Indonesia (MNN) — The search for survivors continues today in West Sulawesi, Indonesia. “[A] 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit West Sulawesi on January 15; 81 people die[d] and more than 1,000 houses [were] damaged,” Asian Access leader Juserdi* says.
The International Red Cross reports local and international first responders working side-by-side to comb through the rubble, searching for anyone who may be alive in affected areas. Multiple disasters, including landslides, flooding, and volcanic eruption, are stretching resources and manpower thin, making recovery efforts even harder.
My colleague John Houlette just completed an outstanding book for Japanese pastors. And, the principles and stories are ones that will help you thrive in every season.
I encourage you to get a copy and learn, not only how Japanese church leaders can thrive but also how you can thrive. You can access a copy here:
Perhaps you've resolved in 2021 to read more Scripture or to pray more consistently. If so, I think you’ll enjoy this new prayer app that a friend recommended to me. It helps me do both—to actually pray the Scripture every day!
It’s a short, simple, daily reading and prayer prompt that I’ve found to be helpful in my devotion times recently: LECTIO 365 is a daily devotional app for your mobile phone or tablet.
My friend has been using it with a few of his prayer partners as a way to share what God is doing in their lives each day.
Here's more information about LECTIO 365 from its website...
Japan (MNN) — Support for the Tokyo Olympics just hit a new low in Japan. The latest spike in Tokyo’s COVID-19 infections has 80-percent of Japanese residents saying the Summer Games should be rescheduled again, or canceled altogether.
“People have different feelings. Some [are] saying, ‘it’s impossible so let’s give up’; [the] government hasn’t,” Takeshi Takazawa explains. Takazawa is Vice President for Missional Engagement and is the former National Director for Asian Access in Japan.
Dear Friends,
As 2020 wound to a close, the Lord impressed on me the following passage:
"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." —John 1:4
2020 was such a disruptive year. Yet the life of Christ is the light of the world. That gives me hope heading into 2021. I pray that your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations brought joy and the reminder of what is most important, even in the midst of the challenges from 2020, some of which continue to persist.
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