Shigeru Suzuki is the senior pastor of Sendai Bible Baptist Church, a surprisingly multicultural church in northeast Japan.  During a recent car ride, he shared his personal reflection on the disaster.

“After the tsunami, I preach more boldly.  I preached Revelations before but I didn’t feel it.  Now I feel it.”

“People are more open to the gospel now.  They are curious and ask questions, even at the gym.  Now, two gym members are attending my church.”

“I don’t like that the tsunami happened, but I love what He does through it.  I feel it was needed – not just for non-Christians but for Christians.  There is an awakening and renewal in the church.”

”God has a great plan.  This is not a curse.  This is a blessing.”

CHC’s pastor retreats aim to minister to and equip pastors, who have experienced devastation.  Suzuki sensei and his wife are regular participants in these retreats.  He states, “It’s only now as we look back, we see how much that the retreats helped us get through this time.  We didn’t realize how we really felt until we attended the first retreat in June.”

CHC is privileged to play a small part in supporting churches and pastors.  Our next and final retreat will be held in Sendai on February 23-24.  Please pray for Suzuki sensei and other pastors as they continue to lead their churches through this disaster.  Pray that this New Year would be a year of renewal.

Tags: CHP, JA01, Japan, Pastor, tsunami