Last week we were delayed three times in four days when traveling by train because of suicides on the line. The rate of suicide in Japan is the highest among developed countries according to the World Health Organization. It is expected to be even higher this year because of the triple disaster of March 11 (earthquake, tsunami and radiation), in addition to the ongoing economic crisis. Over and over again, we hear people talk about their need of HOPE.
We are grateful to be able to share the Hope of the World-- our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—with the people of Japan, as well as those from other countries who are currently residing here.
· At the International Community Chapel of Saitama (ICCS) we have taught the Word, encouraged the believers to grow in their faith, and nurtured those who are searching for God. Several of our members have been directly involved in emotional care of survivors, and we are caring for the care-givers.
· As a part of the response for the Shintate neighborhood in Ishinomaki, one of the cities devastated by the tsunami, ICCS has contributed clothing and funds and in a few weeks, Christmas cookies to be used in for a gospel concert and coffee time. Stan worked with a team from the Cornerstone Bible Church to physically “mud out” homes that are being restored to living order by Samaritan’s Purse carpenters. People in Shintate are saying "As long as volunteers are here we have hope! Please continue to help us!"
· Asian Access is preparing to move a team of missionaries to the area around the city of Sendai, working in churches affected by or actively serving in disaster-hit areas in the next few months. Faith has been a part of the leadership overseeing this decision and will continue to work to encourage the missionaries’ transition to living and serving in this area.
We are privileged to be a part of a mission that had a vision for partnership with national churches and pastors committed to seeing the transforming power of the Gospel at work in the lives of individuals and families. There is a great need for more workers to come to Japan and share the good news of Hope in Christ. Over the next few years Asian Access is prayerfully preparing to mobilize additional missionaries to help meet that need. We look forward to the coming year as there are some exciting developments in a strategic partnership with SIM USA which will help to propel the recruitment of these new missionaries. (More about this in our January letter!)
As “veteran missionaries” with gifts in pastoral care and encouragement, development and connecting, we believe God has strategic ministry for us to accomplish here in Japan during this time of mission growth. We are so grateful that He has made it possible for us to be here since 1979 (Stan) and 1984 (Faith). We could not have continued without the faithful prayers and generous financial backing of many over these years.
As we come to the close of 2011, would you prayerfully consider giving a special gift to enable us to carry on the ministries to which God has called us? We need $25,000 to allow us to reimburse expenses related to our children’s educational needs and begin 2012 with necessary reserves. In addition, we seek additional monthly givers to fill in the gap created by some who have been unable to continue their support for reasons from job loss to death.
We are so grateful for your faithful ministry of prayer and we thank you for your part in bringing the Good News of Hope to the people of Japan.
Instructions for giving are found by
clicking the tab at the top of the web page.
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