***YOUR PRAYERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!***
Below I have copied in a report forwarded to me from a dear friend and pastor in Hawaii. He received this report from another friend of his, Rev. Inafuku, who pastors a church in downtown Tokyo. He and his church have also sent teams to the area most affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Though a different church group than ours they have ministered significantly for one of the pastors in our church group. I declare, how wonderfully God brings us together.
Yoshiko & Hiroshi Minegishi with Elmer Inafuku
We had another good shaking at 7.4 this evening with the epicenter in the same place as the big one. But not to worry, it was just an ‘aftershock’.
Please continue to pray for the multitude of families who still live from day to day.
Please read this exciting testimony and report by Rev. Inafuku regarding Rev. Minegishi.
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On our first trip to Miyagi (3/18-20), we met Hiroshi and Yoshiko Minegishi, pastor of First Bible Baptist Church of Kesennuma, Miyagi, a city with a population of 70,000. His city was one of the hardest hit in the earthquake and tsunami catastrophe of 3/11.
Vivid videos of the tsunami hitting Kesennuma can be seen on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhVIUjWN8E The city was also engulfed in a raging fire that burned all night. That can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdmvCydsjC4 Pastor Minegishi was working in his church office when the earthquake struck at 2:46PM. They have many earthquakes in their area, and actually had had one just a few weeks before. At that time, the tsunami warnings sounded, but there was only a small wave. But on 3/11, the jolt was so strong, Pastor Minegishi sensed this time was different. He had worked at a nuclear power plant before and was trained to check the sea right away whenever a quake occurred. So he jumped in his car and rushed to the sea to check whether it was receding or not. Actually he relates he didn’t see a strong recession, but the warning sirens were sounding, and his instincts told him this was the real McCoy, so he rushed home, picked up his wife and daughter, and headed for higher ground immediately. The roads were still clear, and they could leave the area without any problem. The tsunami hit 40 minutes later. Many people weren’t sure whether there would be a tsunami or not. When they finally realized one was coming, they all tried to make a getaway in their cars. But by then it was too late – the roads got jammed, and they got stuck in the traffic. The tsunami crushed them in its relentless path. An older lady in Pastor Minegishi’s church shared this story of what happened to her brother. He picked up his daughter with his car, and they headed for his daughter’s child’s kindergarten. They made the fatal mistake of trying to pick up her child instead of escaping themselves and trusting the kindergarten to watch over the children. The schools in Japan are trained to protect the children in their care at the first sign of danger. So her child was already being taken to higher ground while they were headed for the kindergarten. Sadly, they got caught in the traffic jam that trapped many. As danger approached, the father ordered the daughter to get out of the car and seek safety in a nearby 3-story concrete building. She did so, but he was still determined to go to the kindergarten. The daughter relates the last words she heard from her father while talking over their cell phones were: “The water’s come!” and then he was cut off. The tsunami slammed into the car and swept it away. She has searched in vain for her father and their car, but has not been able to locate either. Pastor Minegishi returned to his church and home the next day. To his horror, they were both swept completely away, and nothing is left where they once stood. They had built a new church sanctuary and dedicated it just 3 years ago. But they have lost everything. He loves to read and down through the years had collected thousands of books covering many Christian as well as secular topics. But every single book in his library has been washed away. He felt like he has experienced what Job went through when Job lost everything – his home, possessions, business, and even children. Through this experience, Pastor Minegishi has realized that God’s love is the most valuable thing in life, far above all material possessions. He has renewed his dedication to God and wants more than ever to love Him and live for His purpose. He quotes Song of Solomon 8:7a often, “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.”
Where the Kesunnuma Church once stood...unbelievable!
As much as 80% of sections of Kesennuma have been demolished. But Pastor Minegishi feels a strong calling and burden for the people of his city. He wants to impart hope and life to them in the midst of this catastrophe. A few days ago, he found a large farmhouse which he can use as a storage space. If he can receive relief goods, he wants to distribute them to the afflicted in his city. And as he is able to, he would like to purchase land on higher ground and build a new church sanctuary there, where it will be safe from tsunamis. On our 3rd trip, we want to send a team and a truck loaded with 2 tons of supplies to Kesennuma to assist Pastor Minegishi’s ministry of distributing relief goods to the needy. Thank you for partnering with us in this vital mission to a stricken city. On our 3rd trip, planned for 3/30 – 4/4, we will have 3 trucks carrying 6 tons of materials and 8 vans, transporting 40 people! This week we are hitting a peak in momentum as both domestic and international teams are coming together to offer help any way we can. I will write more details about this trip later. Please pray for Kesennuma First Bible Baptist Church:1. To be able to serve as a distribution center in their city.2. To be able to build a new church sanctuary and parsonage.3. To effectively share the love of God to many in their city.4. For the people of Kesunnuma to be able to overcome the immense hardships confronting them and to unite to rebuild their lives and their city.*** *** *** *** ***Thanks so much for your faithful prayers!! We are DESPERATE for your prayers!
PLEASE direct other interested “prayer warriors” to http://jeffreymaki-ink.com/blog/ to read these updates.
Remember, Cling to the LORD your God! (Cp. Deuteronomy 13:4) --- Then hold on for the ride of your life!
Family With You In Christ,
Abi, Jeffrey, Cheryl & Leon
THANKS!!... to the many of you who have contributed financially for this ministry to the Earthquake victims.
You can participate in this emergency ministry by contributing to the WorldVenture Japan Earthquake. These funds for the most part will be used for the relief efforts lead by the Japanese Association of CB Churches and us partnering missionaries. Click below… (or copy and paste it.)
https://worldventure.com/Give/Support-Projects-Ministries/Projects/JAPAN-EARTHQUAKE.html
We thank all of our supporters faithful supports!! We thank God for those who have been able to increase and the new supporters in this past month.
OUR SUPPORT NEED: $1,777/month.
To contribute or make support commitments go to:
www.worldventure.com
Find our name under the "FIND A MISSIONARY".
Then 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
TEL/FAX: 0297-66-5030
(from USA) 81-297-66-5030
Cell: 090-6537-2635
WorldVenture: http://worldventure.com/
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