Blessings Dear Loved Ones & Prayer Partners!
Luke 21:8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
As May 21st came and past, we know that the end has not come. But when we look around us, and see the devastation from the tsunami and earthquake here, the continuing damage from the tornadoes and flooding in the states, and the recent volcano in Iceland, it seems like the beginning of birth pains is truly coming. Of course none of us know when the end will come, but I know without a doubt when I woke up this morning I was one day closer to meeting my Savior! We haven’t sent any updates of the conditions here since the terrible destruction has started to rock the southern and central parts of America. There is so much need everywhere, that we don’t want anyone to think our needs are greater than someone else’s. We are so thankful for all of the prayers that are still being lifted up for those people in this country and are also thankful that we can continue to lift up those in the states. As I am writing this, I am listening to the constant reports coming out of the Oklahoma area and the continued onslaught of disaster.
I imagine that the disaster in the states is allowing the dormant Christian to really reactivate his faith. That is a true blessing as we pray that God will use the disaster here to open the eyes and hearts of those here. Presently since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, we have had an additional 1,240 earthquakes of a magnitude of 4.0 or larger. The radiation threat is not going away and damage to the tea plants as far away as 200 kilometers from the reactor has been identified. People are still worried, but as there becomes less and less daily news, a more normal life is slowly returning. People are not spending money now as they are worried about the future. Of course the outcome of that is it is further hurting the economy. The government reports it will take 3 to 5 years to complete the clean-up of the damaged areas! There is so much debris and absolutely no where to put it. So that is the biggest trouble now, how to clean-up. It is not an easy task as there is no where to bury it, burn it or store it. All of the areas are pretty much at the base of mountains, and of course next to the ocean. The debris is a combination of wood, concrete, glass and steel. Each one needs it’s own disposal technique, so to compound the trouble, the debris has to be separated! So for now, about 150,000 people have NO IDEA when they will be able to resume their lives or for that matter WHERE! Even if they want to rebuild in the area that their home use to be, it may take as long as 5 years before they can begin. YUCK! And so far the government has yet to give the aid or direction that the people need. Thankfully MANY, MANY volunteers are going constantly to the areas to help, but all are untrained and although their hearts are in the right place, many are not sure if they are a help or a burden. The only thing certain right now is that the rebuilding will take MANY years! We pray that these people won’t be forgotten and God can use this time to open their hearts and minds to the wonderful gift He has for them.
Besides the trouble of losing houses and things, the area along the coast has sunk, causing trouble for those who were fortunate to still have their homes. Please take the time to read this page: http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/05/09/quake_shifted_japan_towns_now_flood_at_high_tide/?page=1 it talks about the troubles facing residents in one town as the high tides are now flooding their town and their homes are soon to be in trouble. It seems like the troubles will continue for a LONG TIME! I pray that your prayers will too! PLEASE DON’T FORGET THE PEOPLE HERE!
There are so many charity events going on here from concerts, to basketball games to help raise money to support the victims. On April 30th, Zack’s university team had a benefit game with alumni that presently play in the pro league here. We were pleased to go and help out. It was so great to see these young men doing something to help others. Ian has performed either with his Hip Hop Group or as a DJ for several benefit concerts. We are so proud of both boys and the way they are using their gifts and talents to share with those affected by the disaster here.
Last Sunday we had a guest pastor come for our morning service and to do a special early afternoon service. For the afternoon service we had over 40 people attend. WOW! For us that was a huge number! I know for most of you, you are thinking if your church had a special event and only 40 people showed up it would be a failure….but for us…it is WOW! We were amazed at how many people came. Pray that His Spirit will talk to each one of those according to their individual needs.
The beginning of May is called the ‘Golden Week’ here as there are 4 National holidays in the course of one week. We were able to have a barbeque one of those days and had two young members from our church join us along with some of Kim’s students. The results were great as one young man is now a regular coming to our Sunday English Worship service! PRAISE GOD!
With all the bad news going out, we do have some good news about Zack. From May 11-15th the Kanto Area University Basketball Championship was held. There are about 108 universities represented. Zack’s team finished in 3rd place, and even more exciting Zack was a STARTER! We were so shocked. He played about ½ of each game and rotated with a senior that is considerably taller than Zack. Zack got recognized as the best 1st year student in the tournament and was the second best rebounder!!!! We are continually amazed at the wonderful gift that God has given him and his desire to use it. In June they will have the Kanto area ‘Rookie’ tournament for 1st and 2nd year students. We are looking forward to going and rooting for the boys.
By His grace, God continues to equip us for each individual challenge and opportunity that He presents. Your prayers and support are necessary to our being here. We ask you to pray with and for us that we always strive to walk before God, wherever that may be, and be used as instruments of His love in all we do. Should God ask any of you to partner with us in our outreach for Him, please send any love offerings to: Bethlehem United Methodist Church, for Baranski John Alan Mission Fund, c/o Becky Wack, 1003 Rowan Cove, New Albany, Ms. 38652. We do still need our own funds, but presently we need them for our Japanese brothers and sisters as well. If your heart leads you to send us financial aid for them please make a note with your love offering that it is for the disaster relief. Thank-you all so much for your prayers and giving hearts.
We hold you each in our hearts and prayers with praise and thanksgiving.
In His love & walking before Him, the Baranski Bunch
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
and on and on
Hi Folks!
With all the weather related trouble that's happening recently all around our world I keep hearing the phrase "natural disaster". Each time, I cannot help but wonder how and why that term came to be? I see them as disasters of nature... but I see nothing natural about them!
Whatever it is you refer to them as they are devastating.
Most recently we get so much information concerning the tornadoes and flooding in the U.S. and the untold numbers of people being affected. Many of these areas are where we have family and friends. We praise God that so far as we've heard they are all safe! Several have been a part of the relief efforts.
We pray for all those there as we continue to pray for the masses here in Japan still struggling with day to day existence since March 11th.
Today I got this link, http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/05/09/quake_shifted_japan_towns_now_flood_at_high_tide/?camp=misc%3Aon%3Ashare%3Aarticle , from a dear friend. I hope you'll take the few minutes to read it. It's about the current situation in Ishinomaki, a town that was closest to the epicenter of the 3/11 earthquake.
While on the one hand it is heart-breaking, it is on the other an encouragement to read how the residents there are coping and keep going forward and doing the best they can with what their circumstances are.
It should be nudge for those of us fortunate enough not to have lost family, friends or possessions to do our best and make the most of our every day, no matter what.
I place myself first on the list of those needing that nudge.
May each one be encouraged and blessed by His love, peace and grace!
With all the weather related trouble that's happening recently all around our world I keep hearing the phrase "natural disaster". Each time, I cannot help but wonder how and why that term came to be? I see them as disasters of nature... but I see nothing natural about them!
Whatever it is you refer to them as they are devastating.
Most recently we get so much information concerning the tornadoes and flooding in the U.S. and the untold numbers of people being affected. Many of these areas are where we have family and friends. We praise God that so far as we've heard they are all safe! Several have been a part of the relief efforts.
We pray for all those there as we continue to pray for the masses here in Japan still struggling with day to day existence since March 11th.
Today I got this link, http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/05/09/quake_shifted_japan_towns_now_flood_at_high_tide/?camp=misc%3Aon%3Ashare%3Aarticle , from a dear friend. I hope you'll take the few minutes to read it. It's about the current situation in Ishinomaki, a town that was closest to the epicenter of the 3/11 earthquake.
While on the one hand it is heart-breaking, it is on the other an encouragement to read how the residents there are coping and keep going forward and doing the best they can with what their circumstances are.
It should be nudge for those of us fortunate enough not to have lost family, friends or possessions to do our best and make the most of our every day, no matter what.
I place myself first on the list of those needing that nudge.
May each one be encouraged and blessed by His love, peace and grace!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
He is my strength...
..the hurrier I go , the behinder I get!
I've heard this expression all my life. Recently it rings all too true.
I have great intentions - really. Which alarmingly brings to mind another oft heard saying... 'the road to ____ is paved with good intentions'
YIKES!!!
Those good intentions must be followed up by real actions.
If I would actually DO the things I think about I would get much accomplished.
The new school year here in Japan is back in full swing and my calendar is fuller than ever with classes that take me in a different direction daily. I teach at four different schools, five days a week, and two classes one evening a week. I thank God for the opportunities these classes give me to connect with so many people that we otherwise would likely never reach. The schools here allow, even encourage!, talking about God and Christianity! WOW!! Admittedly, it's mostly because it's something new to them and a subject to contrast their lives to that of other countries. That's O.K. It's an open door to inviting them to know more and for God to use any seeds to increase His harvest!
My current struggle with this full schedule has a few different facets. One of these is the fact that there isn't the time to go to some of the places affected by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami to physically lend aid. Sometimes this bothers me. I pray - LOTS. I check on the sites via internet to see what the current needs are and what's being done so I know better what to pray for. Still I sometimes feel bad that I cannot be physically there doing something.
The chance I had to go with others to a shelter and witness firsthand so many that have lost so much touched my heart and soul. I talked, as best I could, with a few. Mostly listened as they poured out their hearts. I promised to pray for them. I do.
And now, in addition to all those here, the recent attack of tornadoes in the states has come much too close to so many family members and friends there. Thank God that He does hear every prayer. He knows every one of us personally and completely. Whether we know Him or not.
All this only serves to make the urgency I feel for those who do not know Him even more so.
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. " Psalm 28:7a NIV
HE IS!!! How do they make it without Him???
We are so blessed to have the opportunity to introduce our Lord to so many. And further so to be assisted and encouraged by so many of you by your prayers and financial offerings. They do so much more than you can imagine to encourage us and nudge us on when we become weak or weary.
Thank you. God bless each of you.
I've heard this expression all my life. Recently it rings all too true.
I have great intentions - really. Which alarmingly brings to mind another oft heard saying... 'the road to ____ is paved with good intentions'
YIKES!!!
Those good intentions must be followed up by real actions.
If I would actually DO the things I think about I would get much accomplished.
The new school year here in Japan is back in full swing and my calendar is fuller than ever with classes that take me in a different direction daily. I teach at four different schools, five days a week, and two classes one evening a week. I thank God for the opportunities these classes give me to connect with so many people that we otherwise would likely never reach. The schools here allow, even encourage!, talking about God and Christianity! WOW!! Admittedly, it's mostly because it's something new to them and a subject to contrast their lives to that of other countries. That's O.K. It's an open door to inviting them to know more and for God to use any seeds to increase His harvest!
My current struggle with this full schedule has a few different facets. One of these is the fact that there isn't the time to go to some of the places affected by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami to physically lend aid. Sometimes this bothers me. I pray - LOTS. I check on the sites via internet to see what the current needs are and what's being done so I know better what to pray for. Still I sometimes feel bad that I cannot be physically there doing something.
The chance I had to go with others to a shelter and witness firsthand so many that have lost so much touched my heart and soul. I talked, as best I could, with a few. Mostly listened as they poured out their hearts. I promised to pray for them. I do.
And now, in addition to all those here, the recent attack of tornadoes in the states has come much too close to so many family members and friends there. Thank God that He does hear every prayer. He knows every one of us personally and completely. Whether we know Him or not.
All this only serves to make the urgency I feel for those who do not know Him even more so.
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. " Psalm 28:7a NIV
HE IS!!! How do they make it without Him???
We are so blessed to have the opportunity to introduce our Lord to so many. And further so to be assisted and encouraged by so many of you by your prayers and financial offerings. They do so much more than you can imagine to encourage us and nudge us on when we become weak or weary.
Thank you. God bless each of you.
April 2011 Newsletter
Blessings Dear Loved Ones & Prayer Partners!
Isaiah 40:1-5 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been complete that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
1085, that’s the number of over magnitude 4 quakes that continue to rock our country. Today so far we have had only 3, and it seems the number is gradually decreasing. The scientists talk that the quakes should continue for the next 6 months or more!!!! We are lucky that we are far enough from the major area that we don’t often even feel the tremors! Often the only way we know is when the lights are moving! I can’t begin to imagine the terror that grips those in the areas so severely damaged by the March 11th disaster. In the Suzuki families’ neighborhood, 2 more large buildings have been determined to be unsafe and they are all wondering when their buildings will get the shake that finally breaks their camel’s back. They were hoping to come visit here this coming weekend, but Mr. Suzuki has been asked to work EVERY DAY helping to clean-up. Of course, he is happy to be able to help. People from all over the country are joining in with the clean-up. Miho, the oldest daughter, is still in the hospital and they’re not sure when the infection will be gone and allow her to go back home. Her oldest daughter will be starting high school soon. Because of the earthquake and resulting damage, her school will open almost 1 month later than normal. It will be so sad in all those areas as the schools will reopen but many of the students will never return. For each school it is different, as children go to high school here not by the area you live in but by the school you qualify for. Each school has a different entrance test and requirement, so children from all different parts of a city attend each high school. So each school will be different depending on the number of students that were lost in the disasters or have been relocated to a shelter in another area. I can’t imagine going back to school and 10-50% of my fellow students will be GONE!! There are still about 150,000 people living in shelters and the government is hoping to build about 100,000 temporary homes within the next couple of months….but the location, the infrastructure and many other things are still undetermined. Hundreds of thousands more are taking up temporary residency at friends or family homes throughout the country.
Radiation is still the #1 fear and now the people that lived close to the nuclear reactor plant are being told they may never be allowed to return to their homes, while people that live about 20 miles away are being told they may be able to return within 6 to 9 months. Of course, what to do until then????? Please pray that these people truly can feel God’s comfort, His peace, His love and that God will direct the right people, the right message, the right action to truly open up their eyes to His wonderful love.
We want to thank all of you for the many wonderful prayers being lifted up daily. PLEASE DON’T STOP!!!! The need will continue here for years to come! Also thanks for those of you who sent posters from your Sunday School classes….they are all so special and have already touched the hearts of so many here! THANKS! And for those of you that have helped with financial aid directly to us, on behalf of the Suzuki family we say THANK-YOU from the bottom of our hearts! They have a difficult time understanding how people that don’t know them can care so much. They hear from their daughter (our neighbor) about God, but they have never experienced Him in their own lives! Pray that they will truly know Him on a personal level.
We had scheduled our annual Easter Egg Hunt and Party for Saturday April 23rd, but woke to cloudy skies with the forecast calling for 100% chance of rain. We had 145 people scheduled to participate, but at 7:30 the rain started so we contacted all of the people and rescheduled for the next day! We woke Easter morning to a beautiful sun filled sky. We went early and hid over 700 eggs! At 10 o’clock people started arriving, and by 10:30 we had 122 people!!!! It was our largest gathering EVER! PRAISE GOD! Also next to our area, was a large area with many blooming cherry trees and there were an additional 75 or so people that were watching and listening to our event! It was a GREAT DAY! I cooked 165 hot dogs, and made 8 pounds of pasta salad! After hunting the eggs, the children and parents listened to the Resurrection Story and then heard Tomo’s testimony. Tomo is a young (31 years old) member of our church who first came to know about Jesus when he was a high school student and came to the church for English classes! He has lived the last 10 years in Germany and will be going back this fall to go to a Bible College there. He has hopes to return as a pastor one day. He gave a wonderful talk about what Jesus has meant in his life!
Ian is busier than ever, and has now participated in 2 different benefit concerts. On April 2nd his hip-hop group was the main group for a benefit concert and last Tuesday night Ian was the guest DJ for another benefit. We are so proud of the way that he is giving up his time to help those stricken. Zack’s university life is in full swing and this Saturday he will be participating in a benefit basketball game. Almost every group here is busy doing things to help out! It looks like country wide they will raise the sales tax 3% to help offset the costs of reconstruction. Everyone seems like they are willing to pay the extra to help those that have had everything taken away.
With the new school year just beginning, Kim is back in full swing working at different schools EVERYDAY! She is truly shining His light where ever she teaches.
By His grace, God continues to equip us for each individual challenge and opportunity that He presents. Your prayers and support are necessary to our being here. We ask you to pray with and for us that we always strive to walk before God, wherever that may be, and be used as instruments of His love in all we do. Should God ask any of you to partner with us in our outreach for Him, please send any love offerings to: Bethlehem United Methodist Church, for Baranski John Alan Mission Fund, c/o Becky Wack, 1003 Rowan Cove, New Albany, Ms. 38652. We do still need our own funds, but presently we need them for our Japanese brothers and sisters as well. If your heart leads you to send us financial aid for them please make a note with your love offering that it is for the disaster relief. Thank-you all so much for your prayers and giving hearts.
We hold you each in our hearts and prayers with praise and thanksgiving.
In His love & walking before Him, the Baranski Bunch
Isaiah 40:1-5 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been complete that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
1085, that’s the number of over magnitude 4 quakes that continue to rock our country. Today so far we have had only 3, and it seems the number is gradually decreasing. The scientists talk that the quakes should continue for the next 6 months or more!!!! We are lucky that we are far enough from the major area that we don’t often even feel the tremors! Often the only way we know is when the lights are moving! I can’t begin to imagine the terror that grips those in the areas so severely damaged by the March 11th disaster. In the Suzuki families’ neighborhood, 2 more large buildings have been determined to be unsafe and they are all wondering when their buildings will get the shake that finally breaks their camel’s back. They were hoping to come visit here this coming weekend, but Mr. Suzuki has been asked to work EVERY DAY helping to clean-up. Of course, he is happy to be able to help. People from all over the country are joining in with the clean-up. Miho, the oldest daughter, is still in the hospital and they’re not sure when the infection will be gone and allow her to go back home. Her oldest daughter will be starting high school soon. Because of the earthquake and resulting damage, her school will open almost 1 month later than normal. It will be so sad in all those areas as the schools will reopen but many of the students will never return. For each school it is different, as children go to high school here not by the area you live in but by the school you qualify for. Each school has a different entrance test and requirement, so children from all different parts of a city attend each high school. So each school will be different depending on the number of students that were lost in the disasters or have been relocated to a shelter in another area. I can’t imagine going back to school and 10-50% of my fellow students will be GONE!! There are still about 150,000 people living in shelters and the government is hoping to build about 100,000 temporary homes within the next couple of months….but the location, the infrastructure and many other things are still undetermined. Hundreds of thousands more are taking up temporary residency at friends or family homes throughout the country.
Radiation is still the #1 fear and now the people that lived close to the nuclear reactor plant are being told they may never be allowed to return to their homes, while people that live about 20 miles away are being told they may be able to return within 6 to 9 months. Of course, what to do until then????? Please pray that these people truly can feel God’s comfort, His peace, His love and that God will direct the right people, the right message, the right action to truly open up their eyes to His wonderful love.
We want to thank all of you for the many wonderful prayers being lifted up daily. PLEASE DON’T STOP!!!! The need will continue here for years to come! Also thanks for those of you who sent posters from your Sunday School classes….they are all so special and have already touched the hearts of so many here! THANKS! And for those of you that have helped with financial aid directly to us, on behalf of the Suzuki family we say THANK-YOU from the bottom of our hearts! They have a difficult time understanding how people that don’t know them can care so much. They hear from their daughter (our neighbor) about God, but they have never experienced Him in their own lives! Pray that they will truly know Him on a personal level.
We had scheduled our annual Easter Egg Hunt and Party for Saturday April 23rd, but woke to cloudy skies with the forecast calling for 100% chance of rain. We had 145 people scheduled to participate, but at 7:30 the rain started so we contacted all of the people and rescheduled for the next day! We woke Easter morning to a beautiful sun filled sky. We went early and hid over 700 eggs! At 10 o’clock people started arriving, and by 10:30 we had 122 people!!!! It was our largest gathering EVER! PRAISE GOD! Also next to our area, was a large area with many blooming cherry trees and there were an additional 75 or so people that were watching and listening to our event! It was a GREAT DAY! I cooked 165 hot dogs, and made 8 pounds of pasta salad! After hunting the eggs, the children and parents listened to the Resurrection Story and then heard Tomo’s testimony. Tomo is a young (31 years old) member of our church who first came to know about Jesus when he was a high school student and came to the church for English classes! He has lived the last 10 years in Germany and will be going back this fall to go to a Bible College there. He has hopes to return as a pastor one day. He gave a wonderful talk about what Jesus has meant in his life!
Ian is busier than ever, and has now participated in 2 different benefit concerts. On April 2nd his hip-hop group was the main group for a benefit concert and last Tuesday night Ian was the guest DJ for another benefit. We are so proud of the way that he is giving up his time to help those stricken. Zack’s university life is in full swing and this Saturday he will be participating in a benefit basketball game. Almost every group here is busy doing things to help out! It looks like country wide they will raise the sales tax 3% to help offset the costs of reconstruction. Everyone seems like they are willing to pay the extra to help those that have had everything taken away.
With the new school year just beginning, Kim is back in full swing working at different schools EVERYDAY! She is truly shining His light where ever she teaches.
By His grace, God continues to equip us for each individual challenge and opportunity that He presents. Your prayers and support are necessary to our being here. We ask you to pray with and for us that we always strive to walk before God, wherever that may be, and be used as instruments of His love in all we do. Should God ask any of you to partner with us in our outreach for Him, please send any love offerings to: Bethlehem United Methodist Church, for Baranski John Alan Mission Fund, c/o Becky Wack, 1003 Rowan Cove, New Albany, Ms. 38652. We do still need our own funds, but presently we need them for our Japanese brothers and sisters as well. If your heart leads you to send us financial aid for them please make a note with your love offering that it is for the disaster relief. Thank-you all so much for your prayers and giving hearts.
We hold you each in our hearts and prayers with praise and thanksgiving.
In His love & walking before Him, the Baranski Bunch
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