TV, Radio and Telephone Evangelism in Hokkaido, Japan sponsored in part by OMF International

April 2011

2 weeks after the Great North East Japan Earthquake on March 11th 2011, the support group that runs the Light of the World radio program in Miyagi prefecture heard from a listener who had suffered loss in the tsunami.

”‘I was totally exhausted by the continuing and devastating tragedy all around me when these words from the Light of the World radio penetrated my ears. ‘God is pouring His great love out upon you. Won’t you take to heart His love?’ I was encouraged to trust people and try to live with faith in God.”

Hokkaido is usually the focus of this prayer letter. However, our April board meeting discussed how we could help our brothers and sisters who are trying to keep Christian radio and TV going in the disaster areas. And it has come home to me very forcibly, how significant a ministry this is, particularly in times of national disaster such as we are experiencing now. So let me share with you 2 more reports (dated April 8th, 2011) from North East Japan.

3 prefectures have been primarily affected – Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate. Each has a small support group for either Lifeline TV, Light of the World radio or both. Pastor Sasaki who chairs the Iwate support group writes:

“Following the earthquake we were without internet, TV or telephone for a long time. The only source of news from outside was the radio (as long as we had batteries). Once the electricity did come back the only news on TV and the internet was disaster related. Of course, we had to have that news, but listening to this hour after hour, day after day, undermines your mental balance. It was a relief to hear the familiar voices of Light of the World radio. We have no way of telling how many in evacuation centres are listening in, but where people are, what a comfort it must be.”

He goes on to say

“Long term we have no idea what impact the earthquake will have on our ability to continue broadcasting. What is clear, however, is that in the coastal areas of Iwate where there are so few churches, gospel broadcasting has a greater role to play than ever before. Do pray with us.”

Pastor Funada is chair of the Fukushima radio and TV ministry. Fukushima is home to the nuclear reactors which have caused so much anxiety and disruption to thousands of people. He writes:

“On the surface, life is returning to normal, but only the love of God will fill the empty hearts of those who have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones. Last year in October we stepped out in faith to broadcast initially for one year Light of the World broadcasts in addition to the Lifeline programmes we already had. In hindsight, this was clearly God’s advance provision.”

For Praise and prayer:

1. Pray that gospel broadcasting will be able to continue particularly in the disaster struck prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima. Pray that many in evacuation centres will listen in. Pastors in the support groups have many extra burdens at this time and need God’s strength and wisdom.
2. PBA (Pacific Broadcasting Association) which produces Lifeline and Light of the World have their studios and offices on the 6th and 7th floor of a building in central Tokyo. There was considerable damage to precious equipment that fell to the floor on March 11th. Praise God, they are able to continue recording and editing at present but, no doubt, replacements will be needed in the future.
3. We are delighted and full of thanks to God that the Hokkaido Gospel Ministry ended the year in the black thanks to a large gift from a local Christian ￥1,200,000 (£9,000, 14,600 US dollars).
4. June is the month for Lifeline evangelistic outreaches in 8 cities throughout Hokkaido (14th-24th). Music will be provided by a Christian gospel music group, the Tambourines. Pray for many non Christians to come with hearts open to the gospel.

Miriam Davis on behalf of the Hokkaido Gospel Broadcast Ministry Board