Pray for Japan

PCA NEWS
Call to Prayer for Japan
DR. PAUL KOOISTRA, MARCH 2011

Date: March 15, 2011

Subject: Urgent Prayer for Japan

You have, no doubt, watched the unfolding of the crisis in Japan following the massive earthquake and tsunami. We are grateful that our missionaries and their families are safe, but they are also grieving for this country whose people they love. Our missionaries and the churches with which they are affiliated are making an immediate response, taking food, clothing, blankets, and especially water into the tsunami-affected area. The aftershocks have continued, and many people are still sleeping in their clothes (as much as sleep is possible) in case they need to flee their homes in the midst of powerful aftershocks. There is great concern over meltdown and potential meltdown of failed nuclear reactors. Our missionaries report that many Japanese people are in shock and denial as they are faced with this overwhelming crisis.

For prayer:
• Physical, emotional, and spiritual strength for our MTW missionaries, their churches, and the many other organizations, churches, and missionaries with whom they work
• Comfort for grieving families, especially that they will come to know the love and comfort of Christ
• Safety from aftershocks and radiation released by nuclear reactors
• Shelter, food, and water for suvivors
• Wisdom and clarity for MTW regarding our immediate and long-term response
• Restoration of power and communications
• Financial and prayer support to be raised up across the PCA

Most of all, however, pray this will be an open door for the gospel, that missionaries and national believers will be able to show the love of Christ to those around them. Relationships are critical in Japanese culture, so pray this crisis opens new doors of ministry. Pray the eyes and hearts of the Japanese people will be opened by the power of the gospel. We know God has planted His Church in Japan for such a time as this.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer for Japan.

Paul D. Kooistra
Coordinator, Mission to the World

Please note that updates will be posted on MTW’s website and Facebook page.