July Newsletter

To Our Family and Friends,

July was a month of headlines for Japan, as natural disasters and nationwide elections dominated news outlets and was often the latest topic of conversation. The first major storm of the Typhoon season ripped through the southern part of Japan killing nearly a dozen people before skirting the east side of Tokyo and drifting out to sea. Thus, Tokyo and surrounding areas were not affected by the gale force winds. In addition to Typhoon #1 (Japan doesn't bother to name the storms because there are so many), two earthquakes measuring almost 7.0 on the Richter Scale hit two different areas of Japan on the same day triggering a string of catastrophes ranging from derailed trains to collapsed buildings which resulted in hundreds of injuries and a few deaths. Consequently, the largest nuclear power plant in the world was damaged in a city 160 miles north of Tokyo, producing a crisis where radioactive material was exposed to the sea and air. In addition to these destabilizing events, Japan just held Upper House elections for Parliament, which resulted in major losses for the ruling party and has challenged the efficacy and legitimacy of the Prime Minister. Through everything that has occurred in this nation, we were thankfully protected and not directly affected by any of these national calamities. However, all of these potentially tragic events have challenged us to pray even more for this nation to be able to stabilize peacefully as well as to experience revival. And, we trust that upon reading this, you will be prompted in the same manner.

Although the physical and political landscape may have been shaken in Japan, we are pleased to report a mighty miracle that has occurred this month. In years past, the Chi Alpha staff has lamented at the fact that there is no “neutral” location for students to take part in activities and events without stepping inside the unfamiliar domain of a church. As a result of this need, the Lord has answered our prayers in the form of an uncommonly large building that was once a church in Tokyo. The building was donated to Chi Alpha with the understanding and requirement that it would serve as a Student Center to reach and disciple the nearly 1 million university students in Tokyo. In addition to various special events that would be held at the Center, Chi Alpha plans to use the building as its national headquarters and also as a housing facility for missionaries. While the Student Center has been revealed to various Assemblies of God churches and leaders in Japan, it has yet to be opened for events due to much needed cleaning and construction projects. For example, due to its residential location and the purpose for which Chi Alpha desires to use the building, the Center will need to have soundproofing completed on the entire structure, which has been estimated to cost $40,000. This month we were able to visit the Center, help to clean up as much as possible, and spend time in prayer for wisdom and creativity on how to be good stewards of such an unprecedented gift.

Also this month, Kathy was given the chance to give her first ever full-length sermon this month at Youth Alive. Here, she discussed the importance of taking prudent initiative and actively stepping out in faith. It was a message that was particularly pertinent to many of the Japanese Christians due to the very reserved nature of many churches and the inherent conservative mindset of many Japanese people. While Kathy was nervous about this undertaking, she was thankful for the first-time opportunity to be used to allow God to challenge and convict the hearts of many students at the young adult service.

Finally, this past month marked the beginning of summer vacation for students all across Japan, including Riverside International School (RIS). Until school commences once again in early September, the upcoming month of August will give us the chance to relax, reflect, and prepare for the teaching of the last quarter of the year. Yet, our ministry within Riverside Chapel continues, as we will be taking part in summer camps as well as resuming weekly church service responsibilities. We are excited though about being given a short time off from Riverside in order to travel to Japan’s neighboring nation, Korea, for a small vacation.

With everything that has happened this past month and with what we will be doing this coming month: please continue to partner with us in prayer for:
➢ Quick and smooth recuperation physically and politically of this nation after a month of damaging national dilemmas
➢ The Chi Alpha Student Center: that its opening will come to pass as quickly as possible, that the large sums of money for the much needed renovations will be raised, and that it will serve as a powerful catalyst for revival in Japan among the university students
➢ Our safety as we travel; restored spirits in this time of break, and pray that as we reflect on our time here so far, that God will continue to renew and reveal his vision for our work in this nation

We continue to give our countless thanks to the Lord for all of you and your steady support and purposeful prayers!

Always,
Jeremy and Kathy