Sienna North's first novel, inspired from Japan's March 11, 2011 Disaster

Overview:

Sayaka Sato is an ordinary fifteen-year-old—until 2:46 pm on March 11, when an earthquake and tsunami strike Japan and rip her life into shreds. Sayaka is frantic to find her family, but first, she must survive cold, hunger, and worse. Will Sayaka be able to reunite with her family, earn their forgiveness, and forge a new life for herself, or will she be too late?

From the Author:

"I've just released my first novel, Red Sun Blue Earth on March 11th, the 2-year anniversary of Japan's tsunami. It's the story of a teen girl in Minamisanriku, who survives Japan's 2011 tsunami and her life in the aftermath. The earthquake and tsunami were life-shattering, life-changing events for so many people in Japan. In this story, I attempted to research thoroughly and stay true to the facts, and at the same time to reveal a bit of the true heartbreak and loss experienced by so many in the tsunami. I sought to add a glimpse of hope and light in the midst of darkness, both to remember those who suffered in Japan and to bring hope to others in their own sufferings."

Sienna North | www.siennanorth.com

Red Sun Blue Earth is available on Kindle & print from Amazon:

• eBook format: http://www.amazon.com/Red-Sun-Blue-Earth-ebook/dp/B00BS1FWXU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362973408&sr=1-1
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Red-Sun-Blue-Earth-ebook/dp/B00BS1FWXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363014438&sr=8-1&keywords=red+sun+blue+earth
• Age level: 13+ (teens and up); 174 pages; US $4.99.
  

Today, 3/11, we have felt the burden and the privilege of walking with our Ishinomaki friends through the remembrance and the pain of two years ago. We are thankful for so many who have joined across the world to pray with us. We posted messages and photos today up on the wall for everyone to see — amazing reminders that Ishinomaki is not alone!

It has been a really special time of having a continually-running 24-hour prayer event going on here, while at the same time most of today (and continuing into this evening) having an open area where community friends could come for company, prayer, or to just have a safe place to be.

I have spent several hours yesterday and today being with Nozomi Project friends. Whereas last night there was a time for some laughter and lightness, today has felt entirely different. Heaviness. Waiting. Dread. Around 2:30 those of us all meeting together formed a circle, prayed, and sang several songs, stopping at 2:46 pm for a minute of silence to remember the long moment when all of the horror began. There were sirens going off across town to remind us not to forget — who could? Our childrens' schools had a special assembly in which they did an early minute of silence all together; and then at the end of the school day at the exact time once again remembered together.

This afternoon I had on my heart Chi., one of my Nozomi Project friends. Her husband is often away for work, and I know how shaken she had been during the big earthquake scare we had in December. So Yuko and I decided to briefly visit her at home. She had just helped her kindergarten daughter fall asleep for a nap; her fourth grade son wasn’t home yet. She cried at the door, remembering too vividly two years ago. They have rebuilt a home in the same place as their previous one that had been washed away. From their front door, we could see the path where the tsunami had come.  She couldn’t help but remember.

Yuko and Chi wondered how our friend N. might be doing today. N. had tried in vain to hold onto her mother-in-law’s hand as the tsunami waters ripped them apart; the water washed away her home and her family member in a swoop. We know the loss of her loved one must be felt more keenly today; her father has recently passed away as well. Chi shared with us that her next-door-neighbor on that day had tried to hold dearly onto the hand of her fifth-grade son; she could not. I imagine that a mother can never physically forget the feeling of her son’s hand being pulled away from her own. It is a bitter day for many.

As we parted ways at the car, we looked down and had a laugh at Yuko’s black shoes, with white fancy socks bunching out.

She had gone to the temple that morning with her father to remember her sister and sister’s unborn baby who had died two years ago. Hurriedly she had dressed to come and join our time of prayer, forgetting to take off her fancy dress socks. Life up here has a funny way of mixing the pain with the mundane.

Several friends and I had a very early dinner with dear neighbor sisters, who insisted on feeding us, knowing that we were in and out of gatherings and caring for our own children. I tried to pray for the food and ended up crying; we ate their delicious food (I never thought I would say boiled radishes and octopus are delicious – but they certainly were!); and they commented on how their family has swelled to include so many of us in the past two years. It was a sweet interlude in the midst of this day.

We discovered that a sealed letter had come to Nozomi Project for our friend Yuri. She had not had a chance to come and meet us this weekend because of their own family commitments. But when we circled back to the meeting place of prayer, we saw her husband, son and daughter waiting in the car. I went and hugged them. Her sixth grade daughter had not slept for the past two nights, unable to forget the memories of two years ago. The family had spent the last two days at temples and family gatherings, lighting incense for their 3-year-old who had been lost in the tsunami. Talking to her on the phone on Saturday, she said the hardest thing is knowing that her three-year-old is still wandering around trying to find the right path to God and to heaven. I told her that in the deepest place of my heart I believe that he is with Jesus right now – that God loves the littlest and least and has welcomed him home…

I was so happy to go inside and briefly hug Yuri in person, pray together and pass on this unexpected letter. It was from a christian american in Osaka who had bought a necklace made by Yuri. He sent her a wonderful letter of hope with some of his handmade postcards. God’s timing was so sweet in showing such care for her on this particular day!

Eric is at the center now with thirty or so others, meeting and praying with youth from the community and others who could only join in the evening (today was a normal work/school day here). There were quite a number of high schoolers who have become a part of Be One. Others from across Ishinomaki continue to stop by – wanting to know that they are not alone today.

I truly believe that greater things are yet to come for this city; that God does have special plans for these that we love so much.

Read Sue Takamoto's A2 staff profile.

About Nozomi Project

Nozomi, translated 'hope' in Japanese, is a social enterprise bringing sustainable income, community, dignity and hope to the women in Ishinomaki, Japan by training women to craft unique jewelry products.  One-third of these women are single mothers and grandmothers; most of these women and their family members lost their livelihood when the tsunami crashed through half of their city in 2011.​ See the video intro below...

http://www.nozomiproject.com

Two Years Later...

It has been two years since the March 11th disaster in Japan. Reconstruction is progressing in Tohoku, but there is still much work to do.

Grant Inouye, an A2 missionary, helped to put this video together to give an update about what is going on in Miyagi Prefecture. We trust this clip will compel you continue to pray for the ongoing ministry to the people in this affected area.

Please join us as we pray that God would heal the heart’s of those whose lives were effected by the disaster. And pray that the Church would be filled with Holy Spirit and would be able to share the love and saving power of Jesus effectively.

Visit Hope Miyagi – http://www.hopemiyagi.org

Chinzorig Jigdisuren reflects on Mongolia and being a first generation believer in Mongolia...

In this Mission Network News interview, Pastor Chinzorig Jigjidsuren addresses these and other questions from Ruth Kramer:

• What kind of growth--quantity or quality--have you seen in the church in the last 15 years or so?
• In regard to Mongolia moving beyond communism, what are some of the particular challenges facing the church?
• What is a core emphasis of the A2 training?
• What difference is Asian Access actually making in the church in Mongolia.
• How can Christians pray for Mongolia?

Listen to MNN's 12-minute interview with Chinzorig Jigjidsuren:

More Information

Chinzorig Jigjidsuren, in addition to pastoring a church, serves as National Director of A2/Mongolia.

Download the audio file here:

Read the MNN article based on Chinzorig's interview.

Related videos:

• Spotlight on Mongolia
• Prayer for Mongolia

Hear about some distinctives of A2's ministry in India and Japan...

Pastor David Dayalan, National Director of A2/India talks to Ruth Kramer of Mission Network News about our leader development model training. He does a great job highlighting how we do what we do.

Download the file here:

Noel Becchetti set to become A2’s VP for Leader Development

For Immediate Release

ARTESIA, CA (A2) Asian Access is pleased to announce the imminent appointment of Noel Becchetti as vice president for leader development. Through September 30, Becchetti is currently Executive Director for Truthseekers International, a ministry committed to spiritual and social freedom for the oppressed lower castes of India. He will assume his new role with Asian Access on October 1, 2012.

Asian Access is a non-profit ministry devoted to developing leaders who multiply churches across Asia, the most populous continent. Its vision is to see a vibrant community of servant leaders leading the Church there. Having launched ministry in Japan in 1967, Asian Access is now actively training church leaders in ten countries with plans to expand into an additional ten in the next few years.

With bold expansion plans on the horizon, president Joe Handley decided the organization needed to create the new position to build momentum.  Since becoming president in June 2008, Handley has been functioning in dual roles. Now to identify a skilled director who can bolster the movement of leader development, he turns to someone he knows well.

“Having known and watched Noel's leadership for 20 plus years,” Handley says, “I am honored that he would join the Asian Access family and bring his incredible array of wisdom and talent to our work in leader development.”

Joe adds that he and Noel had “led together on ministry teams for Azusa Pacific University's Mexico Outreach program,” as well as “one of the first multi-national high school student missions conventions in Mexico City.”

Handley believes Noel’s intrinsic ability as a team player and experience in cross-cultural ministry contexts makes him nicely suited for spearheading the work team charged with pastoral training across Asia. Furthermore, working with Truthseekers provided experience in India, one country where A2 currently operates.

The new role seems to fit him philosophically as well. Noel possesses tremendous experience in church leadership, as well as an abiding love for the Church and Asia.

"The Kingdom of God on earth is expressed and advanced primarily through the Church,” Becchetti asserts, “and the Church is expressed and advanced through the ministries of Godly, gifted leaders. A2 is one of the most effective ministries I know in growing, mentoring and supporting effective leaders in the most dynamic mission field of our time, Asia.”

The upcoming vice president states, “I'm thrilled and humbled to join such an amazing team of men and women."

Becchetti lives in El Cajon, California with his wife Kyle, who currently serves as director for operations for Truthseekers. She maintains an active license to practice law in California. The couple has two grown children and this year became grandparents for the first time.

• You can read Noel and Kyle Becchetti's biographical profile here (PDF).
• If you’d like to reach Noel personally, feel free to contact him via email at noelpb@gmail.com.
• To read Joe Handley’s blog post about Noel’s appointment, click here…
• For more information about Asian Access, see www.asianaccess.org.

This article from eXcelerate Magazine is being reposted with permission from Missio Nexus.

Congratulations to Asian Access and SIM,
recipients of the eXcelerate award for
partnership in mission.

New Dawn in the Land of the Rising Sun

A2/SIM Strategic Partnership for Japan

Edited by Mary Kay Palguta, Missio Nexus

Japan has long been considered a resistant mission field. Years of mission effort have yielded small results. But the overwhelming effects of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster of 2011 have opened the doors of opportunity and Christian leaders in Japan are asking for help. Poised to answer the call is a new strategic partnership between two very different mission organizations – Asian Access and SIM.

A Little History

Asian Access realized that a change was vital for accomplishing its vision in Japan and after much deliberation decided to pursue one organization as a strategic partner — SIM. Because this meant changes for Asian Access staff members (especially missionaries in Japan), all staff were involved in the discussion from the outset.

Following a thorough process of examining their respective organizations’ DNA, the leadership teams of Asian Access and SIM seized the opportunity in forming a new model of mission work. Each is maximizing its strengths; each was willing to adapt to the other’s needs. Both believe that by working together a greater outcome will result.

Enhancing Ministry

This new collaboration is not a merger or simply a sharing of office functions; it is truly a new way of doing mission together, where each team brings its strengths and commits to a common kingdom vision. SIM assumes responsibility for recruiting missionaries and for missionary support services such as financial accounting, training, and U.S.-based care. Asian Access retains responsibility for championing the overall vision in Japan, managing the strategy of missionary deployment through its network of Japanese churches, and caring for Japan-based missionary personnel. The partnership requires ongoing teamwork, but retains organizational strengths and fiduciary controls. Together they want to plant 1,000 churches in Japan by 2020 and mobilize 1,000 Japanese missionaries.

Mutual Submission-Mutual Benefit

These two agencies are very different in size, scope, and diversity. There was concern that SIM would dominate over Asian Access, but both organizations are committed to mutual submission. Asian Access continues to lead the work in Japan and SIM submits to Asian Access’s leadership in this area. SIM does the recruiting, selection, and initial training of missionaries and Asian Access submits to SIM’s leadership in this area.

The most obvious benefit to both agencies is better financial stewardship. In the past, Asian Access has deployed only 2-3 missionary units annually on average. Yet, in the wake of the triple disaster in Japan, Japanese pastors have asked Asian Access for many more missionaries than it could send. SIM can provide additional resources for Asian Access missionaries because SIM already possesses the infrastructure. Finally, Asian Access can shift the sending agency functions to SIM and is able to hone in on the leader development ministry that God has been blessing abundantly.

Challenges Along The Way

When it was just an internal discussion within Asian Access, the challenges were mainly about the idea of partnership. There was concern over losing a sense of identity and distinctiveness with potential loss of control. One barrier for Asian Access was getting members spread across two continents on the same page. Through a variety of discussion formats, they gained consensus that they were moving in the right direction of a partnership, not a merger. The other challenge was an external one – how to share the nature of this partnership with the public. 

Other challenges were building a cooperative spirit between the two entities and maintaining an identity among Asian Access staff in Japan who would become SIM missionaries. There is currently a transitional challenge of transferring missionaries from Asian Access/Japan to SIM. This is primarily a two-fold challenge: financial and emotional.

How’s It Going?

In the first five months three missionary units have already successfully completed SIM’s pre-field training. One such family has already been deployed to the disaster zone in northeast Japan. Two others are raising support to get there. And there are several more missionary applicants in the pipeline for screening. News of fresh applicants and candidates encourages the existing missionaries on the field in Japan. The infusion of more workers revitalizes the work there and has given added hope to Japanese pastors asking for help.

The partnership is still new; however, it is creating conversations for other initiatives. Like SIM USA, SIM Canada is in conversation with the Asian Access/Japan field leadership about sending missionaries to Japan. Other countries within the SIM global network have expressed interest in sending missionaries to Japan once the partnership is in full swing. This has the potential of sending dozens of new missionaries to Japan each year.

Going Forward

The primary reason for success is that God is in this, leading the way. God laid the groundwork as both organizations value partnership and both presidents (Joe Handley and Bruce Johnson) worked well together before the partnership was even conceptualized. Both organizations are fully supportive and the people involved have had spirits of humility and cooperation and an attitude of hope.

The timing is right and Asian Access and SIM are eager to seek the Lord together to help fulfill His mandate for the people of Japan. The strategic partnership for Japan was officially announced by Asian Access and SIM on November 11, 2011. (e.g., http://www.asianaccess.org/simusa)

More Info

• Read Joe Handley's reflections on Asian Access being a joint recipient of this award.
• SIM USA
• Missio Nexus - Empowering the Great Commission Community of North America

A2 missionary candidate Garrett Inouye shares about deeper issues in Japan. This is a compelling visual you've got to watch, and you can also read his thoughts below...

Ishinomaki is one of the hardest hit areas in Japan's disaster zone. Within days of the tsunami, A2 missionary Eric Takamoto began making regular relief trips up from Osaka. Listen to him share about his first few trips there and why he and wife Sue have just decided to move their family up to Ishinomaki.

Pastor Akira Mori of Global Mission Chapel asks God for the hills near Usuiso Beach, devastated by the March 11, 2011 tsunami. Hear his heart, his vision and his prayers for this area.

On the First Anniversary

We’ve compiled a series of reflections on Japan's triple disaster on March 11, 2011--the Earthquake, the Tsunami and the Nuclear Crisis in the Tohoku region--on the occasion of its one year anniversary.

Interactive Reflections: http://www.asianaccess.org/reflections

This monumental disaster has deeply impacted the nation and it will never be the same. Though it was horrific, there are now signs of hope emerging in Japan. And we are encouraged that the Japanese Church is one of the leading bearers of hope for the nation--because it is bringing the whole gospel to the people, and most of all, Jesus the Hope of the Nations.

Please take some time to walk through the reflections here, written by our own folks in the A2 Community over the course of the last year and designed by Joshua Clayton, a gifted A2 creative team member.

• http://www.asianaccess.org/reflections

Above all, keep praying for the people of Japan and the Japanese local churches committed to serving them so faithfully.

As we remember this tragedy in Japan this weekend, this short but poignant trailer from Lucy Walker's documentary is worth watching...

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Survivors in the areas hardest hit by Japan's recent tsunami find the courage to revive and rebuild as cherry blossom season begins.

A stunning visual poem about the ephemeral nature of life and the healing power of Japan's most beloved flower.

Directed by Academy Award Nominated filmmaker
Lucy Walker (Waste Land), featuring photography
by Aaron Phillips and
music by Moby.

Watch the trailer here...

The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom [Trailer]

ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINATED - Documentary Short Subject

What’s been happening 9 months after March 11

By Takeshi Takazawa 

Evacuation Sites Closed

For better or for worse, government-registered evacuation sites have now all been closed in northeast Japan. Out of the 330,00 former residents, over 75% moved to temporary housing; the rest had to move in with friends or relatives or completely outside of the area. Temporary housing is a pre-fab apartment, equipped for basic living. However, these units are small—one bedroom for a family of four and share a wall with another unit. Also, residents need to do everything on their own (e.g., feed themselves, do laundry and cleaning, shopping, etc.), in many cases, without transportation. Nearly everyone lost their cars in the disaster, and the location of the temporary housing units are not convenient for shopping.

In order to maintain equality, residents are assigned to certain units by drawing. As a result, many people separated from their families and communities, are isolated and feel lonely.  Furthermore it costs money to live in these small units, but these folks do not have jobs or income. Winter has begun to set in and it’s becoming very cold. Currently, warm blankets, space heaters and jackets are being distributed by several relief organizations that have purchased these goods locally to help the economy.

Entering the Rebuilding Phase

Meanwhile, the majority of debris has been removed from most of the cities. Personal homes have been cleaned and refurbished by organizations and volunteers such as Samaritans Purse, Food for the Hungry and CRASH/Japan, and others.

We are now moving out of rescue and transitioning into the rebuilding stage. In order to rebuild, they need to replace walls and floors. Many of the first floors need to be completely redone because of the mud and salt water. This task requires many volunteer workers since people do not have money to rebuild. When the cleaning out and rebuilding is complete on a house, Christian volunteers pray for blessing for the family and the house. People are often moved to tears when this happens.  

Faith & Fatigue

Churches have been very active in this rebuilding stage, just as they have in the previous relief stages. They visit door-to-door both the temporary housing units, as well as disaster victims staying in damaged houses. As soon as they learn of what is needed, they provide for those specific needs. They see the openness toward the gospel in people to whom they minister. Those who have developed genuine relationships begin to see people come to faith. At the same time, most church leaders have been involved non-stop in this work for the past 9 months, and some of them are experiencing fatigue.

A Story of Collaboration & Partnership

One of the Conservative Baptist house churches had been damaged by the tsunami, but with the help of insurance and aid, this family was able to move to a near-by community and re-start their house church. Through God's orchestration, they loaned their damaged house to a church planter who was seeking to start a church in the afflicted area. This church planter cleaned and restored the destroyed first floor and they just had their grand opening with volunteers and the new believers in their neighborhood. They will celebrate this Christmas with a Baptism Service for those who accepted Christ after the disaster. Out of this disaster, there are now two churches where there was only one before. Not only that, but this Mennonite Brethren Church was started in partnership with the Conservative Baptist Church.  This is just another example of the denominational wall being knocked down by this disaster.  It is not an exaggeration to say that all churches are coming together to lift up our Lord’s name in the disaster-affected areas. 

Missionaries & Funds Needed!

As for Asian Access, we hope to continue to deploy missionaries in this region to serve in partnership with the national churches, where the needs are great. Working alongside Japanese believers, missionaries could make a lasting impact. There is plenty of room for many to come and serve.  And with our strategic partnership with SIM USA, we also have increased capacity to mobilize more missionaries.

GO: If you or anyone you know is interested in serving in Japan, please go to: http://www.go2japan.org

GIVE: For those of you who wish to give to the Japan Tsunami Relief Fund, you can still do so at: http://www.asianaccess.org/A2-Japan-Tsunami-Relief-Fund.html 

Thank you very much for your interest in the people of Japan and for your ongoing partnership in His kingdom. Please continue pray for Japan in this critical time. May God’s grace and peace be yours.

Pastors to share about Japan and Asian Access

On Wednesday, December 14, two pastors in Southern California will be interviewed on The Frank Pastore radio show in Los Angeles  in order to highlight ongoing relief efforts in Japan. The Frank Pastore Show is aired live from 4:00-7:00 PM (PST) on KKLA 99.5FM, as well as live on the internet.

Pastor Cliff Asai
Westlight Church

These pastors are familiar with Asian Access and have indicated they will encourage listeners to give toward Asian Access' tsunami relief fund. Furthermore, they are requesting our readers to listen and to call in during the broadcast with questions or comments. The more interest there is in this particular topic, the more likely they may schedule follow-up interviews about Japan and the relief work there. Perhaps even Asian Access would be invited to share in future episodes.

So please call in!

This is a tremendous opportunity to share about the awesome work God is doing in Japan and build further prayer and financial support in reaching the country for Christ. May the Lord be glorified and Japan be blessed through this broadcast.

KKLA FM Radio - The Frank Pastore Show

• Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from 4:00-7:00PM PST
• Radio: 99.5FM (in Los Angeles)
• Listen live on internet: http://den-a.plr.liquidcompass.net/player/flash/audio_player.php?id=KKLAFM&uid=103
• Interact on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/frankpastoreshow
  
• Telephone line: 1-888-995-KKLA (5552)

Japan Tsunami Relief Fund:
http://www.asianaccess.org/A2-Japan-Tsunami-Relief-Fund.html