Hiro and Eryn, (Hiro and Eryn Bamba in Saitama, Japan)
I just got up from watching the news and it brings tears to my eyes and pain to my heart as I view the devastation in Japan. It appears so overwhelming even on the TV screen. I cannot imagine what the hearts and minds of the people of the great nation of Japan must be experiencing at this moment as they try to grasp the reality of their circumstances and piece their lives back together in the midst of this devastation.
However, everyone knows that Japan is an industrious nation filled with people committed to working hard and long to accomplish their dreams. That quality is always virtuous and profitable, but it will prove to be indispensable as the nation rebuilds from this awful calamity. In addition, I hope you and others in Japan are aware that America is basically a nation of good people who are highly compassionate and easily stirred to generosity when confronted with a catastrophe of this nature and magnitude. They will certainly not fail Japan in this hour of great need!
Likewise, the people of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church have proven themselves over and over again to be people whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ for all men everywhere and who are moved into action by the sufferings of others at home and abroad. You, your family, and all of our other brothers and sisters in the IPHC in Japan will not be failed by your IPHC family in the USA and around the world. Every challenge in life, no matter how big or small, carries within it an opportunity and every opportunity likewise, embodies a challenge at some point. If we successfully address a great challenge, we can take advantage of a great opportunity! We are one and together we will emerge from the ashes of this tragedy to build a greater Japan and a greater IPHC in Japan as we minister to the needs of the people during this distressing period in their lives! Our love and prayers are with you moment by moment! Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Original signed
Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
Presiding Bishop, IPHC
[Editor's comment: Hiro and Eryn and their children, Justin, Alex, Hunter and Olivia, serve in Saitama, Japan. They are involved in leading worship and directing Sunday school for a church plant. With a special burden for children's ministry, Hiro and Eryn develop and oversee various evangelistic outreach activities, including camps and concerts, to reach children and their parents. Japanese children face many challenges in a pressure-filled environment lacking any moral standards. Pray for the Bambas as they seek creative ways to communicate the Gospel to Japanese families (this information may be found on page 23 of the Link Prayer Guide for 2011 published by World Missions Ministries of the IPHC.]
Posted on
Mon, March 14, 2011
by Hugh Morgan