Pray for Japan

Our hearts go out to the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Let us lift those who are affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku area in prayer, and ask the Lord to show us how we may support these people.

OIC Tohoku Relief Report
Praise the LORD, OIC was able to send its second group to the Tohouku area to help with disaster relief in August.  This time around, a group of 5 headed north under the leadership of Assistant Pastor, Joseph Totsis.

One of the dirtiest tasks on the schedule was to clear out sludge-stuffed gutters for local residents.  With clean gutters, residents have the chance to get the water systems working in their homes once again.  It also ensures that the streets don't flood since the water has nowhere to drain.  Shoveling in the hot sun isn't the most fun thing to do, but you'd never know it by the smiles on the team members faces!  It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to serve the people in this small way. The group was also able to host a "Family Movie Night."  Together with a visiting group from the United States, the team cooked up Yaki Soba and Yaki Niku for area residents.  After food was handed out, attendees were invited to sit down and enjoy popcorn and the movie "Narnia."  After the film concluded, the team was able to share a short Gospel message with the people and pray with them. It was during these outreaches that the team was able to see how each person in the group was being used for God's purpose.  Sharnice Floyd Eaton was able to minister to a young boy interested in science who lost a special rock in the tsunami.  Sharnice  gave him a fossil that she had brought all the way from Michigan to share with students.  The boy was elated and his father touched.  Kayoko Yakuwa was the only Japanese person in the OIC group of five which meant that many looked to her for help communicating when words got in the way.  Kayoko was able to translate the gospel message to the people after one of the movie outreaches.  In the midst of the sea of Americans, Council Member Sara Wosley (originally from England) met a woman fascinated with the United Kingdom.  They exchanged e-mails and plan to stay in touch.  How amazing that the LORD sent each person to Tohouku for a very specific purpose.  Each member of the group was able to share the love of Jesus to disaster victims in a very real and tangible way.  Thank you OIC for your continued support and prayers for the relief work that is taking place in Ishinomaki.  To God be the glory!