Salutations, my wonderful friends! The cheery blossoms are all gone, and are replaced by much missed green leaves as spring continues here in Sendai. The Japanese say that the cherry blossoms are the most lovely when they're floating down, but I'd say there's something to be said about finally seeing the trees awaken and lively after a seamlessly endless winter. To each their own, I suppose.
I have a new roommate! Joshua, from sunny California, is visiting our team for Golden Week, a week-long (of course) national holiday in which people travel all over the country to visit family, friends, and take it easy. He'll be here until next Sunday, so plenty of time to show off the Date Masamune castle ruins, go hiking, do ministry, etc. Funny enough, after only a few weeks of classes, my Japanese school is on break as well. Man, after only a few lessons, I sure do need a week off!
Speaking of Golden Week, tomorrow marks a major event in Japan: the current emperor of Japan, Akihito, is stepping down, letting his oldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, reign in his place. This historical even will mark a new era in Japan called "Reiwa", meaning order and harmony, ending the previous "Heisei" era of 30 years. Please pray that the eyes, ears, and hearts of the Japanese people will open to Jesus in the upcoming years.
To celebrate this momentous event, me and some of my team have just started a year long project we all have felt God calling us to: next spring, during Hanami (cherry blossom season), we plan to take a team into the infamous Aokigahara forest at the base of Mt. Fuji and pray for the Holy Spirit to reign in that dark place. Also known as the Suicide Forest, over a hundred people sadly commit suicide inside the woods, despite efforts from the government, and has gotten notice from all around the world, for better or (mostly) worse. Historically, it's been said to be haunted by ghosts, demons, and even monsters of Shinto and Buddhist origin. Safe to say that Aokigahara is currently occupied by truly evil and malicious forces bent on destroying as many lives as it can, plaguing Japan and the world with it's call of shame and despair.
As followers of Christ, me and my team feel that the time is nearly right to prayerfully unit and fight back against this darkness, with the Holy Spirit leading the charge and His followers close behind. Every Monday and Friday, we will be praying and fasting for this upcoming mission, asking God to grant us His wisdom, His power, and His timing in dealing with this true evil. After all, Jesus is the true Hero, who will set the captives free. Our only desire is to follow and serve Him, showing as many as possible His love and salvation.
A week from now, we will be sending out an official newsletter, listing more details of our plan, as well as a call for Christians all around the world to join us in prayer, fasting, and even joining us in the forest, if so called to. Only through Christ and unity of His believes can the Kingdom come and the healing of Japan's spirit begin. If you're interested, would like to sign up for the newsletter, and/or would like to know more, feel free to contact me and I'd be more than happy to talk to you. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support in my mission to Japan!
Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Ephesians 6:10-12
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
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