April 10, 2012
Through the New Life Center, Alliance field workers and CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates) are reaching out to the people of Ishinomaki, Japan, one of the hardest-hit areas of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami. The following was adapted from reports by Alliance field workers David and Evangeline Kindervater and Harry and Jane Landaw; CAMA President Phil Skellie also contributed to this story.
More than 100 people attempted to cram into the Ishinomaki New Life Center during its dedication on March 29, 2012; the crowd of supporters overflowed into the yard. The event also drew Japan Alliance church pastors from Tokyo, more than 200 miles away. “There was an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for God’s provision of this house, once flooded through the second floor by the tsunami,” said the Kindervaters.
Last summer, Harry and Jane Landaw moved to this region, found the building, and have overseen its renovation while ministering in this very needy area. Feeling isolated and traumatized, many people have committed suicide. “They have no vision of a brighter future, so they choose death as an easy way out,” said one survivor.
Through the New Life Center, Alliance international workers and their church partners are offering help and hope to the hurting. “It’s the heart of The Alliance,” said Pastor Tanaka, who has been working with the Landaws. “We plant churches where there are no churches.”
Also in attendance at the dedication was Phil Skellie, president of CAMA, who delivered a devotional that focused on Christ’s compassion for the whole person. Phil commended Japan Alliance church and field leaders for working together in Ishinomaki in an expression of Christ’s love for lost people.
“In addition to general relief funds that were given to CRASH Japan (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support & Hope), CAMA provided $266,000 for the purchase and renovation of the Ishinomaki New Life Center,” said Phil. “CAMA is complementing the work of [the C&MA’s] International Ministries and providing a venue to reach out to the affected community.”
“Thank you for partnering with us in the work of the Ishinomaki New Life Center in the devastated area of northeast Japan,” said Harry and Jane. “We couldn’t minister to these dear people without your faithful support to the Great Commission Fund. In addition, your prayers and your sacrificial giving to CAMA, which enabled the mission to purchase a building for ministry, are truly gifts from the Lord. He is doing a mighty work, and we pray daily that His Light will penetrate responsive hearts.”
What You Can Do
Praise God for His provision of the New Life Center through money donated to CAMA.
Pray that God will use the center to demonstrate His love to the hurting people of Ishinomaki. Pray, too, for Alliance workers around the world.
Learn more about Compassion and Mercy Associates and the Great Commission Fund.
Look for Jane Landaw’s article, “We Can Go,” in the April 15, 2012, issue of Alliance Life.
Life Center Dedication Photo Gallery
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