Last night, I came home around midnight but full of wild uncontrollable joy. Missionaries and all of the on fire Christian people dedicated to REVIVAL in Japan had a big meeting here in Osaka. Pastor Kenichi Nakagawa, who is probably the most revered Christian leader in the nation here, told us that there has NEVER BEEN A TIME BEFORE IN HISTORY WHEN SO MANY PEOPLE WORLDWIDE PRAYED FOR JAPAN. Breakthrough in the dark clouds above!
Nakagawa-sensei led us in group prayer, 1) for calming of the nuclear situation 2) for those suffering from earthquake and tsunami to receive help and 3) the heart problems of all, especially kids (such as panic, shell shock, and depression). Then for one minute we had individual prayer. That was the most intense one minute of my life so far. I truly felt like the Holy Spirit was stirring in the room so strongly that my chest was dangit how do we say it in English? Well...it was like when you see the firewords and there is a big explosion and the sound waves move through your body and then your blood starts moving and then your heart too is affected and then it beats differently. Like that. ドーンときました。
Wow, so many people tell me that now hee hee. It was even kind of ironic/weird/funny how I ended up going to the meeting. Rev. Inoue invited me at first, made it sound really important and for some reason I said, nah I'm not go...ing. Then a missionary friend Kazuko (fellow Wycliffe flunkie ♥ ) said, "Eh, I'm going to this meeting or something Friday for Japanese missionaries and revival stuff..." and then I really really wanted to go.
I had work and arrived late, however just in time to hear the climax of the presentation (not the main speaker from Israel actually, it was Nakagawa-sensei's fairly brief conclusion comments) and most important final 30 minutes. That actually is a perfect mirror to how I ended up in Japan this time, isn't it? Rev. Inoue invited me to come to Japan as a missionary and teach at SG. But I said, nah, I'm not going. Then God changed my plans. So here I am. And I arrived one month before Japan faced some of the most challenging times in the recorded history of the nation... indeed the climax of Japan's unfolding story...
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
PRAY FOR EAST WINDS
Please pray for a strong east wind around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. A wind blowing any nuclear fallout east into the Pacific would limit any damage for Japan's 127 million population in case of a meltdown.
OSAKA... the next capital of Japan???
Spoke this evening to a missionary who is staying at a youth hostel in Osaka area (we are 500 kilometers south of Tokyo). She said now there are many foreigners from Tokyo staying there. They are waiting to see what the resolution of the nuclear situation will be before they decide to leave the country entirely or not.
Many of them are French nationals as I hear the French news has really been emphasizing the nuclear crisis. From other news reports, I understand that the range of problems afflicting the Tokyo region (blackouts, reduced trains and buses to conservere energy and gas) has also led companies, non-profit groups, and foreign embassies to shift their operations to Osaka.
I read the Austrian government relocated all of their staff to Osaka.
Well... so far I don't think anyone is saying this yet. . . but I will go ahead and state the obvious.
OSAKA COULD SOON BECOME THE NEXT CAPITAL CITY OF JAPAN IF THINGS DETERIORATE ANY FURTHER IN TOKYO.
In such a short amount of time... let's continue to pray that the genius engineers of Japan will soon find a way to prevent a total meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant and that the winds will blow the radiation out to sea where it can dissapate hopefully with as minimal effect as possible on living creatures and the Earth we all share. Dear God, please give the nation of Japan mercy at this time.
Many of them are French nationals as I hear the French news has really been emphasizing the nuclear crisis. From other news reports, I understand that the range of problems afflicting the Tokyo region (blackouts, reduced trains and buses to conservere energy and gas) has also led companies, non-profit groups, and foreign embassies to shift their operations to Osaka.
I read the Austrian government relocated all of their staff to Osaka.
Well... so far I don't think anyone is saying this yet. . . but I will go ahead and state the obvious.
OSAKA COULD SOON BECOME THE NEXT CAPITAL CITY OF JAPAN IF THINGS DETERIORATE ANY FURTHER IN TOKYO.
In such a short amount of time... let's continue to pray that the genius engineers of Japan will soon find a way to prevent a total meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant and that the winds will blow the radiation out to sea where it can dissapate hopefully with as minimal effect as possible on living creatures and the Earth we all share. Dear God, please give the nation of Japan mercy at this time.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
URGENT PRAYER UPDATE FOR JAPAN!!!
As we are all continuing to pray for Japan... in Fukushima, Japan there is a nuclear power plant (Fukushima Dai-ichi complex) only 170 miles away from the capital city of Tokyo which is close to meltdown as a result of the recent earthquake. Right now it is leaking radiation and there have been several explosions and fires. 50 workers (heroes, truly) have been working there to do what they can to control the damage of the situation. Today they were ordered to return home as the radiation levels had risen so high that it was deadly. However, radiation levels dropped enough for them to return to work. Still, they are risking their lives at this point to save others.
WE MUST PRAY for these nuclear plant workers. Lord, give them divine wisdom to prevent a tragedy! Protect them from radiation. Comfort their families. Provide a strong wind to take the radiation away from homes and towards the sea. Right now it seems the people living in the Tokyo region are panicking. Heavenly Father, ease their fears because if this grows feeling grows any further, people will be trampled as they seek to buy supplies.
PRAY ON, PRAYER WARRIORS~!!!
WE MUST PRAY for these nuclear plant workers. Lord, give them divine wisdom to prevent a tragedy! Protect them from radiation. Comfort their families. Provide a strong wind to take the radiation away from homes and towards the sea. Right now it seems the people living in the Tokyo region are panicking. Heavenly Father, ease their fears because if this grows feeling grows any further, people will be trampled as they seek to buy supplies.
PRAY ON, PRAYER WARRIORS~!!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
PRAYER UPDATE FROM JAPAN
Dear internet friendlies~!
Please forgive me for not updating here in a while. Yes, I am living in Japan where we had the earthquake. I am fine and further south in Osaka region, which is not affected by the events. However, I can hear the local news and I am seeking to marshal more prayer worldwide about situations here that definitely need prayer~!!! I have a couple of different blogs and forgot to update this one when I updated another one. Here is the information I posted about recent events so far, with more updates to come soon:
Saturday, March 12, 2011
I PROCLAIM A 3 DAY FAST TO PRAY FOR JAPAN
Japan was hit yesterday with the worst earthquake in its recorded history (8.9 on the Richter scale), which has resulted in about 1,300 people either dead or missing and many uncountable numbers of people are camped out somewhere, unable to return home.
I ASK FOR A THREE DAY WORLDWIDE TIME OF FASTING AND PRAYER for the national destiny of the land of Japan for everyone who is 1) Christian 2) somebody who prays and 3) somebody who cares! If these three things apply to you, then please join me in a three day fast (that means no food and extra time spent in prayer).
It is no accident that God sent me to Japan and I am here when a historical natural disaster occurs. When I woke up this morning, I thought of the Book of Esther, chapter 4, when Esther's Uncle Mordecai tells her, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
I am here for a purpose... right now to ask for prayer. This is a critical time... a tipping point in this nation's unfolding history.
If you are not sure what you should pray about, please see my previous post from yesterday.
Just one addition: Japan needs to develop a solution as soon as possible to the problem of the HIKKI KOMORI(ひきこもり or 引き籠もり 'people who suffer from extreme social withdrawal')- at this time, about 10% of the population of kids who should be in school are skipping all classes to stay at home for various reasons- often unfortunately due to the relentless bullying they experience from other students.
Personally, I think that if schools in Japan could grow philosophically to be more like a 'warm family unit' instead of mainly a place where students are encouraged to compete with others in a life or death type struggle to be the best in academic studies, then other students would naturally want to take care of and help their classmates who may fall behind (or be different than others).
What is currently missing from Japanese schools?
A sense of God's love!!!
I myself am also praying for an extra helping of blessings to all who are able to help in this current push to help Japan.
P.S. Xanga- I know it seems you guys don't really care to promote blogs which mention Bible verses and prayer, however could you for once promote this page just this once for the benefit of the people in this country here?
P.P.S. I am planning to give a more general post about my big move to Japan tommorrow. Sorry, postponing that again.
**FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011**
PRAY PRAY PRAY~!!!
Hey y'all internet friendlies...
I have successfully moved from Michigan to Osaka, Japan and have worked for about a month here as a missionary teaching English in a Christian mission school. I plan to blog about this adventure in my life tommorrow.
FIRST THINGS FIRST THOUGH. Let's talk about others and not me. WE before ME.
Japan had a massive earthquake in northern regions today. So far about 40 people are dead, more missing.
Please pray for Japan! Pray for HEALING and COMFORT for those affected by this massive earthquake. Even people who are fine physically may be very concerned about loved ones in the affected regions and it is difficult to make phone calls now.
Pray that people who have suffered a loss will walk closer with the Lord as a result. There are many lonely people and very few people who know the Lord here. Japan has the highest rate of suicide among women in the world... second highest rate of suicide among men in the world as well. JESUS HAVE MERCY.
Please join me in praying for REVIVAL in Japan and RENAISSANCE at every school which was founded by Christians. We don't have many Christian teachers here so even in Christian schools very often the children do not experience God's love (makes my heart hurt)!!! Please pray that God will raise up more teachers among Christians here and also send more here from abroad! We need all of them we can get!!!
There are three important parts to the Revival in Japan which must happen: 1) each individual believer should be strengthened 2) church members need to get along better 3) the Japanese church needs a global vision. Through the Holy Spirit, I truly believe God is revealing that this a very crucial time for Japan's destiny as a nation: as the land endures an economic crisis and must also face a natural disaster, this is also a God-given opportunity for change. Will it be for the better or for the worse?
I pray that the precious people in Japan that God loves will rise to create a better Japan out of the ashes of this one. Japan- Remember KAIZEN. EXCELSIOR! FIGHTING!
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
People around the world are praying for you my friends.
Even me, this little unimportant Ugly Duckling.
Deo volente~!!!
Please forgive me for not updating here in a while. Yes, I am living in Japan where we had the earthquake. I am fine and further south in Osaka region, which is not affected by the events. However, I can hear the local news and I am seeking to marshal more prayer worldwide about situations here that definitely need prayer~!!! I have a couple of different blogs and forgot to update this one when I updated another one. Here is the information I posted about recent events so far, with more updates to come soon:
Saturday, March 12, 2011
I PROCLAIM A 3 DAY FAST TO PRAY FOR JAPAN
Japan was hit yesterday with the worst earthquake in its recorded history (8.9 on the Richter scale), which has resulted in about 1,300 people either dead or missing and many uncountable numbers of people are camped out somewhere, unable to return home.
I ASK FOR A THREE DAY WORLDWIDE TIME OF FASTING AND PRAYER for the national destiny of the land of Japan for everyone who is 1) Christian 2) somebody who prays and 3) somebody who cares! If these three things apply to you, then please join me in a three day fast (that means no food and extra time spent in prayer).
It is no accident that God sent me to Japan and I am here when a historical natural disaster occurs. When I woke up this morning, I thought of the Book of Esther, chapter 4, when Esther's Uncle Mordecai tells her, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
I am here for a purpose... right now to ask for prayer. This is a critical time... a tipping point in this nation's unfolding history.
If you are not sure what you should pray about, please see my previous post from yesterday.
Just one addition: Japan needs to develop a solution as soon as possible to the problem of the HIKKI KOMORI(ひきこもり or 引き籠もり 'people who suffer from extreme social withdrawal')- at this time, about 10% of the population of kids who should be in school are skipping all classes to stay at home for various reasons- often unfortunately due to the relentless bullying they experience from other students.
Personally, I think that if schools in Japan could grow philosophically to be more like a 'warm family unit' instead of mainly a place where students are encouraged to compete with others in a life or death type struggle to be the best in academic studies, then other students would naturally want to take care of and help their classmates who may fall behind (or be different than others).
What is currently missing from Japanese schools?
A sense of God's love!!!
I myself am also praying for an extra helping of blessings to all who are able to help in this current push to help Japan.
P.S. Xanga- I know it seems you guys don't really care to promote blogs which mention Bible verses and prayer, however could you for once promote this page just this once for the benefit of the people in this country here?
P.P.S. I am planning to give a more general post about my big move to Japan tommorrow. Sorry, postponing that again.
**FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011**
PRAY PRAY PRAY~!!!
Hey y'all internet friendlies...
I have successfully moved from Michigan to Osaka, Japan and have worked for about a month here as a missionary teaching English in a Christian mission school. I plan to blog about this adventure in my life tommorrow.
FIRST THINGS FIRST THOUGH. Let's talk about others and not me. WE before ME.
Japan had a massive earthquake in northern regions today. So far about 40 people are dead, more missing.
Please pray for Japan! Pray for HEALING and COMFORT for those affected by this massive earthquake. Even people who are fine physically may be very concerned about loved ones in the affected regions and it is difficult to make phone calls now.
Pray that people who have suffered a loss will walk closer with the Lord as a result. There are many lonely people and very few people who know the Lord here. Japan has the highest rate of suicide among women in the world... second highest rate of suicide among men in the world as well. JESUS HAVE MERCY.
Please join me in praying for REVIVAL in Japan and RENAISSANCE at every school which was founded by Christians. We don't have many Christian teachers here so even in Christian schools very often the children do not experience God's love (makes my heart hurt)!!! Please pray that God will raise up more teachers among Christians here and also send more here from abroad! We need all of them we can get!!!
There are three important parts to the Revival in Japan which must happen: 1) each individual believer should be strengthened 2) church members need to get along better 3) the Japanese church needs a global vision. Through the Holy Spirit, I truly believe God is revealing that this a very crucial time for Japan's destiny as a nation: as the land endures an economic crisis and must also face a natural disaster, this is also a God-given opportunity for change. Will it be for the better or for the worse?
I pray that the precious people in Japan that God loves will rise to create a better Japan out of the ashes of this one. Japan- Remember KAIZEN. EXCELSIOR! FIGHTING!
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
People around the world are praying for you my friends.
Even me, this little unimportant Ugly Duckling.
Deo volente~!!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
~Covenant for Leaders~
To all those near and far who I hope to help bring ever closer,
I am leaving Feb. 7th for Japan! Lots of preparation to do before then, though. On my way to Ann Arbor for the next three days to visit two churches that allowed me to give my testimony before. Also shall do ministry along the way. Somehow God always provides opportunities to do that wherever I go.
In my journal, I have lots of writing I would like to share through this blog soon. So I will probably make a lot of posts over the next few days before I leave.
Last Sunday, the Lord led me to Grace for the Nations church. The people in ministry leadership there had a special consecration service. The entire church has started out the New Year with a month of fasting. Isn’t that beautiful? I hear that Harvest Mission Community Church in Ann Arbor did the same thing. Now that is a wonderful way to start out the New Year. I feel the Lord is speaking to me about doing something special…
I felt so blessed. The pastor’s every word seemed to be designed specifically for me, as he spoke on change. He said we should be able to make 5 declarations: This is the acceptable year of the Lord- the year of all years. I’m going to be the best me I can be. I’m going to be the go ALL the way- I’m not half-stepping, or stopping along the way. I will receive my prophetic promise. I will never be the same again!
I would like to share the ‘Oath of Covenant’ that was read by the ministry leaders there as they were anointed, blessed, and prayed to have an unwavering focus on the mission of the church for this upcoming year. I altered the words slightly. For Christian leaders everywhere, it covers very important basic points that we should seek to honor as we ever seek to be closer to the light of the Lord.
Oath of Covenant
I say yes to sharing a common faith in the Scriptures of the Holy Bible and strive to live a life reflective of a solid commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life.
I say yes to maintaining a healthy balance between ministry service, leadership duties, and personal & family life.
I say yes to exhibiting and practicing professionalism in all matters relating to the ministry and business affairs of the church and it’s initiatives, projects, programs, and interests.
I say yes to practicing confidentiality in relationship to all business, financial and personal data associated with the affairs of the ministry (with the exception of information that could be significant in preventing danger to any individual or the ministry).
I say yes to submitting to the leading influence of the Holy Spirit and seek wise counsel before making major decisions while functioning as part of the leadership team.
I say yes to serving under the spiritual authority established in this house and hear to the directives and spiritual assignments given throughout the prescribed time of my role.
I say yes to serving in this appointed role as a delegated leader to the best of my ability utilitzing my unique gifts and talents to further the mission and vision of the church with all humility, character, and honor.
These words I will keep by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus being my guide, so help me God.
I am leaving Feb. 7th for Japan! Lots of preparation to do before then, though. On my way to Ann Arbor for the next three days to visit two churches that allowed me to give my testimony before. Also shall do ministry along the way. Somehow God always provides opportunities to do that wherever I go.
In my journal, I have lots of writing I would like to share through this blog soon. So I will probably make a lot of posts over the next few days before I leave.
Last Sunday, the Lord led me to Grace for the Nations church. The people in ministry leadership there had a special consecration service. The entire church has started out the New Year with a month of fasting. Isn’t that beautiful? I hear that Harvest Mission Community Church in Ann Arbor did the same thing. Now that is a wonderful way to start out the New Year. I feel the Lord is speaking to me about doing something special…
I felt so blessed. The pastor’s every word seemed to be designed specifically for me, as he spoke on change. He said we should be able to make 5 declarations: This is the acceptable year of the Lord- the year of all years. I’m going to be the best me I can be. I’m going to be the go ALL the way- I’m not half-stepping, or stopping along the way. I will receive my prophetic promise. I will never be the same again!
I would like to share the ‘Oath of Covenant’ that was read by the ministry leaders there as they were anointed, blessed, and prayed to have an unwavering focus on the mission of the church for this upcoming year. I altered the words slightly. For Christian leaders everywhere, it covers very important basic points that we should seek to honor as we ever seek to be closer to the light of the Lord.
Oath of Covenant
I say yes to sharing a common faith in the Scriptures of the Holy Bible and strive to live a life reflective of a solid commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life.
I say yes to maintaining a healthy balance between ministry service, leadership duties, and personal & family life.
I say yes to exhibiting and practicing professionalism in all matters relating to the ministry and business affairs of the church and it’s initiatives, projects, programs, and interests.
I say yes to practicing confidentiality in relationship to all business, financial and personal data associated with the affairs of the ministry (with the exception of information that could be significant in preventing danger to any individual or the ministry).
I say yes to submitting to the leading influence of the Holy Spirit and seek wise counsel before making major decisions while functioning as part of the leadership team.
I say yes to serving under the spiritual authority established in this house and hear to the directives and spiritual assignments given throughout the prescribed time of my role.
I say yes to serving in this appointed role as a delegated leader to the best of my ability utilitzing my unique gifts and talents to further the mission and vision of the church with all humility, character, and honor.
These words I will keep by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus being my guide, so help me God.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Devotional Series 1 (of 3)
days after hailstorm
ice crystals sparkle in snow
heavenly bling bling
In Ghana before colonialization, I hear gold was so naturally plentiful that when it rained, people would just pick up gold that appeared from the mud. In the same way, riches from heaven are free and available to everyone. If we don’t have it, that is our own fault. It must be because we are not willing to give up on our pride, submit to God, and accept the marvelous riches of salvation.
How different this is from the riches of the world, which causes those who receive them to usually grow increasingly more selfish and paranoid out of the fear that someone will try to rob them of their riches (and power). And those who are the superstars of this world identify themselves so strongly with the money and power they hold in their tight grasp that they cannot imagine how they could survive if they were ever stripped naked of it.
Those of us who are believers (I mean those who choose to put their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins) have freely enjoyed the endless generosity of God. His hands are always open to His children. He is always waiting to hear our next chat. When we ask for that which is truly good, his answer is forever yes although we may have to wait to receive His gifts.
Our Heavenly Father loves us crazily, madly, deeply. We must be generous, in Jesus’ name! How can we help it? We should probably seek to give so much that an angel has to be sent from heaven to smack us to get us to stop… heh heh.
My Father- our Father- please help all of your children to be more generous. Speaking for myself, I know that I have fallen from the mark many times in this area. Forgive me, forgive us. Help us to think of Your sacrifice for us who did not did not deserve it.
Acts 20:35:
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
ice crystals sparkle in snow
heavenly bling bling
In Ghana before colonialization, I hear gold was so naturally plentiful that when it rained, people would just pick up gold that appeared from the mud. In the same way, riches from heaven are free and available to everyone. If we don’t have it, that is our own fault. It must be because we are not willing to give up on our pride, submit to God, and accept the marvelous riches of salvation.
How different this is from the riches of the world, which causes those who receive them to usually grow increasingly more selfish and paranoid out of the fear that someone will try to rob them of their riches (and power). And those who are the superstars of this world identify themselves so strongly with the money and power they hold in their tight grasp that they cannot imagine how they could survive if they were ever stripped naked of it.
Those of us who are believers (I mean those who choose to put their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins) have freely enjoyed the endless generosity of God. His hands are always open to His children. He is always waiting to hear our next chat. When we ask for that which is truly good, his answer is forever yes although we may have to wait to receive His gifts.
Our Heavenly Father loves us crazily, madly, deeply. We must be generous, in Jesus’ name! How can we help it? We should probably seek to give so much that an angel has to be sent from heaven to smack us to get us to stop… heh heh.
My Father- our Father- please help all of your children to be more generous. Speaking for myself, I know that I have fallen from the mark many times in this area. Forgive me, forgive us. Help us to think of Your sacrifice for us who did not did not deserve it.
Acts 20:35:
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
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