I went to my first church service in Japan this afternoon which was also their first Sunday meeting in their building. This is significant because it is the first church planted in the area.
The first Steppin'-Out team worked on the building they are now holding services in. Our team was able to go to their first meeting. I feel privileged to be apart of the work going on here. Pastor Suzuki has been a tremendous instrument in this rebuilding process. His house was the first one to be rebuilt by Samaritan's Purse in the area. He has been a part of every house dedication that Samaritan's Purse has done with the homeowners, building rapport with them.
Pastor Suzuki started his sermon by telling us about a person in the community that had lost everything in the Tsunami and has recently committed suicide because they had no way of providing for themselves with the winter coming on. So this person thought that they would be better off no longer on this earth. Then he turned to 1 Peter 5:7; cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.
There were probably 5-6 homeowners present at this service. This is significant because up until recently they worshiped other gods. We are bringing the light of Jesus Christ to Japan by rebuilding these precious people's houses. In an honor/shame culture (which is what Japan has), to open your hands and be given anything goes against everything they believe in. It brings shame to their family and their name. Now the barriers are being broken down by Samaritan's Purse by GIVING them a house completely rebuilt.
I met a team of Brother's and Sister's from Malaysia and Singapore that are with Samaritan's Purse. They are staying at the church while helping with the rebuilding process.
I have had a good time here in Japan. I am glad I came. This is our last week. We are finishing our 3rd house (which I will tell you about later) and plan to finish a 4th house as well this week ( I will tell you about this one later too).
Please pray that God will keep us strong so that we can finish strong by bringing glory to His name.
We will travel to Tokyo next Sunday and fly out next Monday and arrive in Saint Louis on Monday as well but it will be Tuesday in Japan. The only way 1 day can be more than 24 hours.
Gary
1 comment:
Garry, it is tremendous to read what God is doing through your team. Very encouraging to read about Pastor Suzuki and his faith in Christ. Keep up the good work and look forward to hearing more about the third and the fourth house. You must be on you way back now - so have a great journey. I am on my way to Egypt teaching Middle Eastern trainers. Please pray - I will come back to the UK on 27 Nov. God bless and love to family.
Post a Comment