With the exception of the ongoing nuclear crisis, you have probably noticed that news from Japan has slowed to a trickle. There are fewer and fewer news stories; the world has moved on.
But we are grateful that God’s people are not moving on. Thank you for your continued interest and your prayers!
The following is a note written by Japan Country Director, Dan Iverson, on March 26. It has long been his practice to journal his walk with the Lord every day, but this entry was the first time he had written since the earthquake on March 11.
What a two weeks! How I need the Lord’s strength, wisdom, power, for what lies ahead. How much I need day off [on] Monday. On bullet train to Nagoya [for the graduation ceremony of one of his church members from seminary at Christ Bible Institute. Cried a little on the train as I read notes from donors for minuteman fund…
Two family members who are helping with communications also added: Please know, friends, prayer partners, and supporters that your encouragement does not go unread or unappreciated. Of course, there is no time to respond at present, but please know that the Lord is using you all to encourage a nation wrought with devastation, fear, and darkness, and through you, He brings light. Thank you so much.
Be encouraged that God is using your prayers, gifts, and love in the lives of MTW missionaries, the Japanese Church, and especially on behalf of the people of Japan.
The reality of the immense loss and change in their lives is just beginning to set in for many Japanese people who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihood. At the same time, the work is gradually moving from relief and disaster response to recovery, and there is new reconnaissance and fact finding as well as much prayer for next steps. Thank you for continuing to stand with us in prayer—you can see how much it means to our missionaries.
Dan’s requests:
• Please pray for God’s intervention in this awful reactor situation.
• Pray that God clearly leads us to the places we are to serve long-term. We have no Presbyterian churches in that part (the tsunami-affected east coast), but [there are] other solid evangelicals we can partner with to help the region. And, Lord willing, [we want] to plant new churches.
• Continue to pray for a spiritual tsunami in the lives of the Japanese people, that God will open hearts, and many will come to confess Christ.
Our missionaries do not take you for granted. We at MTW do not take you for granted. Thank you!
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