Karl in Japan March 2011 Update

The Earthquake
People have been asking me about the earthquake and if I know anyone affected by the quake. Personally, I don’t know anyone that has lost property as a result of the tragedy but I do know that Sendai is the major hub for mission’s activities in Northeastern Japan. So, many missionaries from many different mission organizations will have been in the line of destruction.

I understand how this destruction can be minimized by our exposure to other destructive events in the last decade. Yes, the loss of property was significant, billions of dollars, but the loss of life for all eternity is what has stuck with me since hearing reports of the loss of life. In Japan less than 1% of the population are believers. With the assumption that this one percent is evenly distributed, over 99% of the lives lost had no relationship with Jesus and most because they haven’t heard the Gospel. With those numbers, no tragedy in the last ten years can compare to what happened now.

One of my hope’s, resulting from this tragedy, is that those people that have fallen away from the church will be drawn back to Christ. Most people in Japan fall away because of cultural and social pressure of conformity and harmony. There is a much larger number of Japanese young people falling away from the church compared to North America. The church in Japan needs an awakening that will enable it to hold onto it’s young people. I pray and hope this tragedy will be a step towards an awakening in Japan.

If you would like to help with the relief effort in Japan check out Crash (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope). It is backed by both the church in Japan and mission organizations serving there. For more info go to www.crashjapan.com. You can also give to the Japan Earthquake Response Fund at the SEND Canada website (www.sendcanada.org) to receive a Canadian tax receipt.

Thank you for your prayers,
Karl Friesen

CONTACT INFORMATION
SEND International - Canada
#1-22423 Jefferies Road
RR #5, Komoka, ONT
N0L 1R0
http://www.sendcanada.org/
1-888-918-5036

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