Thanks for stopping by. I’m Lora, a twenty-something American living in Japan as a missionary. I came to work in Osaka, but the March 11th disaster in northern Japan resulted in a change of direction and focus for my ministry, as well as that of the churches I’m working with.
I came to Japan because I did an internship here in 2008 and had a really great time and made some really great friends. I don’t know if Jesus is calling me here for a lifetime or a season, but I’ll try to listen and obey whatever he says.
My ministry since March 11th has been focussed in Ishinomaki, a small city in Miyagi Prefecture that was devastated by the tsunami. Our churches (Be One) left Osaka immediately to see how we could help, and that turned into an ongoing relief effort that has enabled us to work with people from all over the world wanting to help and show the love of Christ. You can read more about the relief work here: http://www.b-1.jp/tohoku/en/
I hope to do 3 things with this blog:
1. Keep a record of my time and experiences here in Japan.
2. Be a bridge into Japanese life and culture to those in the U.S.
3. Be transparent – about me, what God is doing in and around me.
Of the three, the last one will be considerably more difficult, but it will make the rest of it worth reading. I hope you enjoy reading, learn something, leave me a comment, and crave sushi after visiting.
Just to let you know that we are praying for you here in Mexico, especifically the church in Ensenada, Baja California. I have personally recommended that donors give directly through local missionaries in Japan instead of going through IDES or some other go-between. I feel that this is the right and Biblical way to do it. Please let me know of any specific prayer needs and of any other ways that I may help.
love,
Phil