Month One.
Ishinomaki, Japan.
City located in Tohoku, northern region of Japan. Has a population of 146,993. In 2011, an earthquake shook this area of Japan creating a massive tsunami that devastated this coastal city. Ishinomaki was hit the hardest. Lots of devastation and many lives lost.
Upon our arrival you could not only see but still feel the aftermath from this tsunami. A large sea wall being reconstructed. Empty lots where homes and businesses used to thrive. Less people in this city. Spiritual atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, isolation and loneliness.
But, even with seeing and feeling all of the aftermath from the tsunami to this area, there is a sense hope. A beacon of light amidst the darkness.
This light coming from J’s Cafe.
During our time in Japan I was honored to come alongside this ministry based out of a local coffee shop. The couple that ran this shop were so encouraging and on fire for the Lord and His people. Hearing their heartbeat for this city broke mine.
With all 19 of us Americans coming and being able to join them in bringing new life into this city through the Lord’s spirit and love was impactful.
During our time there we were able to meet and build relationships with a loving and hilarious group of local ladies through English Cafe. I loved being able to get to know them more through practicing English with them. I was even able to learn a little Japanese with them too, and I mean only a little 😉
One of the ladies, who was an after school tudor for students, invited a couple of us to her house to play a traditional Japanese instrument called the Koto. This was a such a surreal experience to be invited into her home after just meeting her. One thing that never gets old with the Race life. Letting God lead and watching Him guide and bless us through once in a lifetime/random experiences.
Along with English Cafe, we also had a kids English camp, couple movie nights and concerts for those in the community. All located at the coffee shop.
Outside of J’s Cafe, some of us had the chance to visit a local elementary school to play with the kids and make mochi, a Japanese rice cake, while the rest of us went to a nursing home to play songs and games with the residents. I was a part of the group that went to the nursing home and loved being able to spread joy to the residents.
Overall, not going to lie, our time in Japan was busy. We had a lot of wonderful opportunities with our ministry as well as time with our Squad and Teams. Definitely full, but full in the best of ways. As hard as some of those days where, when it was time to leave, that was even harder.
This is when the saying, “Love deeply and hold loosely” is a hard one to swallow. With travelling to so many countries, I’ve had to say goodbyes over and over again. But, I have also had the most amazing experiences with meeting so many people. I am continually grateful for these experiences, even when it can be hard leaving communities I’ve left a piece of me in.
With being in Japan, I am thankful for my time with those in Ishinomaki. I left so encouraged by them and I know they were by us. This is the beautiful part about the Church communitiy. All around the world different people and places, but One Spirit. Serving, loving and living for One Father. One Lord.
And I know that they are going to continue to be a light amidst the darkness. A place of hope for those in Ishinomaki, Japan.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Sea wall along coastline
Cemetary overlooking Ishinomaki
Enjoying dinner and Saki with Megan, fellow Alum leader
Concert night at J’s Cafe
J’s Cafe
