From The Pastor: March 2011

Life on planet earth is and will be difficult due to "natural disasters." Jesus said so. The effects of sin and judgment on the earth and its atmosphere surround us: tornadoes, hurricanes, cyclones, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, famines, etc. Catastrophe speaks in general to our condition before God. (Matthew 24:4-8)

But how did we get from a world declared to be good in Genesis 1 to a world torn apart by earthly calamities? And is there any hope for things to be good again?

We will address these questions in the Wednesday Bible Study at Faith (March 16 @ 6:30PM) in a special lesson entitled "Creation Groans". We will also ask and try to answer, "So now what?", the question of what we as Christians do in the midst of a world in catastrophic turmoil.

In regard to the people of Japan, let us pray. Their culture is shaped and dominated by Shinto, Buddhist and Animist philosophy. In the midst of this devastating earthquake and tsunami they will be questioning who and what they believe. Let us pray for the lives of the hurting and the hearts of the grieving. Let us pray for the souls of all that their eyes may be opened to see the Lord Jesus Christ as the only refuge and hope from sin and all it has wrought upon us. He alone is the solid rock.

And if it is on your heart to give to help the people of Japan, among many venues we would suggest Samaritan's Purse, the ministry of Franklin Graham. You can read of their response at www.samaritanspurse.org.

Posted 3:38 PM

For about two years the Nakai family attended Faith while here for a military exchange program. Akira is a C-130 pilot and flew out of LRAFB. While at Faith, Akira and Tae were a part of the YC ministry and their children were active in AWANA and the church's children ministry with Stephen and Tanya Baldwin. After emailing them, Stephen received the following note Sunday evening (quoted as received):

Dear Mr Baldwin



We Nakai Family is all OK!!

We live in Nagoya Area, so we had no influence at all. But northerrn area than Tokyo, they had big big damages. Still now, every day we have some middle class and small earthquake so often.



This big earthquake is the very first experience fot Japanese. Even Prime Minister cannot understand and decide what we should!



Everyday lot of dead bodies are found because of Tsunami. We guess more than 10000 people were died.



We need more more rescue team from other countries.



Thank you for mailing us. Please tell your friends in Faith Baptist Church, Mirano and Yuzu are fine. And please pray for Japan's future. We will revive!!



Tae Nakai

Let us hear and heed Tae's request and pray for the future of Japan, both for their physical needs and for their spiritual.

Posted 8:23 AM