1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Selah Psalm 46:1-3

 

 

Dear Friends,

 

These words from Psalm 46 are timely for us here in Japan. God is our refuge! Thanks to the quick action of the ABC and International Ministries, within a couple of days of the earthquake, money was made available for us to use here. Last Friday, just as I was getting back from that area, Tomoko helped load up a small truck with supplies. It left here for the 15 hour drive up to the Nishikiori and Kesennuma churches. On Monday another van load of supplies left here. Sunday a sister church in Osaka will send a van full of supplies followed a couple days later by another load from this area.

 

Supplies are being provided by our Baptist churches in all other parts of Japan, but also with monies provided by you. Your gifts are being used to supplement those supplies, and are being used by the pastors in those communities to help meet the needs of the people right now! But much more is needed.

 

The Kesennuma Church was particularly hard hit. Not the building, but the church members. Several have lost their homes, others their places of business, and others have lost family, neighbors and friends. Our personal prayers are with Rev. Usui, as he ministers in a new way.

 

Isn’t it amazing that, though some are seriously damaged, all our Baptist churches are still standing? It seems this is an opportunity for the church of Jesus Christ to be a witness and a light of hope and help in these communities. God is our refuge and strength. I believe God desires to be the refuge and strength for the people of Japan too.

 

The recovery is still just beginning. Please continue to pray for these pastors and their churches. … Do I need to say, Please Give? You can do that here.

http://www.internationalministries.org/items/221

 

For each one who has already given, we have already been hearing the words of thanksgiving from the pastors. You are equipping them with the ability to share the love of Christ with more than words. A warm blanket or meal speak too.

 

Grace and Peace in Christ,

John and Tomoko Armagost

International Ministries missionaries in Japan

 

 

To find additional information on the International Ministries website, including missionary journals, prayer requests, news updates and how to give to Japan relief, click here.