Yesterday, I spent part of the morning cleaning up debris from Typhoon Guchol around our house. Lots of small branches and leaves had fallen, but only one large branch broke from the old cherry tree close to our house. The branch was partially attached and was stuck in a lower tree. Fortunately, the school had hired tree trimmers to clean up and we had the branch removed before it did any damage to the house or the telephone wires below it. We were fortunate, since we live on a hill; there was no flooding in our area. We had lots of rain (from 4P till 1 or 2A) and high wind (gusts over 50 mph.) It was the blasting wind most of the night that was a little unnerving.

 Other areas were much less fortunate and as torrential rains hit, over 150,000 were ordered to evacuate. In northeast Japan, where the land subsided from the 3/11 Great East Japan Earthquake, some coastal areas were flooded. In Ishinomaki, 12 homes were flooded and it was the second flood in two months. As I was cleaning up, it reminded me of the cleanup that is still going on in Tohoku from last year’s earthquake and tsunami.

 Last month, I was fortunate again to visit the Fujiokas who serve in Tohoku. I was accompanied by two friends and we helped Pastor Fujioka deliver some perishable food to survivors in two temporary housing complexes and also organize and clean out some old stuff out of the church. Our goal was to support the pastor and his wife in their ministry. So, I got to cook for them, take them to the onsen (Japanese bath), and tried to encourage them. Please continue to pray for them and the people they serve both in the church (Nishikiori Baptist Church) and the greater community (Tome city & Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture).

 Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve here in Japan and share the good news of Jesus Christ. We are still in need of your financial support since we are below our support goal. International Ministries has received a matching grant for new or increased donations for missionary support. This means that your gifts will be doubled and we can reach our goal much more quickly! Eligible contributions must be received by July 31st. We would like to ask you to prayerfully consider this opportunity to renew or increase your commitment along with us to this ministry. We know that our ministry here in Japan is only possible because of your partnership and the grace of God.

 Donations can be made by check, phone or on-line. You can learn more about this opportunity by clicking on the link below.

 http://www.internationalministries.org/drives/6

 May the Lord continue to richly bless you!

 Gordon and Lee Ann Hwang

"The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Ps. 29:10-11 NIV