English Cafe (Photo)
Me and most of the guests of Friday night’s English Cafe at Nagoya Church.
December Prayer Letter
Thank you for your prayers over the past month.
In November I took a trip to Northeast Japan, where I worked for a few days with a group doing relief and rebuilding work for those affected by the March 11 disasters. While it was heartbreaking to see so much devastation, and that there is still so much work to do, I was encouraged by the full-timers I met there, and the good work they are doing. For more on my trip, please see the the previous post on this blog.
With Christmas time fast approching, there is a lot going on in December. Please be praying with me for the following:
1. Leading worship at prayer meeting — Dec. 14
2. Speaking at Youth Christmas event at Nagoya-Higashi Church — Dec. 17
3. Our annual Christmas celebration / outreach event at Nagoya Church — Dec. 18
4. Traveling to Canada for Christmas! (Dec. 23-Jan. 4)
Thank you for your partnership with me, building spiritual bridges in Japan! I hope you have a great December and a marry Christmas!
– Robin
What I Saw in Northeast Japan (video)
[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/id453606035Photo: Remains of a School
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.
Love East Japan (photo)
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.
Praise and Prayer
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!
Ezekiel 13:1-16
"… 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.
Busy Week Brain Dump
Here’s what going on:
1. I had a cold last week and ended up taking the night off from leading worship Wednesday night at prayer meeting. So I’m doing it this week instead. Basically me and my pastor swapped spots.
2. I’m going to Sendai next week to volunteer with a group doing relief work there. I’ll post more details later in the week.
3. Because I’m going to Sendai next week, next week’s work needs to get done this week. Mainly getting ready for English Club at the end of the month, especially the message.
4. Still doing regular English classes this week too.
So it’s a full week. But not too much for me and Jesus. Prayers appreciated though, of you’re so inclined.
Nagoya Castle
Got a friend who’s new in the area so I got to pay yet another visit to the local castle. Shot this on the phone while there.
Prepping for Next Sunday
As I mentioned in my prayer letter, we’re having a 60th anniversary outreach event at my church next Sunday. As part of the event, guests will be able to check out the various ministries we have here, including my English ministry. I’ll be doing a demo of our kids’ program, and we’ll have a booth set up where people can get more info. I spent some time yesterday afternoon working on this poster with these two assistants. Thanks for the help, girls!
今度の日曜日、名古屋教会での感謝祭が行います。そのイベントには、子供の英会話クラスのデモクラスをする予定です。そして、英会話ミニストリーについてティスプレーもあるので、昨日このポスターを作りました。