Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord in South Africa,
On behalf of all the congregations of the Reformed Church in Japan, and especially those in the disaster area, I would like to tell you from the bottom of my heart “Baie dankie!!” for your sincere prayers for us. After a two-week visit to your country, my appreciation became even far greater than before because I, as well as other delegates from Japan, could meet those faithful people face to face, and they actually did show their Christian love for us by their warm hospitality and prayers.
Now, my brothers and sisters, I need to ask a favor of you on this very special occasion. Please remember us in your prayers, as we come to the memorial day of the Great Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11th, 2011. Here are some particular requests for you to pray about:
—- the affected people, young and old, living within and without temporary housings and struggling with the hardship of their lives and the trauma of their loss.
—- those, children in particular, affected by radiation from the Fukushima Nuclear Plant.
—- churches and Christian organizations in the region, working for people in suffering and trying to convey them deep comfort and hope to live in Jesus Christ.
—- East Sendai RCJ congregation and Rev. Tateishi, taking a leadership for reconstructing the community of Nobiru-Tona area by way of walking along with the suffering people there.
—- the Reformed Church in Japan, trying to make a difference in the 99% non-Christian society by her diaconal works in the disaster area.
We thank you in advance for your sincerity as a family in our Lord Jesus Christ. May God richly bless each of you and continue to bless our relationship to work together for His kingdom both in South Africa and in Japan.
Cordially,
Takashi Yoshida （吉田 隆）
The moderator of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in Japan
