Other website is currently down

As of this writing (13 June 2017), our Assembly Kyoto Church English website remains inaccessible. Our site administrator, Bro. Joel Enriquez, is still working on it, trying to resolve the issues pertaining to the host server. Let me clarify though that our site is safe and has never been hacked. We just have to renew the contract with the current host or find another that offers a more equitable service. Thanks for your patience and understanding. 

In the Crucible

Among the stories recorded in the last hours leading to the arrest and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ is His disclosure of Satan's attempt to defeat Peter and the other disciples. Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV) says, 
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for [all of] you, that he may sift you as wheat.32 But I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Despite Peter's self-confidence (v.33), Jesus told him candidly,  "The rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me” (v.34). Just like what the Master said, Peter failed the test miserably (Luke 22;54-62).

The LORD restored Peter eventually, after the resurrection. Among other things, he has learned many lessons through this experience. The tone of his letters to the believers in diaspora reflect a solemn understanding of the tests and trials that followers of Jesus might go through. Peter brings encouragement as one who has gone through them as a fellow pilgrim. Take for example what he said in 1 Peter:
1:6-9 - 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
4:1-2, 12-13, 19 - 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

"Tests and trials make us realize our humanity that is in constant need of God's mercy and protection."

Tests and trials have a way of exposing our true character. These also make us realize our humanity that is in constant need of God's mercy and protection. Going through them enables us to empathize with those who suffer. Thankfully, even for Peter, his failure wasn't final because Jesus looked forward to a time when Peter would "have returned to Me"  in order to "strengthen your brethren.” 

Hallelujah! Redemption is what Jesus brings -- for our souls, from ourselves and our failures.

When I Met Grace

NOTE: The following article is a testimony of Camille Faith R. Enriquez, a PhD student at Doshisha University in Kyotanabe City, Japan. - Pastor Joseph

**********

When I Met Grace

By Camille Faith R. Enriquez

It was winter’s night. I was trudging back home when the trees surrounding me started to sway and rustle as the wind blew hardly on them. I lifted my eyes upon the skies while bending beneath the strong wind, and at that moment... I heard a whisper. It was when I first encountered grace – God’s grace.

I grew up attending Sunday schools. I had my elementary studies in a Christian institute. Both of my parents are Christians. At young age, I was exposed to the do’s and don’ts of being a Christian.

It was a good discipline for me. Little did I know, my discipline caused me to drift away from the true gospel I once heard and believed. I continued walking in my own strength, trying to be right in the eyes of God. It was in college that the Lord had shown me my real frailties. Wicked thoughts I dared to conceive out of assurance that I could cast them out of my mind anytime because I knew they were wrong – became uncontrollable. My mind turned into a battleground. Every second, I would wrestle with my self, trying to block the recurring thoughts in my mind. There are times that I would be successful, but in the end of the day, my strength had been wasted away. I was so exhausted both mentally and emotionally.

I was too ashamed to share anyone what was happening to me. I learned that once the enemy tells you you have problem, the next thing he makes you believe is that you’re the only one with that problem. So, I kept it between me and the Lord. I would cry out to Him and ask why He had let these things happen to me. I was no longer living a normal life. It became difficult for me to think straightly, to concentrate, and to remembering things. I started to stammer and develop short attention span. Night and day, I would plead for a peaceful mind, for control, for sanity... it was when I learned to depend on God completely and unceasingly.

After several years, when I thought I had fully overcome my struggle, an event that deeply changed the way I see God came to pass. From fighting the thoughts, my heart chose to succumb to them. I let down my guard and committed wicked things in the eyes of God. I felt unworthy of forgiveness, of second chance... of life.

It was during that cold winter night, when I finally saw Him far greater than my sins and failures. My heart cried aloud when the wind assured me of His presence... of His unconditional love. That moment He whispered to my soul: “Let’s go home My child.” Tears started to fall from my eyes and from that time I surrendered myself wholly into His grace.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

I learned that my greatest challenge was not my discipline or my devotion. It was BELIEVING the gospel – that I have been saved by grace through Jesus Christ – and Him alone.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Truly, Jesus is my righteousness, my holiness and my redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

By His grace and power, I am no longer who I used to be. His peace garrisons my heart and my mind. Yet, I am still far from perfect. Occasionally, I could experience anxieties, feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. I can't help but ask the Lord every time when will be the day He will take all these away from me. It is in those moments that God had to remind me that His grace is sufficient for me. He is teaching me to depend on Him and on His grace in all situations that I may not boast before Him.

Paul wrote in his letter:

"...Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

So whether it's depression or disease, whether it's criticism or cancer, whether it's persecution or pain, it is working in us for our ultimate good. For when we are weak and empty, we are dependent on God - revealing His glory in our lives. Ravi Zacharias once said that we are called “not to overcome trials in spite of it, but to overcome THROUGH it.”

I know that I need to remind my self of these truths day by day, perhaps for the rest of my life. Yet, I will not lose heart. I am holding fast to the hope that someday God Himself will wipe every tear in my eyes, the day that His Spirit will completely take over my flesh - and there will be no more mourning nor crying nor pain (Revelations 21:4).

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Since that one winter’s night, every single day of my life began to be a fresh encounter of grace - God's unending grace.

God Knows

139 1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
3 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:1-3, NKJV)

I am on my bed as I write this blog post. My illness has given me an unplanned leave from missionary work and a needed respite to consider my ways. I refuse to lay idle and accomplish nothing. My mind stays active though parts of  my body are in pain. [I expect to fully recover soon and shouldn't be a cause of concern to anyone. I just don't want to go into the "gory" details.]

The Scripture passage above tells of God's perfect knowledge of man. Most of the chapter, in fact, delves into the expressions of God's knowledge in terms that are too wonderful for man to comprehend. The result of this contemplation is an unabashed praise, prayer, worship and an affirmation of commitment to God and His cause.

It gives me comfort knowing that God knows everything about me. This moment in time gives me a greater appreciation of His love and care for me. No matter what I go through it's not a surprise to Him. Rather, it's an opportunity to completely put my trust in Him. The psalmist ends Psalm 139 with a prayer that aptly describes what's in my heart right now:

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

New Year Reminiscences

A blessed New Year to all! It's 2016 and this year marks our 15th year in Japan as missionaries.

The God who called us is faithful (I Corinthians 1:9). He has sustained and blessed us in ways that can be described as amazing, even miraculous at times. My wife's health scare in June, is a good example. She was initially diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The lab tests done were intended to confirm the stage and severity of the said illness. Taking a step ahead, the Ob-Gyne even gave Jo Ann a few things to consider to help her come to terms with the seemingly insurmountable trial that is to come.

But, we believe in Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. Family and friends, far and wide held us up in their prayers, petitioning the God of heaven for a miracle. As the Bible says, those who hope in the Lord "will not be disappointed" (Isaiah 49:23). My wife's doctor was joyfully puzzled to see that when all the results came in for her to look at, she declared that my wife is after all, cancer-free! Hallelujah! What a mighty God we serve!

Before the close of last year we've taken stock of what God had done among us in 2015. The Assembly Kyoto Church, our host church, was humming with activity and producing modest accomplishments along the way. We thank God and give Him the glory for all these things as well. Here is a sampling of what we have achieved:

• Both the Filipino Service and the Lighthouse English Cafe reached five (5) years of ministry
• New and currently in development website
• New professions of faith in Bible Studies and other evangelistic endeavors
• Additional members added to the roll
• 2 actual water baptisms 
• 116 Operation Christmas Child's gifts-filled shoe boxes
• 110,000 yen (over US$1000) cash donations to various missionaries and causes  

The Assembly Kyoto Church has a new Senior Pastor since April. Pastor Satoshi Nagasawa has taken the helm of leadership from Pastor Hisoka Murakami, who served at this church for twenty-seven (27) years. Pastor Nagasawa was converted through Pastor Murakami's ministry, after the former was saved from a cult group. Nagasawa-sensei later trained through correspondence and through direct tutelage of Pastor Murakami. He is now an ordained minister of the Japan Assemblies of God.

In June, Motomichi Harada joined the church's staff after he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Singapore Bible College in May.

The first sermon I delivered to the church this year is from Isaiah 43:18-19. God says,

 18 “Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
19 Behold, Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.

God said these words in the context of His promise to the nation of Israel as they anticipate a time of exile and their eventual restoration. It is a good place to start the new year with a hopeful note to anticipate great things from God as He promises to do NEW things that seem unlikely if not impossible to the human mind, but certainly are not beyond His sovereign power and grace.

FYI Regarding Sunday Bible Class

Hello! I am re-posting a message (May 8, 2014) from Bro. Trey Rowzie regarding the Sunday Bible Study at AKC. 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As some of you know, we are starting a new series in the Sunday afternoon Bible Study.

Last Sunday, we looked at how we can have assurance of God's salvation for us. This Sunday, we plan to look at the importance of Lordship in the life of a believer (Page 14). If you like to look at the material we will be using, feel free to download the free PDF from the link below.

Looking forward to discovering, understanding, and learning way to apply God's Word with you next Sunday. Lord bless each of you.

http://navigators.unl.edu/resources/discipleshipExercises.pdf

We give thanks to God

Fabulous February

Psalm 105:1 says, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!”

We give thanks to the Lord for what He has done among us in the English Ministry. We rejoice with those who have successfully finished their studies/research work here in Japan, namely: Chris Adenyo (Ghana), Joan Ketcha (Cameroon); and elsewhere, Nao Sakata in Australia. We also give thanks for the successful staging of a Charity Concert dubbed, “One Heart, One Mind, One Song” despite the rain and other obstacles. The performers, Jason Enriquez, Atsuko Waka, Gordon Hyppolite, Rumiko Fujino & Yoriko Inaba did very well to the audience’s great satisfaction. Panelists on love and relationships also blessed the Fellowship Night on February 16 with so much fun and thoughtful discussions. Our Lighthouse English Café (LEC) had the most number of attendance breaking our expectations with 36 people both guests and volunteers.

We call on the Name of the Lord for healing on several people who had been sick, hospitalized and some are still recovering. The influenza virus is still affecting many people in the church. We also ask for your prayers that God would bless the planned trip of some Doshisha University students and I to the Philippines from March 9~15. Pray for safety and a fruitful time in reaching out to survivors of the super typhoon Haiyan in Matabas Island in Western Visayas region.

We would like to testify of His deeds among the peoples too. The new Thank Jesus It’s Friday (TJIF) at church had a good turnout last February 21^st. It’s been envisioned to bridge the distance between the regular worship service and our outreach ministry to the campuses; not only that several nations were represented, but that we got to enjoy international dishes prepared by those who came. The Assembly Kyoto Church has positioned herself not only as an international church, but also as a mission-minded congregation that reaches out to peoples of different nations without prejudice.

One Mind, One Heart, One Song

A Charity Concert for the Benefit of the Survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

                                                 VENUE: Assembly Kyoto Church
                                                 DATE: 15 February 2014, Saturday
                                                 TIME: 2:00~4:00p.m.

                                             FREE but we'll accept donations.

Our Continuing Response in the Aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

I do thank God for the continuing support of everyone to help our disaster-stricken country, the Philippines. The Filipino Food Bazaar last January 18~19 was a huge success due to the overwhelming generosity of both church members and our Japanese friends. 

We are doing another fundraiser next month on February 15, 2014 (Saturday) from 2:00~4:00 PM by holding a mini-concert. Please pray for Jake De Guzman and the others who are responsible for the preparation as well as for the various artists we are inviting to perform. Pray that many people would come and enjoy the music lined up. Pray that they would be blessed as they listen to uplifting stories of survival, hope and trust in God in the midst of tragedy.

Also, please consider supporting the mission trip Wataru Murakami and I are spearheading in March. Some Doshisha University students are going with us to volunteer in the Visayas region.

Thank you and may God bless you more as you bless others in need.

I thought you might be encouraged as we see other projects done by other organizations to benefit the survivors. Here is one example that is worth sharing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A_YwBQ3-N8&feature=youtu.be

Pastor Joseph Ricohermoso

The Resurrection is Not a Myth!

Silence is hibernation, digitally speaking. Being off the radar for nine months is like going through a prolonged winter season or being kept in a time capsule. It's like being buried without the resurrection.

Now that I mentioned the resurrection, I came across this blog by Lee Strobel, which is definitely worth recommending. If you care to know that the basis of our faith is not devoid of rhyme or reason, here is a good support of that claim.

http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2013/04/bible-qa-was-jesus-resurrection-stolen-from-mythology/

Well, not writing a blog for a long time doesn't necessarily mean that I haven't left any online footprint elsewhere. I still maintain several social network accounts as well as multiple email addresses. I must admit though that not all sites are created equal. In my experience, I tend to focus on some things for a time and just revisit the others from time to time.  (My apologies for some delayed or unanswered messages.)

I would like to mention here that the stats show many people accessing our church's website and by extension, this blog. I hope that those who read it find the information they need in a timely manner and  also be blessed in the process.

It would be a stretch to say that this article is a form of "resurrection." I would be content to say instead that it is waking up from seasonal hibernation. Like a grizzly bear in Alaska or the lowly tortoise in Dr. Kihara's garden, I'm raring to get going.... Wish me (bleep) Oops, pray for me that I would be given inspiration to write something sensible or at least, something amusing. :)

Maranatha! (Even so, come Lord Jesus!)

Questioning Salvation

Re-examining Our Evangelism Method and Message


Pastor and author, J.D. Greear, asks a thought-provoking question: "Should We Stop Asking Jesus Into Our  Hearts?" He claims that doubting our salvation and false assurance are both exacerbated by the clichéd ways in which we speak about the gospel.


I have come across this article from the recent online edition of Christianity Today. I hope that you would take some time to read it. Also, please find the link below for your convenience. Just click it or post the same on your web browser to go and visit CT's site.


http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/julyweb-only/greear-ask-jesus-into-your-heart.html?paging=off


Please let me know what you think of it.

Edify

To all my tech-savvy yet spiritually-minded friends and relatives,

Check this out! Here's a new tablet from Family Christian. Just click the link below or copy paste the same on your browser:

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/07/11/holy-ipad-slayer-company-releases-worlds-first-christian-tablet/?intcmp=features

Please let me know what you think of it.

Pastor Joseph

Trip to the Americas

May 2012

Returning on May 8^th my wife, Jo Ann, and I have just concluded our US and Costa Rica trip to attend a conference and minister to the churches. The Lord blessed our trip with many lessons learned, refreshing times with the Lord, meeting significant people in our lives and opportunities to promote God’s work in Japan. I am pleased to report that many people have renewed their commitment to continually pray for Japan and her people.

We are thankful to God for allowing us to continue our ministry in Japan. We recently received our new visas -- on our 18th wedding anniversary! Praise the Lord!

There are varied experiences in the work of the Lord. Sometimes there is sadness and grief and sometimes happiness and success. We are sad to see some of our people leave for different reasons. This year is a particular year of exodus for many of our longtime attendees and friends. Yet we rejoice that many of them have graduated already and are now pursuing the careers that God has prepared for them.

We also share the grief of a couple that lost their unborn baby last May 22. Yet, God is gracious to allow us to minister to them and assist them through practical help all the way to the last rites for the baby. Keiko-sensei, Sister Kawabata, my wife and I were all there to share the love of God and His comfort to the couple.

The LEC last May 26^th was different. We still had our delicious cake and several choices of non-alcoholic drinks, but the venue was at Umekoji Park. It was a beautiful day and many of our guests attended in fact, more than the usual in recent months. We had a treasure hunting game that encouraged people to practice their English conversation skills, as well as games that invigorate the heart and spirit. We just love the camaraderie among the guests and volunteers alike. Thanks to Jake De Guzman who facilitated the activities.

There are many stories to be told more than this space would allow. However, we don’t want to miss the opportunity to bless God for all that transpired. He deserves our praise and to receive all the glory for “the things He has done.”

I say with King David in Psalm 9:1, “I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.”

The Fruit of Our Lips: Thanksgiving and Praise

English Ministry Report for November 2011

The month of November is the month of thanksgiving. Not only because of the yearly tradition that we celebrate this event, but also of the many things the Lord has done in our midst and for these we are thankful to Him.

Our Thank Jesus It’s Friday! (TJIF) worship service at the YWCA last November 4 was our 8^th meeting since it started this year. We are thankful to God for giving us the opportunity to offer this worship experience close to where the students are and to the universities where we do have outreach Bible studies. This certainly lends support to the campus ministry too.

Celebrating our church’s 64^th anniversary on the first Sunday is something we are also thankful to God for. The psalmist said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 
(Psalm 133:1-3, NKJV) The three congregations from the different services and representatives from the branch churches have joined together for a day of worship, fellowship and rejoicing in God’s faithfulness to the Assembly Kyoto Church. It is something that doesn’t happen often except on special occasions such as this. Indeed it’s a beautiful sight to see and feel our connectedness in Christ when we get together as one.

Lighthouse English Café (LEC) is another form of outreach to our community and English conversation students at church. We are grateful to God for sustaining this ministry as it winds up its second year of offering coffee, tea, sweets, and free interaction with both local and foreign English speakers. Most importantly, God helped us to create programs that tackle life issues as well as biblical themes that introduce people to a living and loving relationship with Christ. Last November 26, the last meeting for this year took place. Those who attended were able to enjoy games, good food, meeting new friends and testimonies of His grace. In addition, I shared a message on why it is important to be thankful to God and gave ideas on what are some of the things that we could be thankful for. Finally, the guests received their early Christmas gift of the season’s song selections in both English and Japanese.

The International Congregation held its annual Thanksgiving Dinner last November 27^th. The menu included veggies, mashed potatoes and corn soup, and rotisserie chicken for the main dish. For dessert, there was pumpkin pie.

The real focus of the evening however, was on how people expressed their gratitude to God. There was singing, sharing of testimonies around each beautifully decorated tables and a sense of solemnity in simplicity and gladness of heart in the Lord, who is the Source of “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17, NKJV). Swee Ho Lim, a doctor from Singapore who attends our church with his wife and daughter, shared about how he saw the hand of God in His life. He said that they were preparing to come to Japan since over two years ago. He almost changed his mind in coming because he got his family’s visa to Japan on the same day the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami struck on March 11^th. Despite of it they came and he is still enjoying the blessing of being in Kyoto City, with our church and on how the Lord is using him and his family in serving the Lord. Brother Swee Ho is now leading a group of men from our church to a weekly Bible study and discipleship.

Indeed, space is not enough to express our thanks to God. Yet our hearts rejoice in the goodness of our great and benevolent Heavenly Father!

September Highlights

“I’ll see you in September when summer is gone,” Sonny Curtis wrote this line in his song a generation or so ago. This somehow is true for many in our international congregation who are now back after being away for vacation. But, this past month will probably be best remembered for two significant events that took place in the church, namely: the Allan Alipio & Michelle Anne Tonks’ wedding; and, the visit of Rev. Dominic Yeo together with one of his pastors in Singapore, Pastor Derrick Yeo.

It’s a historic first for the international congregation to witness an international marriage from among its attendees after the 5 o’clock service here in church last September 18th. Allan is from the Philippines and Michelle is from Australia. There was another international wedding before but it was held somewhere else.

Select guests attended this solemn occasion from both the Christian community and some Japanese friends. The Ricohermoso children formed part of the entourage, while Atsuko Waka and Haruka Shitabayashi provided the special songs and church musicians accompanied them. Pastor Keiko Murakami delivered the homily with translation by Moto Harada while yours truly, officiated the ceremony. Michelle’s mother was also in attendance. The joyful celebration was a tribute to the redeeming power and love of God who brought this couple together after an untoward incident in their relationship.

On the other hand, Rev. Dominic Yeo who is the Senior Pastor of the 7000 plus members of Trinity Christian Center and the current General Superintendent for the Assemblies of God in Singapore came to preach with power to our congregants on September 25^th. He exhorted the people to step in faith and claim breakthroughs for their lives and for the church. When it’s time for the altar call, most of them came forward for prayer and in response to the challenge. The spiritual exercise continued till late as people stayed on for corporate prayer. It was truly a real blessing to behold!

Rev. Yeo and his associate were in Japan for the Kansai Conference of the AOG. Seven representatives from the English service participated in the said conference and so were doubly blessed to hear Rev. Yeo when he spoke again at the church.

Many things are happening in and out of the church that space limitation prevents me from detailing to you the work of God among us. Anyway, please continue to pray for our Missions Month in October and wait for my next report on the forthcoming retreat. God bless us all!

A Time for Every Activity Under the Sun

While the heat of summer scorched the city, many people from our congregation had taken time to escape and relax elsewhere. My family, including.

It doesn’t mean, however, that nothing significant happened in the home front. We still had our regular activities going and going and going. We even had Chill & Grill, a summer barbecue tradition in the church garden. This year, 101 adults and children attended it. Some wore yukata (Japanese summer wear). There were games and an ample supply of kakigori (shaved ice and flavored with fruit syrup). A worship service capped the whole event with many non-Christians in attendance.

Though without a bang, a new discipleship group has started meeting on August 26^th. Brother Swee Ho, a surgical doctor from Singapore, has agreed to lead the four young men into deepening their relationship with God and being accountable to each other through Bible study and other spiritual disciplines.

More information on our other initiatives are found and updated in the English website, http://sites.google.com/site/kyotochurchenglish/

Please continue to pray for our upcoming events such as the retreat on October 8~10 and the speaking engagement of Rev. Dominic Yeo, the Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre and the current General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Singapore on September 25^th.

July Is Not Quite Over Yet

News Nuggets

Thank Jesus It’s Friday!, a once a month worship service held at the Kyoto YWCA, marked our fifth gathering last July 1^st. It was a rainy day, but people still managed to come for an evening of praise and worship. The next one will be held on September 2^nd. In August, the place is scheduled for renovation.

**********

Sakura Christ Church is an hour drive from Kyoto City. Beginning in July and almost weekly, I go to this church to assist them in their worship ministry. Keiko Murakami-sensei leads and organizes events for the said church since the current pastor is still recovering from an illness.

**********

It’s really encouraging to see new people come to our campus outreaches at Doshisha and Kyoto universities. Learning the Bible in English is a rare opportunity for our contacts and is like hitting two birds with one stone.

**********

This year’s theme for the English Camp held at the Utano Youth Hostel is, “Building Bridges.” A total of 26 people participated in the two-day intensive course featuring multi-tiered class lessons, songs, games, and other surprises. This year, the oldest attendee is an 82-year old woman and the farthest is from Yamanashi Prefecture.

**********

Motomichi Harada, who earned his PhD in quantum physics in the U.S., is joining our ministry for about ten months before embarking on his seminary training.

**********

Our Lighthouse English Café ministry is continually evolving. Thanks to the creative collaboration of our ministry team that crafts each month’s program. Truly, each month’s activity is something to look forward to. However, due to the room’s limited space we can only accommodate around thirty people each time. We praise God for our regular guests and volunteers.

**********

The summer season has begun. Usually, we see the exodus of people from our church during this month – not only to escape the heat of summer but also due to transitions happening in people’s lives and careers. We had a farewell fellowship for Curtis Peters (Canadian) last July 24^th. Next, Hiroya Iwabuchi is going back to his hometown in Hokkaido after finishing his studies at Ritsumeikan University. Early next month, we will also send off Millicent and Princess as they return to Ghana, Africa after a two or three-month research stint at Kyoto University.

Sounding off

Recent Milestones

• It passed by quietly, but my family reached our 10th year of doing ministry in Japan on June 2nd of the current year. We've spent the last five years in the Kansai Region.
• Last June 5 (Sunday), I finished a series of messages on I Peter that began sometime in January 2011.
• New forms of ministry initiatives have been started with amazing results.
• A little less than 20 nations and all continents are represented in our international service on Sundays.
• Increasing our leadership base and intensifying intercessory prayer in the life of the church.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. To Him be the glory!

APPEAL FOR MORE OF YOUR PRAYERS

I am re-posting here an updated prayer list from Anne Kathleen Winters. This was posted on the CRASH website this early morning of March 16th, the fifth day since the historic 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan.

Thank you very much for holding us up in your prayers.

Pastor Joseph Ricohermoso

=========================

Bullet-point Prayer List

by anne.winters » Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:06 am

At 2:46 PM local time, March 11, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Japan off the eastern coast of Miyagi Prefecture. This is the largest recorded earthquake ever to have struck Japan, and one of the five largest recorded earthquakes in the world.

HARD-HIT AREAS:

• Days after the earthquake, heavy aftershocks are still being felt throughout Japan, with no way of knowing how long these aftershocks will continue. Some experts have said that there could be strong aftershocks of up to magnitude level 8 for six months. Please pray that the earthquakes will cease.
• Pray also for the buildings that survived the initial shock, but are being hammered by the aftershocks. Many buildings still stand, but were weakened, and because of this strong aftershocks are very dangerous.
• The devastation from the initial earthquake was compounded by heavy tsunami that hammered the east coast. Sendai City was hit the hardest, both by the temblor and the tsunami. Some towns were entirely obliterated by the tsunami. At 6 PM on Sunday, March 14th, tsunami advisories across the eastern coastal region were finally lifted, but with the threat of strong aftershocks, the threat of tsunami still loom. Praise God that these tsunami have ceased for the time being. Please pray that the affected areas remain safe from further tsunami.
• Due to the seismic activity, the ground level in much of coastal Japan actually sank, so sea water that came in during the tsunami is not receding. This is hampering relief efforts. Please pray that relief teams will be able to work safely in these areas.
• In the wake of the earthquake, fires raged throughout affected areas. Pray for the victims of these fires and those who have lost their homes.
• Hundreds of people are still stranded in damaged areas. Rescue is difficult due to the remaining tsunami water. Please pray for their swift rescue.
• Casualty reports are still coming in. The death toll estimates keep rising. There are over 2,500 confirmed dead. It is possible that the death toll could exceed 10,000 in Miyagi prefecture alone. Pray for those who have lost their loved ones. Pray for those who are trapped and injured, as well as those who are missing friends and family.
• Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in the coastal areas and the area around the Fukushima nuclear power plants. Conditions for these people are terrible. There is a shortage of food and water; some people are getting little more than a single rice ball and a bottle of water to sustain them for a day. Night temperatures in northern Japan are bitterly cold, and there is no electricity for heat in many of these areas. Please pray for them, and all who are having to stay in public shelters.
• The future is uncertain and grim for those who have lost everything in this disaster. Pray for hope.
• Relief workers are working around the clock to rescue survivors, but reaching many victims is proving incredibly difficult due to the rubble and water levels. Pray for the relief workers, that God would grant safety and stamina.

NUCLEAR CRISIS

• In Fukushima Prefecture, two nuclear power plants are under a state of emergency. At the Fukushima Daiichi plant, there have been three reported explosions so far, injuring over a dozen workers. The number 4 reactor has broken out into flames two times. Pray for wisdom and strength for those who are struggling to get this situation under control, and for the workers who are risking their lives to prevent this situation from worsening.
• Everyone within 20 kilometers of the plant has been evacuated, and those from 20 to 30 km away are being advised to stay indoors and take precautions against exposure. Pray for those who have been evacuated, and for those who are trapped indoors and frightened for the future.
• Elevated radiation levels have been detected as far away as Tokyo. To constitute a health risk, these level would have to be hundreds of times higher than they currently are. The Japanese government is taking appropriate measures to protect its people. Please pray for people to be calm and to refrain from overreacting in fear.
• Many of the stories being spread are alarmist and based on little more than panic. These stories are causing more fear and stress in a situation where people are already taxed to their limits. Please pray for the spread of proper information.
• Pray also for the weather. With radiation being diffused into the air, wind or rain could carry it into populated areas and expose people. Pray that any wind will carry radiation out to sea rather than into populated areas.

IMPACT ON JAPAN:

• Public transit systems in Tokyo and the surrounding areas are taxed to the limit by this disaster, and the transportation companies are no longer confident that the infrastructure can handle rush hour traffic. Please pray that this transportation situation can be resolved.
• Millions of homes in northeastern Japan are without power. This has led to Japanese power companies arranging planned blackouts to conserve energy. Millions of people are still without water. Pray for the power plants and water facilities to be able to resume their work, and pray for those who do not have these essential supplies.
• Pray for the Christians of Japan, that we would be able to mobilize relief efforts and provide for people's needs, both physical and spiritual. Pray also for the impact this is having on regular ministries, that Christians would be able to help their neighbors to remain calm, and that we would be able to provide comfort for the grieving.
• Pray for areas where food, medicine, and drink shortages are occurring. The Japanese government has assured its citizens that there is enough food, and has had to advise its citizens to stop buying up supplies, so that relief teams can carry supplies to those in disaster-struck areas. Pray for people to remain calm, and for relief teams to be able to get hold of what they need to help the suffering.
• Gasoline shortages are starting to become a very large problem. In many areas, gasoline rations are in effect. Pray for gasoline for those who need it.
• On Sunday afternoon, Shinmoedake volcano on the island of Kyushu erupted, spewing ash and boulders into the air. So far, no casualties have been reported. Pray for the safety of the people of Kyushu.
• Pray for the Japanese economy, for which the outlook was grim even before this disaster. Since the earthquake, massive losses have been posted, and there is no telling what impact this disaster will have on the economy for the long term.

PRAY FOR LOVE ON JAPAN | CRASH QUAKE RELIEF

• Pray for relief teams that are on the ground, assessing needs in disaster-struck areas, and providing supplies to evacuees. Pray for their safety and maximum effectiveness in providing relief for the suffering.
• Pray for supplies, especially gasoline.
• Pray for salvation and hope for the people of Japan, and pray that Love on Japan can do its utmost to spread hope and the love of Christ in this difficult time.
• Pray for stamina for all those working relief; for enough rest, for emotional fortitude, and unshakeable faith.