We have found so many interesting bugs in Japan. Rhinoceros beetles and praying mantis were playmates for Matt. Hair caterpillars’ poison tipped “hairs” caused a huge irritation over a large part of Gordon’s body. Mouse-sized cockroaches, giant centipedes and prehistoric spiders terrorize the inhabitants of our house occasionally. And bright green, striped spiders hanging around our yard caught my attention. I’m not particularly fond of bugs and I don’t like running into spider webs when I’m gardening but the variety of bugs around us is really interesting!

            Three years ago, Gordon remarked that the big spiders were gone. So, for the past 3 years, I’ve been pruning shrubs and gardening without worrying about spiders or their webs.

            This year, they’re back! The green striped spiders have lots of webs around the house. They started off small and now they are quite large. Has nature recovered from the radiation exposure? Gordon noticed the lack of spiders following the three nuclear power plant melt downs. It’s been over 3 years now.

            The people in Tohoku haven’t fared as well as the spiders. While the debris has been cleaned up and the ground has been cleared, there has been little rebuilding. In the radiation affected areas, people continue dealing with the fear of unseen radiation. Those in the tsunami areas continue waiting for the government to make decisions about where rebuilding can occur.

            God is working through all these circumstances for His glory! Please continue praying for Tohoku and the rest of Japan. God’s Spirit is breaking through in northern Japan because of the prayers of the saints from around the world. Pastors in Tohoku report that people are open to hearing about Jesus. People are asking questions, seeking answers.

            Please pray and ask the Lord of the Harvest to send workers.

Ask Jesus to make His servants bold. Ask Him to make us watchful and ready to do and say and go as He is opening doors here. Ask that Japanese Christians would be willing to do things they haven’t done before. The people living in Japan are opening up but the Christians have been conditioned to be cautious about sharing their faith because of years of rejection. 

            This month, you may be hearing more about mission around the world. We want to express our thanks to the many people that have responded and pledged toward our financial support. Would you consider a donation or pledge to World Mission Offering now through October? Please know that your part in the body of Christ is extremely valuable. Please donate at your local American Baptist church or visit:

Rise to the Challenge

and see how you can touch lives all over the world!

            With much love!

Lee Ann (and Gordon) Hwang

P.S. We survived Typhoon Vongfong!