Japan Blog | Foursquare Relief and Compassion

August 2011

On a recent Foursquare Missions International (FMI)-sponsored relief and compassion trip to Japan, Tokyo Pastor Chu Kosaka was a natural at drawing crowds. As the driver of one of the vans taking teams into some of the hardest hit areas of the Tohoku disaster, he posed at every stop when locals brought out cameras and serenaded them when asked to play a few songs.

His fame as one of Japan’s best-loved rock icons from the 1960s and 1970s set the stage to make a difference for the kingdom of God. Each month Chu—the first Japanese rock star to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine—travels into the heart of the decimated region to conduct prayer and worship gatherings for the people. His presence there is a welcome sight to the people as the world’s spotlight on their plight slowly diminishes.

Many consider Japan one of the least-reached nations with the gospel; of the 128 million people in Japan, less than 1 percent attend a Christian church. Since the earthquake and tsunami, local pastors and Christians from around the world have set their sites on reaching the Japanese people with the love of Jesus Christ and the practical assistance they need to recover.

Among those who regularly reach out is Renee Williams, Foursquare missionary to Hirosaki, Japan. Renee drives 10 hours round-trip to deliver food, clothing and other necessities to strangers, many of whom survived the tsunami with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The Japanese government has made a great effort to restore essential services, but many people have fallen through the cracks. It’s to these people that Renee hopes to minister.

While some Christians may view disaster relief as a diversion from the church’s “proclamation ministry,” FMI Associate Director–U.S. Missions Ted Vail says it is one of the greatest expressions of Christ’s love that is right in line with our mission.

“In this case,” Ted tells Foursquare.org, “the physical proclamation precedes the verbal one.” He points out that not long after World War II, Foursquare missionaries brought supplies to stranded Japanese islanders as a demonstration of the gospel.

“Today we have this opportunity again,” he maintains. “There has been a generous outpouring of resources, personnel and prayer that is making a difference in a very hard place.”

Japan’s Foursquare churches have raised funds—with additional financial help provided by FMI and U.S. Foursquare churches—to secure a house and a vehicle in the Sendai region to help host relief teams, according to David Masui, a church planter and the former national leader of Japan Foursquare.

Foursquare’s area missionary to North Asia (name withheld for security reasons) elaborates: “Our intention is to continue to partner with Japan Foursquare in this endeavor for at least two years. Additional assets will be placed on the ground with the intention of connecting our joint relief and compassion efforts with evangelism, discipleship and church planting.”

Foursquare pastors and leaders in Japan were encouraged during their national convention this summer. Ralph Moore—senior pastor of Windward Oahu Foursquare Church (Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay) in Hawaii and keynote convention speaker—assured delegates that revival has come to Japan. Foursquare Missionary Steve Niksarian in Sendai says pastors received Ralph’s prophetic word to the nation in spite of the long shadow cast by the Tohoku disaster that took the lives of at least 25,000 people.

More than 1,500 miles of Japanese coastline were affected by the tsunami, and 95 percent of commercial fishing boats were destroyed. Soil liquefaction has caused structural damage in 10 of the country’s 47 prefectures (jurisdictions) as far away as 100 miles inland. Ongoing help is needed to continue to rebuild Japan, Steve Niksarian insists.

“This disaster is something that no nation, let alone a national church, is fully prepared to deal with independently,” he asserts.

Although the task is challenging, Foursquare leaders throughout Japan still join the Psalmist in declaring: “From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety” (Ps. 61:2, NLT).

April 2011

On Wednesday April 6th, Foursquare Area Missionary, Corey*, met with Japan Foursquare national leader, Shigeki Sato, and their relief coordinator, Eika Kosaka. Together, they traveled to meet with CRASH Japan leadership at their command center in Tokyo to discuss possible ways to partner in Japanese relief efforts. The four main points they came away with were:

1. A plan to coordinate Foursquare short-term relief and compassion teams with CRASH Japan to ensure: team orientation, introduction to culture, team safety, Japanese language support and field housing (CRASHJapan has established five base camps reaching out to affected areas.)
2. Short-term relief and compassion teams who wish to serve in the Tohoku Region should be prepared to come for 10-14 days. The first day will be orientation and travel. There will be options for teams to serve in one of five possible areas:

Ministry to children with emotional trauma (PTSD) in shelters;
Ministry to Christian workers suffering from exhaustion and PTSD;
Manual labor, such as mud removal and cleaning of homes and businesses, to help people return to normal lives;
Manual labor and construction work (that will be subject to Japanese stringent building codes and specifications); and
For those who feel lead to serve on more than one short-term team, there may be possibilities for evangelistic and pastoral ministry.

3. Japan is amongst the world’s largest unreached population and the most unreached area in Japan is the Tohoku Region. Here, Japanese people from other regions of Japan are not easily accepted, often due to numerous cultural barriers which can prohibit people from being able to accept assistance. Our best contribution will likely be providing a glimpse of the Body of Christ serving those who are in desperate need of love, grace, and compassion.

4. Foursquare’s unusual commitment to interdenominational and worldwide evangelism may allow us to rebuild and revitalize existing churches from other denominations. (There was not one injury or casualty among our Foursquare church members or missions personnel and that example will likely help as we plant new congregations in a region that has had little, if any, visible Christian witness here in the last 450 years.)

Corey is also meeting with representatives from New Hope Tokyo and Foursquare Japan to try to obtain commitments for Japanese and English-speaking people to help work with Foursquare teams who have no Japanese-speaking members.

On April 26-April 30th, Corey will lead a Foursquare Relief and Compassion assessment team to help determine and communicate priorities. They will also assess viable options for partnership and contribution as we come alongside the churches of Japan in the months and even years to come.

Continued prayers for the people of Japan and our relief efforts are greatly appreciated.
To give a financial gift to the work in Japan go to:
Give.foursquare.org/relief

March 29th, 2011

From Foursquare Area Missionary, Corey*:

Corey has been in daily contact with the Japanese Foursquare national leadership. He will soon be traveling in Japan to assess our relief plans. At that time, he will meet with our missions’ personnel and also with representatives from relief agencies who have expressed a desire to partner with Foursquare in disaster relief. We desire to aid in material and economic recovery, as well as in the spiritual redevelopment of communities through a holistic proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Corey will be providing us with a list of opportunities, ranging from prayer points and giving opportunities to the implementation of short-term teams to aid in the rebuilding efforts. It is still difficult to travel throughout affected areas. Sections of highways and roads are opened to local Japanese residents but many sections are still closed to all but emergency and military vehicles. People in the most affected areas are not only faced with the loss of spouse and/or children, extended family members, and neighbors, but also the loss of their homes and livelihood. Your prayers and patience are greatly needed as we plan and prepare to fulfill our part in God’s plan for the nation of Japan.

Our church families in Japan have expressed their gratitude for all of the messages and communications from everyone who is offering assistance through prayers and financial gifts, as well as for those volunteering to travel to Japan to help. It is Corey’s desire that we continue to fervently pray and he gives us his assurances that all monetary gifts will be directed at the most pressing needs. Also, he states that both short-term and long-term planning is underway for relief and assistance to those on the ground and he will keep us updated as plans for this unfold. While the doorway for short-term teams is currently open to qualified first responders only, Foursquare Missions is compiling a list of those individuals who believe they are called to go and help in this vast undertaking.

From Steve Niksarian, Missionary in Sendai:

At the time of this writing, two weeks have passed since a magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit eastern Japan. Steve wanted everyone to know that he is safe and that everyone in his church and neighborhood are doing fine. The epicenter, which was located 45 miles off the coast of Sendai, triggered a tsunami that struck within minutes. Interestingly, the vast, overwhelming damage broadcasted around the world was not caused by the shaking of the earthquake, but by the tsunami. The cities and towns by the coast have suffered indescribable devastation. Steve lives about 12 miles inland and told us that by looking at the outward appearance of his neighborhood, there is little evidence of damage. They were without electricity for three days and without running water for one week. Stores were closed for most of the first week and they just made d0 with whatever food and supplies they had in their homes. Things are gradually becoming available and they are now able to buy almost everything they need, with the exception of gasoline.

Corey, Steve, and all of our churches and missions’ personnel in Japan deeply appreciate your prayers and support, both of which are greatly needed at this time. Please continue to pray specifically for:

All of those affected by this tragedy in Japan.
Wisdom as we seek the Lord in His plan for our relief efforts to the people of this nation.
Resources and finances to aid in the rebuilding and recovery for our Foursquare churches.

If you would like to give to the relief efforts in Japan please go to give.foursquare.org. or you can mail a donation by sending your check designated to -

Japan Relief at:
FMI
P.O. Box 26776
Los Angeles, CA 90026

*Name withheld for security reasons.

March 25, 2011

Foursquare Area Missionary, Corey*, has been in daily contact with the Japanese Foursquare national leadership. He will soon be traveling in Japan to assess our relief plans. At that time, he will meet with our missions’ personnel and also with representatives from relief agencies who have expressed a desire to partner with Foursquare in disaster relief. All plans for recovery efforts are being planned with a long term viewpoint. We desire to aid in material and economic recovery, as well as in the spiritual redevelopment of communities through a holistic proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our church families in Japan have expressed their gratitude for all of the messages and communications from everyone who is offering assistance through prayers and financial gifts, as well as for those volunteering to travel to Japan to help. It is Corey’s desire that we continue to fervently pray and he gives us his assurances that all monetary gifts will be directed at the most pressing needs. Also, he states that both short-term and long-term planning is underway for relief and assistance to those on the ground and he will keep us updated as plans for this unfold. While the doorway for short-term teams is currently open to qualified First Responders only, Foursquare Missions is compiling a list of those individuals who believe they are called to go and help in this vast undertaking.

Thank you for all for your prayers and support as it is both greatly needed and deeply appreciated. Please continue to pray specifically for:

All of those affected by this tragedy in Japan.
Wisdom as we seek the Lord in His plan for our relief efforts to the people of this nation.
Resources and finances to aid in the rebuilding and recovery for our Foursquare churches.

If you would like to give to the relief efforts in Japan please go to: give.foursquare.org, or you can mail a donation by sending your check designated to – Japan Relief at:
FMI
P.O. Box 26776
Los Angeles, CA 90026

JAPAN – Earthquake-Tsunami

As the tragedy in Japan continues to unfold, we join our hearts and prayers with the people of this nation. Since early Friday morning we have been in close communications with our Area Missionary for Japan, Corey*, as well as our missions’ personnel on the ground in this nation. We are working closely together to assess the situation and formulate the next steps and strategy for aid and relief to those affected by this disaster.

We are thankful to God that all of our missions’ personnel, as well as all 42 of our Foursquare pastors and their congregations are safe and unharmed. Less than .5% of Japanese are followers of Christ. Please join us in fervent prayer and compassion beyond convenience that amidst this tragedy, the light of Jesus would be seen.

We are also tremendously thankful for the outpouring of calls and emails from our church family here in the U.S., as well as globally, who are offering support, prayers and assistance in any and every way. Please understand that we may not be able to respond to each email or call immediately, but we will respond as quickly as possible to each and every one.

In the days ahead, we will be sending additional and frequent communications that will outline more clearly how our churches and church members might be able to help the people of Japan, as well as those affected by current disasters in other nations, such as Colombia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Many have offered financial assistance and we are so thankful for the generosity of our church family. Our relief team is working in conjunction with our Japanese family and field to maximize all gifts to meet immediate needs and longer term recovery.

You can give to Japan through the FMI give site: give.foursquare.org or through sending to FMI and designating to Japan Relief at:
FMI
P. O. Box 26776
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Dr. Jim Scott
Director of Foursquare Mission International

From our Area Missionary Corey*:

At present, the conditions in Japan are dire and even for those who have survived the 9.0 Earthquake and the Tsunami, danger is still eminent with the threat of a nuclear meltdown in Fukushima.

The closest airport to Sendai is Misawa, which normally serves both civilian and military flights. Presently, however, only military air traffic is permitted there. We are working on a plan with local Foursquare ministers to gather at Misawa where there is a Foursquare congregation. There, supplies will be purchased and driven down to Sendai to bring aid to the people in that area, which was one of the hardest hit. We are waiting to obtain permission to travel before we are able to move forward. Our hope is to be able to initially equip and encourage the local churches in Sendai, where there is only 1 Christian church for every 17,000 people.

Japan Foursquare President, Rev. Shigeki Sato, shared, ”The safety and well-being of the last two ministers and congregations who were unaccounted for, a Japanese congregation in Fukushima, and an Indonesian congregation that was in Oarai Town, has been confirmed. The Fukushima congregation has no electricity, and the Oarai congregation had to flee inland to Oyama City and are not able to return to their homes because of damage to infrastructure and homes.”

We heard from Foursquare Missionary, Steve Niksarian, whose church and home are in Sendai, one of the cities closest to the epicenter of the earthquake. He told us today they are largely without power and running water in the north, but are able to get rationed amounts of food and water from nearby public schools and the city office. Despite being only about 75 km from the epicenter, he says that no buildings have been destroyed in his neighborhood. Steve has not been able to travel down south as roads are closed and there is no gasoline for sale. Without power, he has no access to information, so we, here in the U.S., know more details of what has happened than those living in the area.

Steve said, “I believe God uses everything in our experience” and he could see that having experienced a 6.8 earthquake in Los Angeles helped prepare him for this event. When the 9.0 earthquake struck, he had just finished teaching an English class across the street from where an elderly couple lives. (The wife, now 82, was the first convert he baptized nearly 10 years ago). Steve was able to run across the street and comfort them. Steve’s church had services yesterday just 2 days after the earthquake, with a fresh sense of God’s grace and mercy as they worshiped together. They have been able to confirm this morning that everyone in their church family is alive and well.

When the earthquake hit, it was snowing in Sendai. Until power is restored to the area, it continues to be very cold. There is ongoing concern for the people in the south side, who have no shelter and little heat or food.

Steve’s desire is to somehow help the people to the south but, because of lack of access and resources, he’s praying to know what to do and how to go about it. Japan has long practiced a “just in time” delivery service in its stores and businesses, trying to have just enough inventory on hand to sell without incurring extra cost for storage space. Now that the supply chain has been disrupted, they are experiencing acute shortages in various areas from Tokyo to Hokkaido.

Steve asks us to “pray against a spirit of fear.” He says that while he is surprised at his own faith and courage, he sees fear in many people, particularly the women and children who are less conditioned than the Japanese men when it comes to stoicism. While the aftershocks have gradually fallen off in magnitude and frequency, the people are living in fear and wondering, with each new rumbling, whether or not another large earthquake is on its way.

Corey* asked us to please pray for vision, wisdom, favor, for both Foursquare believers and all other Christians living in the areas affected, that we might see “worldwide and interdenominational evangelism” take place, resulting in the salvation of millions in the days to come.

Pray also for U.S. churches, that together we will find ways to partner, equip, encourage, and evangelize the people of Japan during this difficult time. May the fruits of our labor during the stages of relief, recovery, and redevelopment, be the creation of growing, healthy, loving, and influential congregations throughout Japan.

*Name withheld for security reasons

Japan Rocked by Earthquake, Tsunami

Foursquare churches, pastors and missionaries located in Japan were rocked by an 8.9 earthquake, followed by a deadly tsunami, on March 11. Corey (last name withheld for security reasons), Foursquare’s area missionary to North Asia, reported that there is one pioneer church located in Sendai, located on the Northeast coast of Japan, where up to 300 people have been found dead on the beach.

The Foursquare church in Sendai is an outpost of Hakodate Church, pastored by Yoshiaki Masui. Corey noted that he is still awaiting official word regarding churches in the hardest hit areas of Tohoku, loacted in northern Japan and Hokkaido, located on the northern main island.

Japan is a “stage four” nation in the denomination’s four-stage church development model – meaning they are a “sending nation,” one that sends missionaries to other countries. In addition to the 42 Foursquare churches located throughout Japan, there are five Foursquare missionaries, as well as 87 pastors and ministers, and approximately 1,600 congregants.

Your prayers and support are greatly needed and appreciated at this critical time. To give a financial donation to please go to give.foursquare.org