2011 March 12 - From the Hills of Japan

***THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!***

First, we are safe and uninjured.

Second, we have never experienced anything of this magnitude in our 26 years here.

I am writing a quick note to cover a wide scope of those wondering about us.  I will try to answer the many emails soon, which were sent to us while we tried to sleep last night.  (Cheryl thinks that the writer of "Shake, Rattle and Roll" must have been in an earthquake and aftershocks like these.)

We have had minor damage (minor breakage inside, some roof repair will be needed) compared to many others in the north.  We are in the greater Tokyo area albeit the northeast side.  Abi is an hour north and they were without electricity.  Good friends (and missionaries) north by an hour and a half from us have had life changing events there.  They and their house are safe though much on the inside is broken, but, all of their neighbors have had to locate in a shelter for now.  Their houses are no longer viable.

Further north yet, (4 – 6 hours) our friends have been unreachable by us and we like you watch the news and see the terrible scenes.

Unlike many others we have heat, electricity, and gas.  But no water.  It stopped during the night.  Buckets are at the ready for the toilets.  Aftershocks continue.

I (Leon) was at a seminary graduation ceremony at which a young man I have known and participated in his discipleship since he was in high school, was graduating.  The earthquake hit in the middle of the ceremony and at first everybody tried to ignore it, but it would not let up and we first ducked for cover under the benches, but quickly everyone left the building.  We waited around in a large open space watching to see which way the bell tower might fall.  I and my missionary friend, Paul Sadler, who came by train soon decided to try and get to our homes in my car.  That trip distinguished itself only by the swaying bridge over the largest river in the area.

Cheryl and Jeffrey had taken cover under the kitchen table watching the bookshelves empty themselves.

Tears fill our eyes as we read the multitude of FB & email messages speaking of your prayers.  We believe these prayers continue to effect protection for us and the others here.

This is not over yet and we will continue to crave your prayers for us.

Well so much for short.  I will now try to send this out.  The other tragedy this week centered on the collapse of my computer.

Thanks so much for your faithful prayers!!  We are DESPERATE for your prayers!

Remember, Cling to the LORD your God! (cp. Deuteronomy 13:4) --- and hold on for the ride of your life!

Family With You In Christ,

Abi, Jeffrey, Cheryl & Leon

OUR SUPPORT NEED: $1871/month.  Falling $ strikes again.
To contribute or make support commitments go to:
www.worldventure.com
Find our name under the "FIND A MISSIONARY".
Than look for the "make a donation" or "make a commitment" near the top of the page.

Or send to:
WorldVenture
1501 W Mineral Ave.
Littleton, CO
80120-5612.

Thanks!!

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FROM:  Leon & Cheryl Hill
ADDRESS:  3-6-14 Matsuba
            Ryugasaki Shi, Ibaraki Ken
            Japan  301-0043
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