Last week, by God’s grace I completed my course of full time language study, graduating from Morioka Business Information School’s Japanese language program. It’s hard to believe that this period of full time Japanese study is over, but I’m very excited to begin to get more opportunities to put what I’ve learned into practice and begin serving the church here in Morioka as well as having more time to be able to participate in the coastal ministries that continue to bless the survivors of the earthquake and Tsunami that happened four years ago.
Thursday will mark the fourth anniversary of the Tsunami and despite the passage of so much time, thousands throughout the prefecture have yet to be moved into permanent homes. However it seems that this is perhaps finally the year when the majority of those who lost homes in the disaster will be moved into permanent housing. This is a both a source of joy and anxiety for those in transition. Joy in opportunity to move on, and anxiety in leaving the new communities and friendships that were established among the survivors who lived and struggled together in temporary housing parks over the last four years.
Yesterday we attended a gathering of the 3/11 Network staff and churches to learn about the current state of ministry and continue to commit ourselves to serving these communities in the hopes of reaching them with the Gospel of Salvation through Christ, through continued expressions of His love for them both in words and deeds. It was amazing to see the little church we met in nearly bursting at the seams with international missionaries, Japanese relief staff, pastors, and volunteer church members, all with a heart to reach out to those who have been affected by the disaster.
In little ways here and there we are beginning to see the fruit of that labor. Tomo’s father is planting a church which will be meeting in one of the coastal cities that previously did not have any Christian churches in it’s borders. Opportunities to share the gospel are increasing, and we’ve heard testimonies of new believers coming to faith. It is into this environment that we find ourselves preparing to serve, in God’s perfect timing. Pray for wisdom, for boldness and that we will be used by God to build up His church in Iwate, and to preach the gospel to those who are in such great need of God’s mercy.