Current Plans

by | Mar 13, 2011 | Ministry News

Thanks again, everyone, for all your prayers, notes of encouragement and thoughts during this time. I thought I should post another update, though I don’t feel there’s much new to say at the moment. Here’s a numbered list of what’s going on:

1. It was really good to be with my church family today. We are physically unaffected here in Nagoya but our hearts are heavy and many of us are wondering how we can help. A good time of intercessory prayer this afternoon.

2. The IGM annual conference is going ahead as planned Tuesday-Thursday. Dr. Joanne Lyon, GS of the Wesleyan Church was scheduled to be the speaker, but had to cancel because her flight was canceled.

3. I’m planning to go to the conference, and stopping in Tokyo on the way back to help with the relief effort there. Not sure how long I can get away from my normal responsibilities, but even if I can just stay a day or two I can least help them get things rolling or give one of the full-timers a break. There is also the possibility of helping the  communications team from here in Nagoya.

I’ll try to send out another update when my plans are more concrete. Thanks again. Keep praying.

(Sun. Mar. 13 2011)

Update

by | Mar 12, 2011 | Ministry News

Thanks, everyone, for all the prayers and well-wishes.  Though physically far from the affected area, this disaster has certainly had an emotional impact, as I’m sure it has on many of you. I’ve been glued to the TV and web for updates, praying for those who are suffering and wishing that I could do something to help. There is a disaster relief group in Japan called CRASH who have been working pretty much around the clock to mobilize their relief efforts. I’m thinking of joining them for at least a few days in Tokyo to lend whatever help I can. For those of you wishing to help out, here is some more information, copied from their Facebook group. If you can’t give, please pray.

DONATIONS FOR JAPAN

Many of us are wondering how we can best respond to the devastating news of the earthquakes and tsunami that have hurt especially Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate ken. As the computer and television screens pour out images, we can pour out our hearts to the Creator of the Universe to take care of the great nation of Japan.

CRASH Japan, a non-profit established for just a time as this, exists to help victims of disasters. We have experienced people who know the culture and language on the ground ready to assess the situation and then take appropriate action. Please consider how YOU might be able to help right now by giving a donation that will “kick start” our Tokyo based disaster relief initiative.

CRASH Japan is strongly endorsed by JEMA (Japan Evangelical Missionary Association) and comes highly recommended by Dale Little, JEMA President. http://crashjapan.com/

24 HOUR FUNDING GOAL: $100,000 (send a donation using one of the following options)

Donate via Horizon Christian Fellowship web site (tax deductible receipt provided):

https://www.horizonsd.org/donate/index.asp?purpose=japan_earthquake_relief

Donate via PayPal (no tax deductible receipt): http://www.jema.org/joomla15/index.php/component/content/article/57-feature-article/500-japan-tohoku-quake-relief-donations

Donate in Japan via the JEMA postal furikae account:

Account#00130-4-180466 (Please specify “earthquake relief” in the message box.)

(posted Sat. Mar. 12)

Untitled

by | Mar 11, 2011 | Ministry News

Hi everyone,

By now most of you have probably heard about the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan today. I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know that I’m OK. We felt the quake here in Nagoya, but it was not strong enough here to cause any damage or injury. In fact, though the building shook for a couple minutes and it was pretty scary, I was able on with my day like nothing happened. I didn’t realize how large of an earthquake it really was until I got online a little later and read what other people were saying about it.

Please pray for those up north. At least 32 have been killed. Not sure of the extent of the injuries or damages, but this was a big one.

Blessings,

robin

Numbers 6

by | Mar 11, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

“So they shall put my name on Israel, and I will bless them.” (vs. 27)

「こうして彼らがイスラエルの人々のために、わたしの名を唱えるならば、わたしは彼らを祝福するであろう」。

To have God’s name on me. The image in my mind here is of a tattoo or a brand that everyone can see. Only in this case, the brand is on my heart, not my body. May God’s blessing be so obvious in my life that people will see Him when they look at me.

日本語で、その英語と違うイメージですが、同じメッセージがあります。神様の名前によって祝福をいただけます。その祝福をいただいたら、交わりの人々は私たちの生活に神様が見えます。そのような祝福をいただくように。

Numbers 5:1-10

by | Mar 8, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

“When a man or a woman wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the Lord, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed.” (vs. 6-7)

In Scripture, there is a definite connection between our relationships with each other and our relationship with God. In this passage, that connection is clear: wronging another person = sinning against God. The sin must be confessed and restitution must be made.

It works both ways: When there are hurt feelings between us and a friend, if unresolved, that will harm our relationship with God. And if we are not in regular communication with God through prayer and the Word, or if there are un-confessed sins in our hearts, that will have a negative impact on our relationships with others. As we saw in 1 John, to truly love others we need to receive God’s love.

Our relationships matter. Lord, please help us to receive and live in Your love today.

Numbers 4

by | Mar 7, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

In this passage, the different clans and families of the Levites received their work assignments for the care of the tabernacle. This does not make for very exciting reading, but there is a lesson to be learned here: everybody had a part to play; each part was important.

I’m reminded of the New Testament teaching that we, the Church, are the Body of Christ. Each of has a unique and important role to play in service to the Kingdom, just as the different parts of a human body has a specific purpose. And while some roles are not very exciting or glamorous, each role is important. Each person is important. God loves us as a body and as individual parts. Let’s not forget that love. Let’s encourage each other as we work together for His Kingdom.

And let’s do the work. Let’s BE the Church, Christ’s Body in the world today. Together we are so much more than on our own.

Numbers 2

by | Mar 1, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

“イスラエルの人々は、すべて主がモーセに命じられたとおりに行い、その旗にしたがって宿営し、おのおのその氏族に従い、その父祖の家に従って進んだ。” (2:34)

“So the people of Israel did everything as the Lord had commanded Moses. Each clan and family set up camp and marched under their banners exactly as the Lord had instructed them.” (2:34)

神様が計画を持っていました。人々が従った。まだ計画を持っています。私たちも今日、信頼して神様に従うように。

God had a plan. The people obeyed. God still has a plan. May we, too, trust and obey Him today.

Numbers 1

by | Mar 1, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

After the Israelites left Egypt, they had many challenges ahead of them, the biggest one being to enter and conquer the Promised Land. An army was needed, so the able men were counted and recruited. But an entire tribe, the Levites, was set apart for another purpose: worship. They were a tribe of priests. Worship was so important that the Levites one job was to lead God’s people in worship. The tabernacle and worship were central to the community life of Israel.

Fortunately we don’t have to through a priest or offer sacrifices to get to God today. That’s why Jesus came. But worship is still central to our Christian communities. It’s central to our personal lives as well. Let’s keep that in mind as we go about our business throughout this week, and as we meet together each week in the name our great high priest — our “Levite” — Jesus.

1 John 4:1-10

by | Feb 24, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

Sometimes the trials and temptations we face can seem overwhelming. We are weak. We are easily defeated. But we are not alone.

“…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (vs. 4)

God is stronger. Rely on His strength today. Live in His love. Live through Him. (vs. 9) In His strength and love, we can overcome.