I loved the color the Shokei congregation chose for the outside, a shade of yellow that warms your heart. It’s a color that you may see in southern Italy. Maybe it is a color that gives joy. Pastor Stan Murray and I arrived 15 minutes early and the parking lot was nearly full! I waved to friends and parked. The dirt parking lot is yet to be paved, but there were lines and cones plus attendants to help visitors find a spot. Since everyone must take off their shoes before entering, the greeters handed out plastic bags with numbers. (Don’t lose your number or you may be going home shoeless!)

The grand opening of Shokei Church's new building joyfully began. After the speeches by Pastor Tadokoro, Pastor Yamamoto, and Roberta Stephens, we got to the really fun part. The mini-concert was fabulous and featured a piano soloist, the Shokei Alumni choir, and the Shokei Kids choir. The kids gave their best and brought the house down. I was blessed to have experienced the celebration of the rebuilding of the Shokei Church building and the blossoming of new hope for their congregation.

Two years ago, Pastor Tanno, Pastor Tamura, and I arrived at the doorstep of the deeply shaken young Pastor Tadokoro. He lived by himself, in the earthquake damaged building, and the aftershocks were continuing. With an older congregation, little money, and many problems, the situation looked hopeless. But, through many prayers, a large donation from One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), and support from the local church and denomination, the church was rebuilt. Just last fall, they broke ground and completed the building in time for Easter services!

Sometimes, God uses stressful situations to guide us into a better path. Pastor Tadokoro, is an example, not just for the rebuilding of their church. Since the earthquake, he became a husband and father! I shared in my journal last fall, “Joy to Joy,” part of their story. I asked you to pray for the safe construction of the building, and for the growth of the church. I asked for prayer for the health and safe delivery of their new baby. Those prayers were answered! I saw their new baby, Yuki, and Pastor Stan got to hold her. Pastor Tadokoro and Kasumi expressed their deepest thanks to the many generous people who gave through OGHS and for the many prayers.

So, thank you for sharing your love and prayers for the people of Japan. Let us rejoice with them! “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV

May the Lord continue to richly bless you!

Gordon (and Lee Ann) Hwang

P.S. From May 1 to June 30, International Ministries has a new Matching Gift Campaign. If you are a) new giver or b) individual who gives toward our ministry above and beyond your regular amount. You can use the special matching gift link on the IM web site or send a gift directly to IM with a note that says “Matching Gift,” for example, written on the memo line of a check.