In early November, I went to Tohoku with Pastor Brooks Andrews and his wife Corean and my friend/interpreter Koji Sakiyama. Pastor Brooks and Corean are from our home church, Japanese Baptist Church in Seattle.

We visited Shokei (sho-kay) Baptist Church in Sendai, the major urban center of the north east region with over a million people. Shokei Church was founded in 1892 by Baptist missionaries. On 3/11/2011, Shokei’s church building was damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake and it was condemned. They could not get a loan to rebuild, but One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) money is helping their rebuilding efforts.

Pastor Yoshio Tadokoro and his wife, Kasumi, showed us the plans for the new Shokei Church building. Currently, they meet in a rented office space across the street from their property. The reconstruction started at the end of November. They are planning to have a grand opening next year in April. They have more good news. They are expecting a baby in March! Please remember to pray for the safe construction of the building, and for the growth of the church. They ask especially for more young families to be saved and become members of the church. Also, please pray for the health and safe delivery of their new baby. Their new Shokei church building and new family are giving them joy. Pastor Tadokoro and Kasumi expressed their deepest thanks to the many generous people who gave through OGHS.

So, thank you for sharing your love and prayers for the people of Japan. Your Joy has given some Japanese believers and friends new Joy. “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” (Philemon 1:7)

May the Lord continue to richly bless you!

Gordon (and Lee Ann) Hwang