As we drove to Ippo, Ippo Yamada this morning not only were we struck by the natural beauty of this gorgeous place, but by the marks that were still left by the tsunami from March last year. Although Japan has been super efficient in the clear-up of the destruction left by the disaster, it was clear that rebuilding and healing is still happening. We saw many temporary housing blocks, where families are still squeezed in tiny rooms, and the empty foundations of houses that were swept away or damaged. Iwate is still rebuilding itself in the wake of the waters that devestated it and we couldn’t help but be reminded of Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders. Would the people rebuild their lives on Jesus, the sure and strong foundation, our high tower and rock, that would give them true security and safety?
We have the immense privilege of partnering with the amazing Mike and Rowena McGinty, who established the Ippo Ippo Yamada centre, which functions as a cafe/community centre where they share the love of Jesus through establishing relationships with and serving the local people. We are running a children’s programme to show that our sovereign father is the God of Hope, through teaching them songs, playing with them and crafts.
Only two children had signed up to the programme, and praise God that they both turned up today! We have the beautiful Girl H, who brought her mama and little brother with her, and Boy Y who signed himself up for the programme and paid with his own pocket money.
But our God is a lavishly gracious God. And about an hour into the programme and elderly couple entered the centre with their daughter and her 3 beautiful children, who had heard about it through the friend of a friend of a friend. Boy Z, Girl A and Girl M were initially very shy and stony but quickly warmed up and bonded well with the other children. How crazy faithful is our God! His faithfulness reaches to the Heavens!
And it gets more crazy! During our time cooling off at the beach we got into conversation with a nearby beach goer who spoke perfect English. Ms S had lived in America for 9 years and now lived in Japan with her two daughters, using her passion for art and teaching by running workshops for people in the Iwate prefecture. Throughout the day we could just see God’s providence screaming through as He in His grace brought these people to us in ways that we couldn’t have orchestrated.
Please be praying for these precious little ones and Ms S! God promised us that when His word goes out it does not return to Him empty. And as these children hear what we teach the holy Spirit will be at work in their hearts.
Please be praying for the town of Yamada. This is a very old town with deep-set traditions rooted in false religion and idolatry. pray against the work of the enemy as he seeks to lead people astray. In this time of turmoil they have clung to what they know, and that is all false. They are building their houses and lives on the sand.
Thank you for reading!
God Bless and much love
Meg 🙂
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