Japan
Returning from Japan was difficult. As the media attention has lifted, and peoples attention has shifted from both the southern storms, and Japan, to other issues, I want to share the desperate need in Japan. On 3.11.2011 the Northeast (Tohoku) region of Japan was struck almost simultaneously the once-in-a- thousand-years combination of a 9.0M earthquake, followed by waves of tsunami reaching documented heights of as much as 78 feet and sweeping as far as six miles inland, massive conflagrations including the devastation of Kessennuma, Iwate (former population 73,000) as well as partial core meltdowns taking place in nuclear reactors in Fukushima and the liquefaction of the reclaimed land in the vicinity of Tokyo Disneyland. While many buildings—because of strict Japanese building codes—survived the initial earthquake, thousands of people were drowned and swept out to sea by these tsunami, and tens of thousands more have been left homeless, including thousands living in tent cities and cardboard lodgings in schools and government buildings converted into relief shelters, with additional tens of thousands unable to return to their homes, farms, boats and businesses because of the continuing radiation exposure hazard. At present there are more than 13,000 confirmed dead and over 12,000 reported missing, yet there are fears that the death toll will rise even higher as there were many places where none were left to file a missing person’s report.
Through the National Foursquare Church in Japan, as well as the 2 missionaries we have in the Sendai area, we were able to get many area shelters much needed food, water, vegetables, blankets, heaters, stoves, refrigerators, clothing, and other needed items.
We are partnering with Foursquare churches in Japan and CRASH Japan (an interdenominational Christian relief organization based in Japan) to provide information, relief goods as well as lodging for short-term relief teams assisting on the ground. Our two-year plan for relief, compassion and church-planting is as follows: 1-3 mos: bring pastors and supervisors to the disaster area to create awareness and encourage vision-casting.
3-6 mos: send short-term teams to work in partnership with local believers and churches to shovel, clean and pray for local residents
7-12 mos: develop “second-timers” as leaders and sub-base locations in communities where our workers are welcomed.
13-18 mos: establish “houses of prayer” where volunteers are known to have stayed while helping local residents
19-24 mos: pioneer churches and hosting “celebration” services at base camp locations.
• Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of God’s love for the Japanese.
• Pray for wisdom, faith and favor as we attempt to show and tell Jesus in the most unreached areas of this nation that
represents the world’s least-reached language group.
• Pray for miracles of help, healing and hope to confirm God’s love for the Japanese.
We continue to work towards helping more as the opportunities arise, and the Lord opens doors.
Southeast Tornadoes
Recently I returned from Japan, and 2 days later sent to the southeastern States effected by recent storms. We were able to assist in Georgia and Alabama. With most of our efforts being focused in the Huntsville area of Alabama. Through a local Foursquare Church, Restoration Church, we were able to distribute over 5 tons of life saving goods to people in need. The tornadoes that hit Alabama reached over 130 miles long and 1 mile wide of homes and businesses. Destroying everything in its path as it touched down.
Through the local church, we opened a distribution center in the church, created a warehouse in the community room, and began feeding upwards of 1500 people a day breakfast lunch and dinner as long as the power was out.
Through this we have been given an inroad to the community that the Church has never had in the past. People are open and willing to the Church Family, and see them reaching out to help.
We are continuing now to reach out to those who dont have insurance, clean, and provide emotional care to those starting to pick up and rebuild their lives. Please pray for the continued work in the effected area of the southeast.
So back from Haiti, and now headed to Japan on Monday to assess the needs, and see how we can partner more with our on the ground partners CRASH who are a Japan based disaster relief organization that has been responding to disasters for years in Japan. The Foursquare has been partnering with them over the years, and we have an open door with them. So were continuing that relationship, and looking for more options to improve that partnership, and possibility to bring specialized teams and individuals into Japan to help rebuild from the damage. I will be traveling with a structural engineer, the area missionary for Japan, a videographer, and myself. We will be visiting for 5 days, and meeting with National Leaders, CRASH leaders, pastors, missionaries, and visiting CRASH base camps, headquarters, and Japanese camps where CRASH is ministering. We will be seeing everything from the beginning to end, from storage containers, to distributions. We are really blessed by the partnership, and pray that we continue to have favor with them, the Japanese government, and the National Leadership.
Keep checking in for updates on Japan, and what Relief and Compassion is doing.
Blessings
The Isenharts
Jordyn and I returned Sunday from a very good trip to Haiti. This was our first trip together as a married couple. It was great to be able to minister along side my spouse and see all that God has in store for us both. I loved seeing Jordyn work in her gifts and had the privilege to serve side by side. She has a great gifting and calling to meet people’s physical needs, and God’s hand of blessing was evident on her as she moved and worked. It was great to see my wife serve the Haitian people by treating tons of skin conditions, sanitation problems, and emergency situations. We had the opportunity to participate in lots of very effective and much needed projects. The team that we brought was from Pacific Lutheran University and were excited to serve and jump in wherever and whenever needed.
We were able to serve the community throughout the week with 2 worship concerts. During these, we werr able to reach out the the community that Foursquare Haiti has been working with.
We were able to be a part of continued work being done on the National Church property as well by helping sort over 1 million seeds that were donated. Our team also got to help with the food distribution of manna packs that contain rice, soy protein and many other nutrients. We were able to supply over 400 families in a matter of hours with food packs.
The team diligently completed painting for the Pastoral Housing that will house pastors from around the nation of Haiti as they come to the National Church for ministry training. Before, pastors were unable to come to leadership training because they didn’t have anywhere to stay, eat, and couldn’t afford to stay in hotels. Now they have very nice rooms and amenities to use as they come to learn about pastorship and serving the Lord.
On the national property the Haiti-based team is getting many self-sustainable projects going that they plan to use on all the other 8 church locations in the future. Some of these projects are a chicken coop to raise chickens for both meat and eggs, Tilapia farming, a water well that provides free, clean water to the community, and a hydroponic garden. A lot of these projects are in the beginning stages, but there is a vast amount of work being put in to make sure these projects are successful. It was very exciting to see some simple ideas that could be used to teach the Haitians how to raise their own food that would keep them in good health.
We were also able to give $4500 towards the orphan ministry in Haiti. With 2 Foursquare orphanages now running, and partnerships with 2 others, the needs are great to be able to take care of these children properly, and give them much needed love and attention.
Great week of ministry and relationships.
Chad & Jordyn
We are headed back to Haiti. This time my wife and I will he leading a team of young people from Puget Sound Christian Center. A team of young people focusing on serving in many capacities, including worship, orphanages, water projects, and wherever they can. We are honored and excited to be apart of this team, and look forward to all that will be done in and through us.
Chad & Jordyn
->Japan Earthquake- Assessment trip planned for mid April
March 29th, 2011
From Foursquare Area Missionary, Corey*:
Corey has been in daily contact with the Japanese Foursquare national leadership. He will soon be traveling in Japan to assess our relief plans. At that time, he will meet with our missions’ personnel and also with representatives from relief agencies who have expressed a desire to partner with Foursquare in disaster relief. We desire to aid in material and economic recovery, as well as in the spiritual redevelopment of communities through a holistic proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Corey will be providing us with a list of opportunities, ranging from prayer points and giving opportunities to the implementation of short-term teams to aid in the rebuilding efforts. It is still difficult to travel throughout affected areas. Sections of highways and roads are opened to local Japanese residents but many sections are still closed to all but emergency and military vehicles. People in the most affected areas are not only faced with the loss of spouse and/or children, extended family members, and neighbors, but also the loss of their homes and livelihood. Your prayers and patience are greatly needed as we plan and prepare to fulfill our part in God’s plan for the nation of Japan.
Please continue to pray specifically for:
All of those affected by this tragedy in Japan.
Wisdom as we seek the Lord in His plan for our relief efforts to the people of this nation.
Resources and finances to aid in the rebuilding and recovery for our Foursquare churches.
Myanmar-
On Thursday March 24th , a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the nation of Myanmar. The epicenter of the earthquake was just north of the Thai border and the city of Tachilek where a great harvest has been taking place with over 80 churches planted in the past 10 years.
Our friends and leaders in this area report:
“There is some damage in Thailand and Tachilek but the village of Tarlay (pronounced Ta-li) has severe damage with much of the town and many homes destroyed. There are two churches in the area that have been badly damaged and will need to be rebuilt. One of the pastors has some minor injuries but no reports have been received of deaths or serious injuries to church members at this time.”
Please join us in prayer for:
The people of Myanmar that have been affected by the earthquake.
Needed resources and aid to get to those who need it most at this time.
Photos from the work were doing in Sri Lanka
As of February 3rd, 2011 Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Center (DMC) said
that three people have died and over 43,000 people are affected by the
heavy rains and floods experienced the North, North Central, and Eastern
Provinces.
The DMC reported that 43,738 people from 11,852 families have been
affected by the floods and land slides. Of them, 10,083 displaced people
have been given temporary shelter at 51 welfare centers. Most of the flood
affected are in Vavuniya and Ampara districts.
The rains have completely destroyed 702 houses while another 3,310 have
been partially damaged and schools have been closed down in these areas.
According to the UN, agricultural production is the main source of
livelihood in the affected area and this season’s rice harvest has been
badly damaged, leading to increased food insecurity. The World Food
Programme (WFP) estimates about 500,000 residents are food-insecure.
In the worst affected districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee in
Eastern Province, heavy rains between 8 and 12 January left more than
101,171 hectares of paddy fields damaged, of which more than 81,000ha
suffered moderate to severe damage, initial estimates suggest.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates a loss of about
450,000 tons or US$120 million.
But rice farmers are not the only ones reeling; other small crops and
livestock farms have suffered losses, though estimates have yet to be
finalized.
A few days ago the water had been receding, alleviating the stress on dams
and reservoirs inland, but due to the change in weather patterns and the
continued rain in most areas, the dams have had to be opened and the water
released. With the water being released from the dams in different parts
of the eastern region, the water has been flowing through villages,
destroying homes and infrastructure. People are being forcibly evacuated
from these villages and placed in temporary housing shelters organised by
the Sri Lankan government and administered by the Sri Lankan Army.
Access to the towns of Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Batticaloa including some
others have been cut off due to the cease of public transportation
(railway, buses). In some areas it has been raining nonstop since early
December.
Update from Foursquare Relief and Compassion in Colombia, and where were responding around the world
Video from Foursquare Relief and Compassion about Colombia
Click on the link below to view the update!
My wife Jordyn Alana Isenhart and I were married December 11, 2010 in Tacoma, WA. We are so excited for what the Lord has in store for us as we start this new journey together. Jordyn is very intelligent and has been called to work in the medical field, responding to basic hygiene and medically relevant needs. The Lord has provided an incredible opportunity for us to work together in a way that we can reach the most people possible. We are working to raise our monthly funding so that we can travel and minister in disaster-ridden places. Please join us in prayer that the Lord would provide financially so that we can effectively walk out the plans the Lord has in store for us.
We travelled from the northern coast of Barranquilla with Colombian pastors to their churches and cities that were effected by the flooding, many of which we had to paddle in a wooden canoe to reach. With their homes and church’s still under water, it was hard to see the extent of the damage, but with the extent of flooding in mind the devastation was undeniable. Foundations of entire blocks were destroyed with water eroding the soil beneath away. The concrete blocks slowly crumbled due to the waters effects, leaving houses and buildings useless. We saw how some were able to take things with them, and some who didn’t get the chance. It was heartbreaking to peer through windows of people’s homes and see beds and personal belongings floating in the water inside.
From the north we headed southeast to Santa Lucia where we again visited homes and churches. One pastor said that he already knew that 40% of his church would be forced to move and never come back to the city. And 60% will possibly come home, but barely have enough money to rebuild and replace all that was lost.
We ended up south in the town El Banco which is over 100 km south of the start of the river. There is still significant damage there with the center of the city slowly sinking due to the flooding.
The immediate needs of the people affected by the flooding are basic necessities such as clean water, food, and temporary shelter. Stagnant waters have threatened the people’s lives with skin problems, dengue and cholera. We are looking towards helping in these areas first due to the extent of the damage they could cause. After the immediate needs are met, were looking to help families rebuild their lives with home kits, cookware, pots pans, cups and bowls, bedding, and clothes. Finally, we will begin to help repair and rebuild homes and churches.
Colombians are said to be the second happiest people group in the world, and it showed. In the midst of all this devastation, people found joy in the sole fact that their lives were spared by their heavenly father. They look to God for his direction and trust Him to provide. With over 2.5 million people effected, the flood can be compared to the devastation left from Hurricane Katrina. The people of Colombia need an immeasurable amount of help, and there is much we can do to make these plans possible. Over 40 Foursquare Churches need to be significantly repaired or completely rebuilt. The number of homes is yet to be known.
We were able to significantly help with our initial visit, but the needs have surpassed our ability alone. We need to join together in prayer that God would open the door for more help. We believe, along with the people of Colombia, that lives can be saved and the Lord will not only rebuild what has been lost, but that he will open the country’s hearts to his kingdom. With no news coverage about this nation’s needs, the only real hope is that the Lord, our provider, will open the doors and heart’s of his people to help Colombia.
Thank you for helping reach the poor and needy in Colombia,
Chad & Jordyn
Sri Lanka has an urgent request for assistance.
The Eastern provincial town, Batticaloa and a town in the North Central province, Polonnaruwwa, has been flooded as a result of the recent torrential rains. Over 300,000 people have been rendered homeless and many have lost their lives. One of our new believers lost his life. Over 500 Foursquare families have been affected and are in refugee camps. We are working to get much needed supplies to the people in need, and mobilize to help.
Bangladesh- Our resources and partnership with the National church has been able to mobilize with resources we have given, they want to provide blankets and warm cloths for 2-3,000 people.
Tropical Bangladesh has been experiencing severe and unprecedented cold weather since early January, affecting northern and south-western parts of the country. Temperatures have remained low with biting winds and dense fog. Poor communities in the north are the worst affected, and the bitterly cold weather has brought life and businesses to a standstill, particularly in the region near the Himalayas.
A cold wind from the north-west has increased the situation for urban dwellers already living in poor conditions. Unable to buy warm clothes, many vulnerable people are struggling to keep warm at night.
“For us it is really difficult. I have to go to work or else I won’t be able to feed my child,” says Rahima, a labourer on a daily wage, standing in the feeble sunlight. “But the icy wind is biting me and I have only one piece of warm clothing.”
Colombia-
The national pastor telling me that 39 pastors of the Foursquare church in Colombia are suffering losses of their belongings and had to leave their homes because of the floods that have occurred over the last weeks in several parts of Colombia. Church buildings are basically under water. Church meetings had to be cancelled. The situation is serious and we do not know when the rain is going to stop, and after the rain season is over the people will have to wait for weeks until the water will be gone totally. It will take some time until they will be able to have again a normal live.
Brazil- The worst mud slide in Brazil in 40 years.
Heavy mudslides have blocked roads, so rescuers are forced to use boats to reach people cut off by the floods. The disaster has prompted the governor of Rio de Janeiro to declare a state of emergency in the municipalities of Nova Friburgo, Teresópolis, Petrópolis, Bom Jardim, São José do Vale do Rio Preto, Sumidouro and Areal in the north of Rio de Janeiro.Last Saturday, the national civil defence authority (Secretaria Nacional de Defesa Civil) reported 613 deaths, with 50 people still missing. Rescue teams continue their search for survivors. Overall, some 13,400 people have been affected – 6,050 people have been made homeless and 7,680 people have had to be evacuated. We are mobilizing to respond to this with Foursquare Brazil as well.
Photos from Sri Lanka
Photos from Pakistan and the constant need there.
The worst monsoon rains in 80 years are continuing to sweep from the north-west to south and central Pakistan.
Rivers in Sindh province, home to Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city and business hub, are bursting their banks.
Pakistani authorities have evacuated 500,000 people in 11 districts of Sindh and issued warnings to people in low-lying areas of the Indus river.
Flooding has submerged whole villages in the past week, killing about 1,600 people and affecting another 4.5m.
So far, 263,000 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the two worst affected provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
According to the Federal Flood Commission, 1.4m acres (557,000 hectares) of crop land has been flooded across the country and more than 10,000 cows have perished.
