Our first house...

Picture taken by Billy Jackson

We have completed the work we are supposed to do on our first house. House construction in Japan is very different to what we are familiar with in the States. They build in a post and beam type of construction. The floor joists are 2"x2"s and the walls are 1"x3"s. I don't know how it holds anything up but it does. Actually, the weight of the house is supported on the post and beams but the floor joists are mind boggling.

It has been a good time working on the house. It is very satisfying to see a job completed. This is one of the very first houses that was mudded out back in August. The owners have been living there in the second floor only since then. They are very happy to see work being done. You have to understand that Samaritan's Purse approached these owners back in June and told them that they would rebuild their house for free. These folks have been asking themselves if this could really be true.  It has been a blessing to have been a part of that rebuilding effort. 

More important than the opportunity to rebuild is the opportunity we have had to share Christ with the homeowner.  Today, John our team leader, took the opportunity to do just that.  We pray that the Lord will take the seed planted and bring about a harvest in the home in which we worked.

Tomorrow we start on the next home - one in which the damage is major and where we will probably spend the rest of our time while in Japan.  Please continue to pray for safety and unity for our team, ability to work well and accomplish much on this new house and most importantly, for the salvation of the Japanese people.

Thanks

Gary