Japan 2011 Mission

 

I'm sure we will never forget the impact the early reports from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan had upon us.  Latest figures state that this multiple disaster caused 15,824 deaths, destroyed 45,700 buildings and damaged another 144,300 buildings. There are still many tens of thousands living in damaged homes and temporary housing.  The entire nation continues to suffer quietly as they function on limited electrical power forcing factories to limit operations and workers to suffer drastic pay reductions.

Late in 2010, long before this disaster, I felt the Lord prompting me to return again to Japan to minister.  I felt clearly that I was to bring along my wife, Kathie and our two boys, William (12) and Lewis (10) as we had done several years ago.  I decided to obey this calling and began to plan the trip.  Then the disaster hit.  At first I thought that I should not go and just send money to help.  But as I prayed I felt that I should go "all the more."  That the best way to communicate our love and commitment would be to go and help.

So we're going to Japan and this post is to update you on our plan and to ask that you do two things.  First PRAY for us and those in Japan and secondly PAY for us to get there by donating funds for this mission trip!  This will be my sixth trip to minister in Japan.  Taking four of us will cost significantly more than in the past and our need for funds requires me to ask for your support.  The total cost for just my family will be close to $12,000.  (Praise God and thank everyone for their support, we have raised the entire amount.)  The total cost for the entire team going from New Day will be around $25,000.

My family will leave Michigan the day after I turn 50 and will arrive in Tokyo on Kathie's 50th birthday!  We will meet up with Pastor Dennis & Kaku Sager from Hope International Fellowship.  We initially had planned to do ministry in the Tokyo area but instead will spend a day in Tokyo and then go to the Sager's town.  While there we will minister at Hope International on Sunday 11/20/11 and assist them in preparing the relief supplies that we will take to the tsunami affected area.

On Monday the Sagers, some members from their church, and our family will travel to Yokohama to pick up the rest of the team from New Day Community Church.  We will then drive up to the Sendai region where we will stay.  With the people from the Japan church, we will have a team of 29 people going to do relief work!  Just bringing a team to stay in one of the local hotels is a form of relief as Japan has seen a 50% drop in tourism since the disaster.  We will spend all of Tuesday cooking hot food and handing out blankets.  This region has a climate almost as harsh as Michigan in winter and they desperately need blankets and hot food.  We are also going to partner with Samaritan's Purse and do cleaning and restoration work while we are there.  We will also be handing out copies of "The Father's Love Letter" and ministering in prayer and worship.  Late Wednesday we will head back to Yokohama and overnight there.  On Thursday we will arrive in Ohito where the Sagers live.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday will include prayer walking and ministry at our sister church in Japan, Hope International.

On Monday 11/28/11 the entire team returns to Tokyo airport to depart for the USA. Already our international association Partners In Harvest and Every Nations Church in Japan has donated funds for the relief supplies.  THANK YOU for praying and donating to this mission. We have raised the money needed for the trip and are all excited about ministering in Japan and seeing our friends again.  Pray that we will have good weather and opportunities to share the love of Christ to those we serve.

I will try to add update before and during the trip to our Facebook page: facebook.com/wrightmissions

God bless and thank you.

- Cameron