by Whitey | Nov 26, 2011 | Uncategorized, Videos
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/32665016 w=480&h=270]
This is what I saw during my relief work trip to Tohoku (Northeastern Japan) this past week.
While I stayed in Sendai, the work we did was in the city of Ishinomaki, which, as you can see from the video, suffered a lot of damage during the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. And, over 9 months later, there is still a lot of work to be done in rebuilding the area and restoring people’s normal lives and livelihoods.
I worked with an organization called JIFH (Japanese International Food for the Hungry). In addition to bringing supplies and encouragement to people living in the temporary housing units, JIFH is helping to clean up and re-build damaged homes and places of business. We worked in damaged houses tearing down walls and pulling out flooring and plumbing fixtures so that carpenters could go in and replace the damaged ones.
I felt like my part was a very small one, but it was a privilege to be there to help in any way I could. There aren’t enough resources or people to get the work done quickly, but things are going more quickly where there are volunteers, churches and relief organizations lending a hand.
Thank you for praying for Japan.
Note: The song I used in this video is called “Blackwater” by Fatblueman, and can be purchased via iTunes, with proceeds going towards Japan earthquake relief work:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/black-water-in-support-japan/id453606035
by Whitey | Nov 22, 2011 | Uncategorized
Probably the saddest thing I saw in Ishinomaki today. When the tsunami hit on March 11, many people fled to this school to escape the flood… only to have the school catch fire.
by Whitey | Nov 21, 2011 | Uncategorized
At JIFH HQ in Sendai. Had a surprisingly quiet first day here, as the long-term volunteers and staff we’re off today, giving us short-termers a day off by default.
by Whitey | Nov 18, 2011 | Uncategorized
I have a couple of things to share today. First a praise report and then a prayer request.
1. Our anniversary event on Sunday was a huge success! It was basically an open house, come-and-go event, so we don’t have an exact attendance number, but based on the amount of cookies and coffee given away, it looks like we had about 100 guests stop by throughout the afternoon! Praise God that we were able to connect with so many people in our community! Let’s keep praying for these relationships to deepen and for God to use them to connect people with Jesus!
2. As I mentioned in my previous email, I’m heading to Sendai next week to do some relief work. I’ve connected with an organization called JIFH (Japan International Food for the Hungry). As you might guess by the name, their usual ministry is to those in poorer countries. But since March, they’ve been helping provide aid and hope to those in the area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. I’m looking forward to partnering with them next week, from November 20-25, and would appreciate your prayers for safe travel and that God will use me.
As always, thanks for your prayers and support!
by Whitey | Nov 18, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
"… Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Lord." (v. 8)
This is a convicting passage for those of us involved in ministry, especially those of us who teach and preach the Word of God. We need to be prayerfully prepared before we speak, making sure we're sharing the truth — and that it's the right truth for that moment. We need to choose our words carefully, making a clear distinction between God's Word and our own opinions.
But maybe that's just my opinion.
