Sorry for my total lack of presence around here. I was suddenly quite busy these last two weeks. I've been volunteering part-time with CRASH Japan as a journalist for the website. It's been so amazing to see all of these people from different organizations get together for a common purpose: bringing hope in the midst of devastation. You can learn more about them here - http://www.crashjapan.org/
Octavia, a Chi Alpha student from America who has been studying in Tokyo and helping Chi Alpha Japan, has been staying at the Student Center with Yuri and I for the last few weeks while her university back home sorted out what to do about their overseas program in the wake of the triple disaster. She also volunteered her time at CRASH Japan and we've really enjoyed getting to hang out together. She will be returning home next Tuesday, but we all know she will be back here in Japan before too long. Thank You, Father, for placing this nation in the hearts of so many! I'm going to miss her so much, though!
As for campus ministry, we have continued with our weekly schedule at the University of Tokyo and have set the plans for a new semester at Waseda University. Both of our Tokyo outreach universities have postponed their semesters until May (only at two of the colleges in Tokyo University, but Waseda has postponed all activities until May) - but there is still a lot we can do in April. I'm really excited about the unity that is happening at Waseda University between all the campus ministry organizations and can't wait to start hanging out with everyone again. I'm leading Bible study next Tuesday at our Todai outreach, so please pray for me as I prepare!
Lastly, I will be heading up near Sendai (in Tohoku) early tomorrow morning with Chi Alpha Japan director Joyce Kitano and the ICA-Tokyo pastors, Bill and Carol Paris. We are going up to check on a missionary cabin there and to take some supplies to the caretaker of this cabin area. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel and continue relief support, preparation, and ministry. For more information about what Assemblies of God missionaries are currently involved in, check out this blog - http://www.japanagmfrelief.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and prayer I have received over the weeks since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. It has been so encouraging. God is so good!
Love to all of you! Until soon.
Amanda
3.31.2011
3.23.2011
3.17.2011
3.16.2011
水曜日。
Where do I begin?
I'm currently sitting in my half-lit office in the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, wearing my coat. The hallway is dark and quiet. Few students are on campus today. I've already finished my work and NHK hasn't updated the news since before lunch. So, here I am in Japan.
I could say a lot of things. I could talk about the fear on every face in the train, or the escalating nuclear situation, or the shock of the initial earthquake - but even with the rolling blackouts, the aftershock, the food flying off the shelves at the grocery stores, and the irregular train schedules, it is so important to put life in Tokyo into perspective compared to that of those living in the Tohoku area right now - those who have nothing left at all, and as the Chi Alpha team in Tokyo has said many times to one another, some don't even have hope to hold onto.
In the midst of chaos, there is a peace that passes all understanding. Even when the earth shakes, and it might take an hour or so to convince your body to get out of "flight mode," there is a peace inside that seems impossible. Trust in the faithfulness of God, and the hope that is found in Him and Him alone, sustains us and we continue to try to give the overabundance of that peace and hope to those around us.
It's now Wednesday afternoon. I didn't finish this blog yesterday, sorry. I got busy at work. Anyway, here are just a few of the things you can pray for:
-The survivors in the Tohoku area, and those still missing.
-For the families how have lost loved ones in the M9.0 quake and following 33ft tsunami.
-For the Japanese government and the rescue teams as they work diligently to aid the stricken areas.
-The Fukushima Daichii and Daini Nuclear Power Plants - for stability and safety over those working around the clock to stop further damage to the plant.
-For the pastors and churches in these areas as they try to contact all their members and begin to help in the relief efforts.
-Aftershocks are still happening everyday - and the possibility of more earthquakes is very real - pray for peace of mind over the people in Honshu.
-Most importantly, pray for the revelation of Jesus Christ to flood this land - and with it, hope, peace, joy, and restoration.
And again, if you would like to get involved with the relief effort,and I really request that you pray about giving, see my last post for Convoy of Hope.
Until.
Amanda
I'm currently sitting in my half-lit office in the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, wearing my coat. The hallway is dark and quiet. Few students are on campus today. I've already finished my work and NHK hasn't updated the news since before lunch. So, here I am in Japan.
I could say a lot of things. I could talk about the fear on every face in the train, or the escalating nuclear situation, or the shock of the initial earthquake - but even with the rolling blackouts, the aftershock, the food flying off the shelves at the grocery stores, and the irregular train schedules, it is so important to put life in Tokyo into perspective compared to that of those living in the Tohoku area right now - those who have nothing left at all, and as the Chi Alpha team in Tokyo has said many times to one another, some don't even have hope to hold onto.
In the midst of chaos, there is a peace that passes all understanding. Even when the earth shakes, and it might take an hour or so to convince your body to get out of "flight mode," there is a peace inside that seems impossible. Trust in the faithfulness of God, and the hope that is found in Him and Him alone, sustains us and we continue to try to give the overabundance of that peace and hope to those around us.
It's now Wednesday afternoon. I didn't finish this blog yesterday, sorry. I got busy at work. Anyway, here are just a few of the things you can pray for:
-The survivors in the Tohoku area, and those still missing.
-For the families how have lost loved ones in the M9.0 quake and following 33ft tsunami.
-For the Japanese government and the rescue teams as they work diligently to aid the stricken areas.
-The Fukushima Daichii and Daini Nuclear Power Plants - for stability and safety over those working around the clock to stop further damage to the plant.
-For the pastors and churches in these areas as they try to contact all their members and begin to help in the relief efforts.
-Aftershocks are still happening everyday - and the possibility of more earthquakes is very real - pray for peace of mind over the people in Honshu.
-Most importantly, pray for the revelation of Jesus Christ to flood this land - and with it, hope, peace, joy, and restoration.
And again, if you would like to get involved with the relief effort,and I really request that you pray about giving, see my last post for Convoy of Hope.
Until.
Amanda
3.14.2011
Support the Relief Effort in Japan:
Here are two ways you can give:
currently organizing relief teams and supply teams
or you can give at the
Assemblies of God World Missions Disaster Relief fund.
Click "Donate" at the top, then "World Disaster Relief"
Be sure to input this acct number - -
for the Japan earthquake/tsunami relief fund.
Thank you for your continued pray and support for this nation. I am safe in Tokyo at the moment, but food and supplies will be running short soon. Scheduled black-outs will begin today or tomorrow, and some trains have ceased operation. However, these things are minor in comparison to what those in the northern areas are facing. Over 1,000 already confirmed dead - over 10,000 still missing. The situation at the Fukushima power plant is still not completely under control. Please pray for these people, and pray about what you can give to help them begin the healing process. Thank you.
Until.
Amanda
3.12.2011
3.10.2011
3.08.2011
火曜日。
Just when I felt Spring was about to show her face, it snowed in Tokyo again. I think my body is still living in the disappointment. I have hardly been able to keep my eyes open all afternoon!
Recently, a friend and I were talking about how unmotivated the cold weather has made us. Granted, school is also out right now for the "spring" holiday, but still we were feeling we were only days away from falling into a case of sloth. So, we made a accountability pact!
Now, I know what you are thinking. Everyone goes through this - they talk something up with a another person and then make some plans that fall through within three weeks or so. But, I tell you, we are determined to see this through...and since it basically just consists of reporting back on Sunday nights via e-mail, I think we stand a chance of really maximizing our time in Japan while striving to be fully obedient to Christ.
So, that's what's new...
This weekend is our Chi Alpha Training Seminar in Tokyo. We have pastors and students coming from all over Japan to participate in the yearly training for campus ministry. I'm really excited to meet new people and to help out however I can around the Chi Alpha Student Center (where it will be held, and where I currently live). Please be praying that God will have free reign in our house this weekend to direct as He desires for this year!
Before I close, I humbly request prayer for one of my dearest friends who lost her mother this week. Praise God - her mother found the Lord this last year and we have reason to rejoice in her freedom from sickness and pain. Please be praying for the family! Thank you!
Until.
Amanda
Recently, a friend and I were talking about how unmotivated the cold weather has made us. Granted, school is also out right now for the "spring" holiday, but still we were feeling we were only days away from falling into a case of sloth. So, we made a accountability pact!
Now, I know what you are thinking. Everyone goes through this - they talk something up with a another person and then make some plans that fall through within three weeks or so. But, I tell you, we are determined to see this through...and since it basically just consists of reporting back on Sunday nights via e-mail, I think we stand a chance of really maximizing our time in Japan while striving to be fully obedient to Christ.
So, that's what's new...
This weekend is our Chi Alpha Training Seminar in Tokyo. We have pastors and students coming from all over Japan to participate in the yearly training for campus ministry. I'm really excited to meet new people and to help out however I can around the Chi Alpha Student Center (where it will be held, and where I currently live). Please be praying that God will have free reign in our house this weekend to direct as He desires for this year!
Before I close, I humbly request prayer for one of my dearest friends who lost her mother this week. Praise God - her mother found the Lord this last year and we have reason to rejoice in her freedom from sickness and pain. Please be praying for the family! Thank you!
Until.
Amanda
3.02.2011
3.01.2011
火曜日。
I am increasingly thankful for the people in my life - both past and present and those still working their way into a permanent place in my heart. I am as close to carefree as I've ever been, and it's not because I have nothing to worry about. I'm not even saying that I don't still feel stress, but I feel my life is rich in new experiences (though I fail in my attempt of some) and wonderful people who challenge and uplift me. I am overwhelmed, and a bit awestruck, by the love of God.
I'm curious to see what the next few weeks hold. A few things have changed as of late and will require a shifting of my schedule into more intentional patterns. I want to prepare myself for the new term, which will start in April. My Japanese classes will start again, and students will again be regularly going to campus and so will I. It's difficult for me to learn how to maximize my time, but I am tired of letting hours slip by after I return to my room with little productivity. There are things I want to accomplish for myself, but I also really want to soak up each moment and keep from living in "future tense." I don't want to miss this adventure while it is still happening!
Sorry, folks. Nothing truly profound today. I've just really felt blessed lately, and I've run across some new opportunities to grow and spend time with the Lord that I'm really excited about. Please pray for us as we prepare for the 2011 Chi Alpha Training weekend - March 11-12 - we have friends coming from different places across Japan, and also just for the Todai and Waseda campuses as we continue to minister there!
Until.
Amanda
I'm curious to see what the next few weeks hold. A few things have changed as of late and will require a shifting of my schedule into more intentional patterns. I want to prepare myself for the new term, which will start in April. My Japanese classes will start again, and students will again be regularly going to campus and so will I. It's difficult for me to learn how to maximize my time, but I am tired of letting hours slip by after I return to my room with little productivity. There are things I want to accomplish for myself, but I also really want to soak up each moment and keep from living in "future tense." I don't want to miss this adventure while it is still happening!
Sorry, folks. Nothing truly profound today. I've just really felt blessed lately, and I've run across some new opportunities to grow and spend time with the Lord that I'm really excited about. Please pray for us as we prepare for the 2011 Chi Alpha Training weekend - March 11-12 - we have friends coming from different places across Japan, and also just for the Todai and Waseda campuses as we continue to minister there!
Until.
Amanda
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