Pray with Japan, April 3, 2022

Lectionary Selection: Isaiah 43:16-21

Prayers for Japan

Creator of Heaven and Earth,

There is no valley too vast or shadow too dark that you cannot overcome, for there is no end to your power and light. We often dwell on things in the past, on the hardships we face, the distance that we have carried our burdens, and the mistakes that we have made. Remind us of who we are. Remind us of who you are. You make things new; you carry us through the difficult times, you relieve us of our burdens, and you forgive all mistakes we have made.

Open our eyes to what is before us. Give us new hope for the future. May it be the water in this wilderness and streams in this wasteland. May we welcome new faces to the Asian Rural Institute and may it be a place of healing and learning and growing together. May you protect our health: spiritually, mentally, and physically.

We proclaim your praise now and forevermore.

Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Japan

We recently held a community movie night where we screened Encanto. We had great conversations afterward about which character we related to, and how each member of the family had a gift that came with its own complications and responsibilities and was under pressure for different reasons. We could all relate to that feeling of pressure, and the fear of failure. One volunteer shared that perhaps their brother struggled because they were not the golden child. Another felt like they had often been expected to be the peacemaker in the family.

As family, friends, and community, we have expectations of each other. However, because we are all human, mistakes will always be made, and cracks can form in the walls. We all want to be included, heard, and seen, but these things should never depend on our performance or ability to contribute. Here I have gained a greater understanding of how God encourages us to have community, to be community. To love and be loved by people not for what we can give, but for who we are.

Prayer and Mission Moment by Maria Abigail Hernandez

Mission Partners in Japan

More about Japan

Global Ministries Mission Co-worker in Japan
Abi Hernandez serves with the Asian Rural Institute, Japan. Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, WOC, and your special gifts.