purchasing land or a building, establishing a permanent facility for church-planting teams. The facility will provide opportunities to work with children, elderly, and families. The ministry also hopes to jump-start future business ventures.

“Having a physical footprint in a community is vital to a long-term relationship that can bring the gospel transformation to individuals and communities,” said Drews.

July Newsletter

Newsletter, July 2011