Walking Together in the Father’s Heart

I have always struggled with communication.

Sometimes I don’t know how to explain myself, or my work. Words feel too small for the depth of what I see and feel.

One of my closest friends is a hikikomori. Without him, I don’t think the idea of a café that allocates resources for socially withdrawn people would ever have been born. God has used him in countless ways to shape this ministry—sometimes directly, sometimes quietly, in ways neither of us expected.

We circle the same truth, but speak in two different dialects of meaning.
Mine is shaped by a multicultural, public health–psychosocial lens.
His is rooted in a Japanese cultural and linguistic frame.

Our “gap” is not about values at all—it’s about framing.
When he hears “research,” he pictures cold data manipulation.
I can’t blame him. Once, I thought the same.

But for me, “research” isn’t pulling people apart into numbers. My research is my work—it’s the practice of deeply listening, noticing what is said and unsaid, and weaving those threads into a picture that helps people see themselves more clearly. It’s not separate from the human connection—it is the human connection, held up to the light through careful analysis.

Yes, I categorize keywords, patterns, and feelings. On the surface, it might look like turning people into numbers. But those numbers are only scaffolding—temporary frames that hold the pieces together while I see the whole story emerge. Each fragment keeps its meaning, and when joined, the picture appears: rich, human, and utterly unique.

He once helped me organize tape transcriptions. He didn’t see how that task could help my work. But to me, it was a deep kindness. By freeing me from hours of mechanical labor, he gave me the space and confidence to gather the subtle threads—to listen for the ma, the spaces between words where truth often hides. Precise transcripts make analysis possible, and analysis is my way of making the invisible visible.

Because in the end, my goal is never to take something away from people. It’s to give them back a clearer mirror—so they can see their own patterns, their own strengths, their own beauty.

---

The Bigger Picture

This is more than professional practice. It’s a calling.
Every conversation, every listening moment, every pattern recognized is part of the Father’s work of restoration. He listens to the words and silences of our lives, gathers the broken fragments, and gives us back a wholeness we couldn’t see on our own.

The café, the research, the careful listening—they are all streams flowing from the same source: the Father’s heart for the lost, the withdrawn, the unseen. In His Kingdom, no one is too hidden to be known, no story too fractured to be pieced together.

And so, I need you my friends. I want to welcome you to join me in this journey.
Different eyes, different words, but the same mission: to make the invisible visible, and to hold up a mirror that reflects the image the Father sees.

May the Lord calls you, bless you, and hold you. 

Hospital Journal 入院日記

Nov 4, 2011 (Friday)
I spent an overnight in the office so that I could work while waiting for mom. Needed to get her at the airport by 7.30am, needed to get a train by 6.10am at Ueno.


Nov 5, 2011 (Saturday)
Still working...
grabbed last piece of note from the printer at 5.30am, and ran to Ueno station, cutting through the University Hospital... gate was closed. I looked at the board helplessly, it said, "Gate open at 6am". No time to run back for another way... I climbed over the fence, and started running. I didn't know the shortcut cutting through the Ueno Park, so I decided to use the long way... fearing missing train, I ran my lung out.
My record from my department to Ueno station, 20 minutes. I got on to the train.

Mom arrived Narita.
The luggage was fulled with herbs and things for me. We pulled the heavy luggage home, reached home by about 11am.

We both tried to rest for a while. Then we went out for a gathering with friends, the theme was ART Therapy that evening. T went with us. I had a long chat with T that day. Friends made some special Japanese candies for mom. Mom loves that gathering, it was indeed fruitful evening.

mom's first painting

T's first painting

My first painting

  


Nov 6-7, 2011 (Sunday - Monday)
Mom and me went outing.
The Lord blessed us with amazing sceneries that even the tour guide was amazed for he seen it for the first time after so many trips. The rainy weather drew out hundreds of waterfalls, and amazing huge rainbows. When we reached the mountain top, the usual misty view became clear, and we were able to see miles away. The grumpy tour guide became excited.

rainbow in the morning at Nagano

立山

Nov 8, 2011 (Tuesday)
I went back to school to work. Mom stayed at home to rest. I had seminar presentation the next day, confused, feared, terrible experience. Again another untouched new field. Getting sick....
There was one more thing that I wanted to do, even though I couldn't make hikikomori as my PhD, I wanted to present my work on hikikomori, I wanted my colleagues to know, and I wanted to call on people's attention of what should be done.


Nov 9, 2011 (Wednesday)
Prof. thrown me harsh questions in the morning session. I didn't understand what he really want. But I felt that I needed to correct something in the presentation, praying, working, praying... mom was there with me. She began to witness the process of the making of the presentation. Maki tried to comfort me, I couldn't stop my tears. It must be the fault of the medication.

I did a successful presentation, according to my colleagues, through not much updates or practical procedures. I was amazed of my appeared calmness during presentation. God must have been there with me. We had a celebration party after that, for the birthday stars, the pregnant moms, the finished of my presentation, and so many others... I was like a dead fish after that, Mieko rewarded me with a great massage.


Nov 10 - 12, 2011 (Thursday - Saturday)
In Tokushima for the Child Mental Health conference.
I learned so much.
Yet, still in depression.
Got in touch with a few great teachers, yet I couldn't write anything.
Received an email replied by Prof. Osada, became clearer with some set in ideas. Grateful.

A river that runs through Tokushima City, reminded me about Melaka.

The Statue of Awa Odori (Awa Dance)

Nov 12, 2011 (Saturday)
Reached home at about 8pm. Mom cooked.
Still depressed.


Nov 13, 2011 (Sunday)
Brought mom to school again, get ready some notes to study during my leave.
Took pictures, made maps for mom, trying the best to secure her not to get lost.
Felt so uncertain, took courage to send an email to a few friends from Malaysia, hoping that some may be nice enough to offer help in taking care of mom while I am hospitalized.
Michael responded immediately, thanks God.

We took a walk to Ueno Park and Ameyoko.

mom at Ueno Park

Nov 14, 2011 (Monday)
Admitting to hospital.
So many procedures... briefing, discussions with doctors and nurses.
I began to learn that this is a rare chance to learn about procedures for admitting into a hospital, operations etc, as first hand experience.

I continued to paint, as a part of the art therapy experience. If it would be effective, I would introduce this to my peers in Akita. The medical staffs were very surprised at my drawings.

Michael came to visit me in the evening, helped mom with a place to stay while waiting for my procedure tomorrow. I had more peace in mind.


Nov 15, 2011 (Tuesday)
At 6am, the nurse woke us up.
While waiting, I drew another two pictures.
Michael came with my mom at 7.30am.
The doctor pushed me to the operation room, Mom and Michael bid me goodbye.

I remembered that the doctor put an oxygen mask on me, in a few breathe, I was back to the ward.
The time in the operation room was lost.
Without knowing when and how they opened up on me, it was finished with pain.
The medical staffs tried to talk to me, I couldn't remember much.
But I guess I saw mom, she was worried, and probably some friends was around her.
Pain, was all I could remember.

the ward

Nov 16, 2011 (Wednesday)
The nurse practiced walking with me... pain... yet we tried...
We managed to walk for 4 meters.
The nurse was very caring and kind, she praised my effort, and gave me comfortable words.
When we returned to the bed, she removed the drainage. I had to learn to urine by myself.

I tried to go to the toilet every two hours, knowing that it was always slow for me in re-adapt.
Pain, continued...

The next thing to do after urine was to wait for the gas.
Pain, continued...
Thirst....... no water until the gas escapes successfully from my bowel.
Pain...
Thirst....




I thought I saw Midori at the door, praying for me.




Nov 17, 2011 (Thrusday)
About 10am, I finally farted. Relieved.
I had my first drip of water. Cough began.

I went to talk to the girl next to my bed, hope that she wouldn't get nervous as she saw a terrible me.
Brought her the origami flowers and swan that Midori made.

They brought me my first food, porridge water with miso soup, and an ice-cream!!!
It was the best porridge that I ever had. Guess I finished my food so fast, that I got stomach pain...

pain, continued...

a bouquet of flowers

I began to have visitors.
A friend that I made during the outpatient visit, brought another friend to visit me. Both of them brought me a bouquet of flowers.

All visitors only stayed for about 5-10 minutes.
Even the shortest stay brightened up my life in each visit.

I was able to talk to Midori this time. It was a good time of sharing. She also explained to me how the origami works.

Midori with her origami

Cough continued, the pain continued.....

In midnight, the cough was worse.... I woke up with coughing in every two hours.



Nov 19, 2011 (Friday)
The doctor explained to me what kind of procedures that they have done.
Because of the volume and the size of the fibroid, it was a difficult procedure, but it was a very successful one. (I later learned from another patient that she had an assisted Laparoscopic as hers was 8cm big. I could not hold my praise to the Lord, for mine was shrink to 7cm big, and another one 5cm big)

More people came and visit me. I was happy.

My condition was more stable too. They still brought lunch to my bed.
Friends from Kashiwa came,
Colleagues from my department came,
Friends came,
Juniors came,
In the evening, Jun-kun came too. お久しぶりに~
we had long chat.

My Malaysian friends were all super kind, in helping me to take care of my mom!!! Bringing her back, bringing her for meals, encouraging her with kind words.... what more can I ask?


The cough continued, getting worse.
I realized that the cough was caused by the irritation of the throat, and the location was deeper everytime. It seemed to me that the muscle of my throat was waking up little by little.



Nov 19, 2011 (Saturday)
The cough was really really bad...
I got tired really easily, but I finished another painting.

Subha came to visit, it was a fine good catch up. :-)
Friends from Kashiwa came with a lot of fruits. I was really glad for the time to catch up.

Would discharge tomorrow.
I began to pray for friendship that I built in this place will grow and become fruitful.
May the love of the Lord shines.

Scenery from the hospital canteen

Nov 20, 2011 (Sunday)
Two friends came to help me for discharge.
Zhang and T .
Mom had heavy dose of caffeine last night, and was late this morning. :-)
I took a bath, washed my  hair before discharged.

We took a taxi home.
Zhang helped us to get a taxi.
T came back with us to help out with luggage.
T stayed for lunch.
We chatted more, and began to discover more of his potentials.
T went home in peace.



Nov 21, 2011 (Monday)
Mom urged me to take a walk.
I walked out from the room, made a circle, still feeling pain. Had to go on pills.
The cough finally stopped.

Praise God.



Nov 22, 2011 (Tuesday)
The day of follow up visit in the hospital. (huh? two days after discharged?)
Mom was afraid that I couldn't walk much, she was preparing to call a taxi.
I prayed, and felt that I could handle the walk. Anywhere, I needed to start walking.

The doctor expected me to be fine.
Prof. expected me to hand in the proposal in the beginning of Dec, I needed to be fine.
Able to walk to the train stations by myself was good sign!

The doctor said my wound healed amazingly (非常にきれい).
No trace of remaining fibroid, no water retaining in my stomach.
I past the test.
Plasters were removed. I saw my wounds for the first time.


Now
Now, I am settled to rest at home, work from home, until the next class/seminar on Nov 29.
On Nov 29, another 2 friends that I made in the hospital would be admitted, and have their operation dealed.
Thank you God for granting me fast healing.
Lord, I pray for comfort and peace in the hearts of my 2 friends too.

My depression gets better after the surgery. Now I understood that the pressure and stress while waiting for the procedures made people nervous and depressed unknowingly.


At the end, I deeply felt in debt to whom who had helped us in this journey, including prayers and practical help. Especially to my Malaysian friends who had responded to the appeal, signed up a volunteer sheet to assist my mom in finding her way home: Michael, Lew Ah, Cheryl, Ken, Lin Hui Jeng kae, Keoh Serne, Sofiah, Subha and some others that names that I did not know. May God bless each one of them richly!!!

Updates - November 2011

Concerning Surgery


Thank you for your love and concern and prayers!
The fibroids were reduced in size (13cm - 9cm; 9cm - 7cm), it looks like Laparoscopic itself is enough.
They will poke 4 holes at my tummy.

I donated 400ml blood for myself on Wednesday, and it was the first time that I was put on drips after the blood donation. The doctor said that the drip was to help me to recover asap before the procedure.


Very soon, on Nov 14, I will be admitted.
And on Nov 15, there will be the operation.

A testimony to glorify the Lord! I believe that the Lord is preserving and preparing me for the operation as I find myself at perfect health, blood pressure normal, and no anemic response. (my bp tend to fall on the low side in previous check ups). The doctor thinks that I will be fine in one month. :-)

(with attached is the picture of me after drawing blood on Wednesday)


New Opportunity to Serve

The Lord is opening new door for me to meet up with Christian Academic Scholars! This had been a long yield. I finally get to meet up with a senior of my department, now a professor in Oita prefecture, majoring in mental health, Christian. I am taking the new opportunity to attend the mental health conference in Saga, which is 1.5 hr flight from Toky from Dec 08-12. I am also given an opportunity to share with a church in Saga (Saga and Oita are one of the least reached prefectures in Japan, where people gathered from far for Sunday Service). I will also attend a citizen conference about hikikomori (the social withdrawal). I will be sharing about the outreach support that our church back home had provided for hikikomori, the exploratory intervention (2010 Jan, T-san; and 2010 Dec - 2011 Jan, Y-san). I sense that the Lord is preparing me for this day, and he is preparing me to work with the local churches slowly to assist them in dealing with mental care for their members and neighbors. It will be a slow long process, yet exciting.
Oh yeah... I had a great time in Akita conference! I presented in Japanese. :-) and got a lot of feedback from the field workers. That also led me to the Christian professor that I mentioned above.





Glorifying the Lord!

Another great news to glorify the Lord!
My professor promised to fund for my PhD project(if I managed to satisfy him with the work proposal). Although I still need to bare my own expenses for conferences and hikikomori outreach, yet having a research fund is certainly very much helpful!!! (only one person in a year will get the funding)

Peace
I realize my workload and the schedule do not seem to fit with the preparation for scholarship application, which almost all have the deadlines in Nov and Dec. Anyhow most scholarships limits age below 35, which I have just exceeded, that left me very limited choice. Although a lot of "noises" crept in sometimes on how to get support, monthly or yearly, yet there is no time to waste in thinking about it, for I sense that the Lord is encouraging me to serve more by continuing with my work with the mental distressed, and preparing for new study. Yeah, though I am doing nothing in actively raising support, there is peace, it is like there is an assurance.

Prayer Request:
1. Mom's flight to Tokyo: safe journey.
2. Mom's health in Tokyo, despite of taking care of me.
3. I will extend invitation to friends to visit me in the hospital, so I wouldn't get boring. It will be an exciting trial, as my and a friend had planned to give out origami adding a word of the Lord, to every visitor, staffs and patients in the same room.
4. Pat (from Austria) is having fun, we will have a study group on next Tuesday, Nov 1, he will speak about his hikikomori lifestyle in the past.
5. The due date of my first review report on the new project on Nov 2 morning.
6. My presentation on PhD thesis on Nov 9. (I am hoping to incorporate some personal work, eg. reasoning of my work on hikikomori and church outreach, in the presentation.)
7. Please pray for good encounter during another Children Mental Health Conference in Tokushima prefecture from Nov 10-12.

Me and mom will also attend a mental peer support group on Nov 5.
I am sorry to put mom to work more than just taking care of me, yet she will be a part of the ministry during her whole visit in Japan.

Please pray for Lord's covering on her! Thanks!

more about my health

An unusual ten days had past since my visit to the Tokyo University Hospital emergency ward on July 8 afternoon for a surprise attack of pain. The doctors prescribed Acetaminophen IV trying to reduce the course of the pain, and CT scan with contrast to look for infection or inflammation that was not discovered by the radiography imaging. The acetaminophen took a while to suppress the pain, together with the contrast injection, caused me to be more nausea, and vomiting.

The doctors and nurses surrounded me kept throwing me tons of questions, and one thing that they were really concerned was if I have any family members in Tokyo, and if there is any friend that will be with me for the whole course. That prompted me to think if I really need an operation, or warded. I began to imagine the inconvenience and difficulties without someone being by my side.

Maki, my best friend who accompanied me to the emergency was left alone outside the cold and dark corridor while all these were happening inside the little emergency ward. Poor and kind Maki was having so many datelines, and she herself was suffering bladder infection too. As they moved me to CT scan, I realized that I might need to be warded, and I wanted to tell Maki to go back to the lab. Maki rushed to my side as she saw them pushed me out from the emergency room, thinking if they were sending me for operation. She then heard me murmuring to the doctors (doctors from different specialties came at different time, repeating the same questions, some doubts if I was able to understand and answer them in Japanese,  I was trying my best effort to answer the questions although I was numbed by the pain) with my eyes closed, and she felt relieved and laughed, no one talks as much as Roseline, she thought... then while I was pushed inside the CT scan room, I started to vomit. Maki heard it from afar, and she went back to the place and saw no one, and she knew it must be Roseline that was vomiting. This part of the story became one of our favorite, or Maki's favorite when she illustrates my situations to our colleagues. I love it too, it becomes a good laugh in our miseries.

When they released from the emergency ward, it was almost seven in the evening. It was so dramatic as after 4 hours of struggling with such severe pain, and I was released from the ward, as if the pain was a put of of a show in order for a thorough investigation. Then the doctor explained to me with the CT, that my pain was due to nothing else but the compression of two large myoma (fibroids) in my womb. That seems to explain many things: seemingly bladder infection that was not getting better with antibiotics, heaviness and pelvic pain, pressure in lower abdomen, heavy menstruation etc. She prescribed Acetaminophen to suppress the pain for the weekend, and advised me to ring the hospital if I have sudden and uncontrollable pain again, then return to the clinic for further check up on Monday.

Fearing that I might get into trouble again by traveling in the cramped train, Maki insisted if there could be someone to accompany me back to Kashiwa from Hongo, which takes almost an hour and a half ride.  Thank God we found Liu Feng, another friend who commute in between both campus, was still in Hongo at that time. He accompanied me back to Kashiwa, and though I thought it was not very much necessary in the beginning, had turned out to be an incredible help for me to get back to the place where I stay. Then only after that I realized that Liu Feng actually had an appointment in Tokyo in the evening, which after he sent me back, he went back to Tokyo again. I am in great gratitude towards my friends for their great love and that they had really sacrificed their time to help me.

Another terrible two days had gone, and I began to find the rhythm of the pain and possible trigger factors to it. On monday, the doctor prescribed me a MRI scan, and changed the Acetaminophen to Ibuprofen. To prevent any possible serious pain, I began to pop Ibuprofen like sweets, 3 times a day, as long as I uncomfortable with the compression. On Wednesday, I did a urography with dye to detect obstruction and the size and shape of the bladder. The IV drip this time did not cause nausea, but the wound caused by the fat needle that hooked on the vein of my antecubital fossa took more than 4 days to recover this time. After the scan, the doctor made an effort to see me, and explained to me about the results of the MRI and urography imaging. It was confirmed that the large myoma had taken the whole space and the uterus expanded so much that had causing the compression to the stomach and pelvic bones, where another myoma had grown side way, and pressed on the ureter that caused this swelling of the kidney. However to our surprise, the size of the myoma were far bigger than she thought, and now she was worried if I could have the microscopic surgery in due course.

Hormone therapy is prescribed and will take place on July 27. Surgery is scheduled in November, and we will see how much the fibroids would shrink until then. :-)

Some friends had expressed their concerns about my situation, and I guess that the prayer had been more fervent since. I would wish to express my thankfulness to everyone who is concern. Some had said, do not worry about the fibroids, well... aside of being astonished by the event, and the traumatized feelings of imagining surgery with more readings, in fact I am happy and relieved to find out the causes of all these ill feelings that I have been bearing for a while. Especially when I find out that the extra weight that I am carrying is reducible :-) and I would probably be in a better shape after the removal of the fibroids ^^. My concerns are more about the pain and inconvenience that caused by the fibroids and the following treatment course, that affects my mobility. I have to take leave from school to reduce the physical stress of traveling. So far, God had always proved his generosity in giving me extra grace and strength when there is a mission going on. The trip to the volunteer work in Ishinomaki was successful on Saturday, and when the team decided to send us back to the Kashiwa Lodge on Saturday midnight definitely helped my situation too.

The reason that I disclose all these information was not to seek pity from you, nor to humiliate myself.  As I always trust that being a missionary should be transparent enough in everything that I do if possible, and as this blog had always remained a site of experience learning for future missionaries, as well as a part of my spiritual journey. It will be great if you would like to pray for me, and knowing what exactly I am facing, so that you enjoy being a partner in this spiritual battle of a global mission. Shalom.

Aside from praying for the healing and reduce of the impacts of side effect, there are several things that I am working on and need His grace upon me:

1. the transfer of lodge, from Chiba prefecture back to Tokyo. (hopefully within walkable distance to school/hospital)
2. the completion of the social phobia paper.
3. the completion of application of ethical approval for new projects on hikikomori.
4. my work with the young people (somehow I have been delaying in replying emails, looking into things as I used to be... I am much slower these days, and not being very concentrate of things)
5. the possible and best fulfillment in discussion and working with young people in Akita.
6. the possible fulfillment of studies in Suicide prevention center in Beijing in September prior or post conference.
7. the possible reconnect with the students/young people that I had been working with in Hong Kong after the Beijing trip.
8. I need to start writing my hikikomori paper again as soon as possible.

Prayer Request of 2nd part of 2011

Since Mar 11, we have entered the fifth month after disaster. 

After working with various people while serving the disaster areas, 

I began to step back in May, slowly adjusting my pace,

thinking and readjusting my thoughts, my position, and most importantly, 

the will of the Lord in this entire work.

Current Work and Expansion

It was almost the same time, 

few things happened in Tokyo:

1. I am finding hard to catching up with my studies and thesis after a long "vacation" away from school;

2. My work in Tokyo expanded, where I have now a new group of hikikomori or young people to work with;

3. My health getting worse, with the seemingly frequent pain that associate with frequent urine. 

On another hand, the work in the disaster areas had made new contacts, and new people to follow up with.

In the effort of one of our partner in Heart4Japan, Ps. Sakae Makita had established an NPO for East Japan Disaster Recovery, http://ejdrf.weebly.com/

I am expected to contribute my biblical disaster mental health experience in this group.

I am expecting and excited to expand my hikikomori service to Akita, where I put my main effort in community approach suicide prevention, and to link both Akita youths and Tokyo youths together, by sharing their knowledge and experience together.

Source of Support

A church in Brunei that I had never met approached me about three months ago, about adopting me into their missions board, although nothing had been said nor decided, the work of the Lord no doubt encouraged me deeply. Knowing that the difficulties in getting church support, I took up a 2 months part time job to help out a professor in Chiba University on his English assignment. This work takes another 1.5 hour for one way commute. 

There are several courses that I need to take from now, conferences to attend, I pray for strength and His light to guide me in this work. 

Would you pray for me with what the following?

Schedule

July 16   Volunteer to Disaster Area: Ishinomaki 石巻

July 22   Fieldwork to Special School in Tokyo - Showa Gakuenhttp://www.showa-gakuen.net/index.htm 

July 31   Fireworks with young people from Seisa (Hikikomori Freespace)

Aug 6-7   Social Disparity and Health International Conference in Tokyo - Presenter

Aug 21-29  Fieldwork to Akita, working with young people on hikikomori

Sep 6-7  Fieldwork in Tokyo: Special school and Hospital

Sep 9-28  Missions Trip to China/International Suicide Prevention Conference in Beijing

Oct 1   Study Group (Schizo) - Presenter

Oct 19-21  Public Health Conference in Akita - Presenter

Nov 3    Department Seminar - Presenter

Nov 9-11  Child and Adult Mental Health Conference in Tokushima

(highlighted in yellow are the events that I need to prepare as a presenter)

I am planning for the new season of hIkikomori study group from October, but I am yet to apply for ethical approval as well as grant. Grant is not so often available, yet my young people would need the funds to help them to travel to Tokyo for the study group.

My health Condition

I had a dramatic weekend last week. :-)

I was admitted to the emergency ward in Tokyo University Hospital last Friday due to a severe pain. After a few good hours, I was told that instead of appendicitis, the CT scan confirmed that I have two big uterus fibroids (10cm and 5cm) that pressed on my right ureter, causing thickening of the wall, which suspect to contributed to the frequent pain and urine that i had suffered a while. I am given pain killer to control the pain. As the compression also caused stomach discomfort, reflux and nausea, I do have some difficult times.... ><

Because of the expansion of work in Tokyo, and the condition of my health, moving to Tokyo seems to be the best option at this moment. I am looking forward to move. 

Surgery would be scheduled in October or November. 

Hormone therapy would be needed prior to the operation to shrink the fibroids. 

First Session: July 27

Second Session: Aug 31

I went for MRI on Monday, it was terrible....... >< the sound was so loud!!! They put this earphone on my head, and surprisingly.... I thought I heard worship songs..... probably because I was warned before I went through the procedure, I was well prepared with prayers. The Lord seemed to be citing Psalm 91 to my ears... it was a lot of comfort. 

I am going for the nephro test tomorrow :-)

Oh yeah, I am also attending a youth mental health seminar in the evening tomorrow! :-) Let's pray for all the best!

Please pray for HIs provision of strength, comfort and finance on all the work that need to be done! May the peace of the Lord to be upon me, and you who are at the same frontal line of this intense battle.

Thoughts on 3.15

Information on Radioactive Factors

A friend works with radioactive factors sent me this information this evening.

It will help you to understand the radiation factors in Tokyo now. The report covers Kashiwanoha campus, Hongo Campus (Tokyo), Komaba Campus (Tokyo). This will shed lights to the surrounding areas too.

Tokyo University has set up a center to monitor the radioactive level everyday. So we would have very accurate data compare to media.  (Please refer to the attachment)

Tokyo University Environmental Radiological Countermeasures News

(From Tokyo University Radiation Control Center)

a screenshot from the NHK news on Mar 15, 2011

(From NHK)

The Situation in the Student Lodge

Most of the residents in the lodge had left/ planning to leave in these two days. No one is interested to listen about Jesus, as long as they can get a flight out of Japan. Some asked why I could be so calm, I took opportunity to explain about God. But not many are interested :-( I have to wait until the time ripe. No one is interested to know why you are staying. And it is true, I wouldn't know how long more could i stay, because we do not know what will happen tomorrow. The extra that I have is the peace of God, and having that assurance everything is in the hand of my Lord, no matter live or dead. Even in this two hours that I am trying to write this email, in Shizuoka, again there was a 6.2 magnitude earthquake, and I could feel a 3.0 magnitude earthquake here in Kashiwa. Now, we are watching if Tsunami would hit again. God is the only one that could call out to the storm and roaring wave and say, "STOP!" now. 

There are still a few foreigners would still prefer to stay, I was swayed here and there too if i should leave, thinking I couldn't do much here if I am quarantine by the fact of radioactive exposure. And the society structure here do not permit ministries such as what I had in Hong Kong or during Sichuan Earthquake. The campus had issued a notice for the students and staffs to stay home. Bai Bing is leaving from Osaka to Beijing on Mar 19, I was thinking to accompany Bai Bing to Osaka tomorrow, but after I saw Michelle and knowing that she decided not to go anywhere, and just stay in her room, I made a decision to stay. I hope I can be of assist in some where if she needs me. Most Europeans are not going anywhere, because it is harder and more expensive for them to leave, maybe...I'm not sure...

In this situation, I begin to notice a different between the missionaries and people who are here for working/study. Our missions make us want to be here more than ever, so that we can be with the Japanese people that we love, with Japan, the land that we adore in this difficult time. But people who adore this land and her people because of her beauty and success would leave once it turns ugly. I am glad that they can leave, because many are suffering extra emotional and psychological fear as they listen and monitor the news every hour and then. I pray that they will have a safe evacuation, and reach home safely. The flight tickets had gone up so high, and some even canceled their flights. Let's pray for calm and peace for those who are planning to leave. 

Japanese people

Japanese people appear to be more calm, more effective than ever during disaster. I have been pondering these days, about the effective ways to lead people to Christ. What most people interested was why I seemed to be so positive in difficult situations, and showing not much fear. Yet, when I tell them that is because I know God is with me, and then they laughed, yes, "Roseline is not afraid, because God is protecting her." But they stopped there, no one asked more, even when I wanted to tell more, there is no time for anyone to stop and listen. And I can understand..... in such situation, when people are anxious about the situations of their family members, and getting really serious on how they could practically help the effected, they have no time to listen to "fairy tales"... the warning of Endtime, to them is the repeating stories in movies. 

Many of the people are still working, and commuting to work even the trains stop. They would walk and cycle, for hours. Until today, an official announcement was released to advice everyone in Tokyo and Chiba to stay home and refrain from going out unnecessary. 

The incident is not only bringing fear to the country, but following with economic retardation. It is a difficult time for Japan. Let's pray for the best, may the Lord has mercy, and may people find strength, peace and love through Christians faith/act. 

Reflection: Religion and Proclaim of Faith - Varieties 

What is the image of God that comes along with our profession?

The Tokyo governor said he believed that the Tsunami was a punishment from God, and that resulted a huge anger in the nation. He apologized today for his words, for he was not sensitive to the emotions of the people who are effected in this disaster. I don't know what religion that he professed. But there are many religions in Japan that warn people about EndTime, and God's punishment. Many prayer boards were set up in the internet to pray for Japan. A lady posted a note on one of the prayer boards, "God is shaking Japan...for too long they do their own way..it's a way they will return to God". I was angry, very angry. To me, this message at a public board, where the japanese are watching, the hurtings are hoping to be comfort, it makes no sense. It seems irresponsible, the bible had warned us about the end time, and no one would be spared. The tragedy is in fact calling us to repent of not making our move earlier to make disciples before they perish! 

I remember when I was in 5.12 Sichuan Earthquake Relief, I was comforting a woman in her camp with another friend. It was the first day for the medical relief came into their camp after 7 days of being trapped in the effected area. She was having PTSD, and she began to weep and tell us her sorrow of losing everyone in the family. As she began to lean herself to my shoulder, a man from Shenzhen came in, followed by an army, a believer. The army was a believer that is anxious to serve the Lord. The first thing the man said was, "how many died?" "Oh, ok. it's over, don't think about it anymore. Now is the time to believe God! God will protect you! Now repeat the sinner's prayer with me!". Fearing and confusing, the lady made her confession. I cried during the debriefing as I shared about this story. What are we, sons of God, doing in the midst of people? that is not the kind of God that I profess, and it is not the kind of God that we proclaim in our team! 

Measurement for Evacuation

Please don't worry. The friend who sent me the following email knows a lot about radiation. He is staying because of work responsibility. If he flees, that mark the worst situation, where all should evacuate, and I will evacuate too. Right now at this minute, we are still okay. 

Please remember Onuki Motoharu, and his wife Miyuki. Miyuki is pregnant, and is expected to due next month. They have a young child with them too. This is the only Japanese family with Japanese nationality living in my lodge. Onuki is doing all his best in monitoring and sending out news to every residents in the lodge. He must be so tired. Pray for strength.

What we could pray for now, is the fully control of the nuclear plant!

When radioactive level is high, we can't put on the heating system. If that happens, we will be suffocated in door. Then, we have no choice but to leave Kashiwa/Tokyo.  

Weather is FREEZING COLD, 

The weather is so cold, even in Kashiwa, I still have to put on my heating system even I am wearing my dawn jacket. I can't imagine the suffering in the snowing Fukushima and Miyagi and Ibaraki that runs out of electricity and gas. Thinking and crying and worrying about the lost of family members in such condition, without enough food and water, and not getting immediate medical attention, is horrible.

We are lack of insulin and other medications in the affected areas. But individual donations are not accepted at this moment. If you are move to donate for medical relief, this is a good site to donate. http://www.msf.or.jp/work/Japanese/index.html

CRASH is collecting donations, in setting up bases in affected areas to monitor news of local churches and helps needed in affected areas. 

Let's never forget them in our prayers!

Praying to Serve

I am praying some open doors for me to serve, e.g. joining an organization where I can stay in the office. (I am staying too far from the town, with the current situation, it is pointless to travel. E.g. it takes 3 hours or more to Tokyo where CRASH relieve office is per trip , two trips a day will take 6 to 8 hours, how much more left to work? )

Although I am trying to connect people to the right resource, updating as frequent as possible, but It will be really boring to stay home and not doing anything much practical. It is encouraging to see students in nearby prefectures are trying their best to facilitate the needs for the victims! i wish to be with them. :-) 

I dont have any certificates, not a certified teacher, not a medical doctor, not a medical nurse, not a certified clinical psychology. not a professional rescue and relief worker..... my best and strongest point is my language ability and experience in Sichuan 5.12 relief. But what does that mean? My Japanese proficiency is probably in advance level for normal communication... but Tohoku speaks another dialect which may make things difficult. Let's pray that God will open a door for me to be with people, so that I could serve as salt and light. And if God brings me up to Tohoku, I believe that He will protects me with His blood, and open my ears and tongues for the local dialects. ^^ Trust, because it would be really God if anyone would accept me to the front line. I am weak in physic, and have no medical knowledge to be upfront. If God send me, pray for the people that I will be minister to, :-) and pray for me. 

Always feel free to copy-paste/forward any information here that you want to mobilize them to pray.

3.12 Tohoku Earthquake

Dear Friends and partners,

I know many of you are very concerned about my safety, and I am here again to ensure you that I am safe and unharmed. The Lord had preserved me to a great extent. I have enough storage of food, and my apartment is very new and strong in earthquake defense. 

I am physically very tired, thank God that my family and friends travel plan to japan were not fulfilled this time. Trains stopped, or not running as efficient as it is, so I am not going anywhere except staying in the room, and Kashiwanoha area, which is pretty safe compared to other areas. The Lord really put me here for a reason. I am glad that I am Japan now, as i know many of you feel like being here right on the spot. And if i am away from Tokyo, I will be very miserable because there would be very hard for me to get back to Tokyo and Kashiwa. 

When the earthquake happened, I was at the conference held at 14th floor. The new building was designed to swing with the quake, so that it could have a stronger defense for earthquake. The swing lasted for a good 15 to 30 minutes, with some immediate aftershocks in between. Then we were evacuated. I was on my heels because of conference, therefore the evacuation of taking the stairs and long hours of standing and walking kills...... :-) no one was hurt in my department. The next day, I walked to the station and got home at about six thirty in the evening. It was a long and exhausted journey, but the Lord had preserved me, and I was able to hop into the trains and bus, as long as I got through the long cue into the station. An old short lady beside me cued for 4 hours before she could get into the station, and she nearly miss her only train back to Nagano. I believe the same goes with many others. As I got home, my friend Bai Bing was waiting me to get home, and quickly served me with food, because she imagined the tiredness and exhaustedness that I would have. The Lord is good, isn't he?

A few things that I observed were people are very disciplined here, although there are much fear, but they are still very concern and helpful for others. A gradually lost social capital and social bond among neighborhood is slowly restored along with this tragedy. My cleaning lady knocked on my door this morning, and forcefully stuck 5000 yen into my pocket. She said that is a gift from her so that I could buy my mom a coffee when she is here. I told her that the flight was canceled, and they are not coming. Yet, she never give up in forcing the money to me. She was afraid that she might not get to meet me again. Her husband just gradually recovered from stroke, although our place is not affected, but I could imagine the inconvenient and fear that the aftershocks bring to the family with immobile patients. Do keep them in your prayers. 

Convenient shops and supermarkets in Tokyo/Kashiwa area run out of convenient food like onigiri, sandwiches, breads, puddings, and bottled water. The trains reduce their schedules, and some stopped running to ensure safety as well as saving energy. The earthquake had impaired 3 nuclear plants, and there is a short of electrical supply. Tokyo Power Station had planned out some saving electronic plans, so that places in Kanto area will take turns in cutting short of 3 hours electric supply to ease the situation. My place was schedule to have electric cut off this morning, but somehow it was avoided for some reasons. 

Many Christians organizations were formed. This quake had stirred them into the deepest of their hearts. With this, i could keep still and  rest until I am needed again. I had rarely felt such peace and love as present, somehow looking at CRASH relief for Tohoku, Christian Tohoku network, and the active communications taken by Lesley Tong in Heart4Japan Ireland and UK, the respond from the Kansai area for the work in tohoku, I see unity began to form across denominations. I sense a pleasing aroma to our Father's heart. Yes, Lesley is right, there is nothing that I can do now for what others are not doing. It is time for me to rest. Switching on the news, alerting, listening, and praying, I went to sleep. This morning, I receive survival news from Aomori-shi and Hachinohe. Yumi Sasaki reported that Sasaki Sensei and Kurakazu Sensei were both safe. 

All the people that I worked with were reported safe. That is the comfort that I have. Yet, there are thousands and thousands of people who lost their family members, houses, properties, and left with fears and traumas for future. We need to pray for God's intervention. 

My prayer partner in HK sent me an email revealing what God was telling her last evening, and I prayed about it. There were two messages, and I believe the first message is for the Church, a unify body, wherever we are located, US, Japan, China... the second message is for the Japanese hurting and wounded people. Followed is the message, 

Roseline,

Glad to know that u're alright.
Rmb the email i sent u b4 abt some Japanese that I met in HK. I could meet her here coz she and her team receive a msg from God to come & restore the relationship b/w Chinese & Japanese. It was on 4th March, a week b4 the tsunami. I think there's a close relationship b/w what's God's doing in the churches and the disaster. May be this is the time for the churches in China/Hong Kong to gather and pray for Japan in Unity.

There are something that some of my frds/me hv received when we pray for Japan,
1. This is a 烈怒 from God. but "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). This is the time for the church to be united, repent and return to the Lord. "He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who know? He may turn and hv pity and leave behind a blessing." (Joel 2:13-14) or else there may be another wave of hazard.

2. Psalm 91. This is a blessing from the Lord. When I pray for Japan, I used these verses to pray for her.
v.4 He will cover u with his feathers, and under his wings u will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
v.7 A thousand may fall at ur side, ten thousand at ur right hand, but it will not come near u.
v.11-13 for he will command his angels concerning u to guard u in all ur ways; they will lift u up in their hands, so that u will not strike ur foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; u will trample the great lion and the serpent.

v.14-v.16 Because he loves me, "says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.

So I bless Japan, in His Name that his protection and salvation may come to Japan and be with her. When his ppl call upon his name, he would listen and hv compassion on them.

Bless you with Love,

Carol Fu

This morning, I received another email from Lesley Tong, the staff of Heart4Japan Ireland and UK,

Hi Roseline,

I wanted to encourage you as I believe God has moved my Spirit to take faith and believe God is very much in control. In spite of this greta sorrow I feel God is going to ripen the field for harvest. I believe that He is currently raising His people in Japan to really show how much He loves the Japanese and that they will notice by the actions of our brothers and sisters out there.

I know it is still early, but I believe that God will use what's left of this tragedy and I feel this will be part of His revival in Japan! I have faith and pray with hope that this is true.

So I just wanted to email you to encourage you! Do not wear yourself out as this is not helpful to anyone. Take care of yourself and have faith and praise God, because I'm sure God has a better plan for Japan than we could ever know!

Much love and prayers to you Roseline
Lesley

I have posted links that you could be updated with the news about Christians, about Japan earthquake in facebook and my blog, you can access to the messages by clicking the link below, under my signature too. These are trustable and valid sources. 

http://web.me.com/roselineyong/FaithWorks/3.11_Earthquake_Tsunami.html (English & Japanese)

NHK WORLD TV on USTREAM: Official NHK WORLD TV live on USTREAM. NHK WORLD TV is an English language. (English)

nhk-gtv on USTREAM: NHK総合テレビの「東北地方太平洋沖地震」関連ニュースをお伝えしています. (English)

Christians efforts that you could sign in and receive immediate news, and how to help out and donate your offers.

クリスチャン地震被災状況 

CRASH TOHOKU QUAKE RELIEF

Heart4Japan UK & Ireland

Heart4Japan channel now will only report things that the others have not reported. so that you don't get your mailbox jam with repeated message. If there is a message that I should tell, i will send messages to you. An email like this cause me around 2 hours in writing. :-p I am very slow and cautions when writing... sorry.... Therefore, please allow me to reserve my energy in resting, searching, updating information for prayers concern. 

If there is any specific questions that the above channels do not answer, feel free to email me. Please forgive me if my reply is short. God bless you!!! 

Thank you,

Roseline

Things to do in Mar and Apr 2011

My trip to Seattle for RJC conference was fulfilling. The hikikomori workshop went well, and we managed to discuss quite a lot of things. However, it does seem that we still need more time to build a clear framework about how Christians could move in the light to serve better with the community. Please do continue to pray for this.

I am now back to Japan, and headed to Nara for a conference in this weekend. I am staying in Nara Evangelical Church from Mar 3 - 9. Please continue to pray for networking and relationship between me and the field workers (pastors & missionaries & Christians).

I will head back to Tokyo on Mar 9 evening, and then on Mar 11-12, we will have our own Tokyo Behavioral Medicine Conference. Please continue to pray for excellent relationship between me and my professor, lecturers and collegues. Relationship is the key to move things.

From Mar 13 - 20, my family and friend would come to Tokyo and visit me. Aside for planning for a week rest, I am engaging them into three missions: exploring culture and people, identify prayer needs, hikikomori intervention 3. Again, please pray for strengthening of relationship, and this team will gain strength, love, peace and comfort from God in the ministry of Heart4Japan.

The hikikomori study group went well for last 3 sessions. On Mar 25, we will have the 4th study group. As I use the office as a ground to bridge relationship between His workers and the locals, do keep the relationship in mind in your prayers! Pray that the participants will not see the strong Christian appearance in this group as a threat/crusade, but a shine of love and care that would warm their hearts, thus seek the eternity God that had granted peace and comfort and healing that had motivated us in outreach.

I am trying to get my friends (hikis) to join IFJ (I Follow Jesuss Camp). If they are interested, I will accompany them to Nara on April 1-3 to experience the joy of following Jesus. If that happens, I will visit another church in South Osaka to catch up with friends. A friend is getting married in Sakai. ^^

From April 3- 20, Patrick (Hiki from Vienna) will be in Tokyo, and then we will start another intervention and exploring Hiki for the month. I am presenting about findings on hikikomori and stir a discussion on April 15 during the Hikikomori Study group. If God willing, I am prepared to share testimonies. Please pray for my Japanese efficiency! Also, please pray that during these workshops and exploring activities, I will gain more friends, and will have more hikis in hand to work together with. Please pray for trust, delight and understanding in the relationship with the hikis, the supporting staffs, and the other workers.

I am also taking up new role in the department in facilitating the department meetings and needs. This will help to train my interrelation skills and Japanese conversation too! :-)


Really...
Main main issue in prayer is: RELATIONSHIP and TRUST!!!
with Professor N
with my collegues
with NPO (Non Profit Organization) workers
with government
with community
with church workers

Thanks.....................................

Of course we should not forget about the PhD work...! Please pray that all these communications, networking, outreach will add knowledge and crucial point to the work in order to fulfill the work that God had laid in my hand. Thank you very much for your participation in the work of Heart4Japan! Thank you for your love!!!

Today the RJC Pre-Conference begins!!!

Today the RJC Pre-Conference begins!!! and the Lord greet me with a wonderful snow in Seattle this morning! :-) I always feel that snow is special, being to come from a tropical country. The first time that I saw snow was when I visited M-chan, then the second time was when I went to Tokyo for my entrance exam. It became more often then as I settled in Japan... ^^ Yet, snow at the early morning of my birthday, its another remarkable birthday gift from God, isn't it?
Pray for Dan Brannen and Don Wright who organize this portion of the conference and pray for those in vocational ministry who will be attending today’s sessions.

Keith Webb will teach in the afternoon concerning leadership coaching.


p/s: and I get to meet Jeremy Yap tonight!!! yeah yeah~

Prayers and Updates for Feb 2011

There are a few things that I would like to share with you and have you to pray with me!

1. Translation of Heart4Japan.

How about 日本への思い ?
need your feedback from those who are Japanese! Thanks!


2. The RJC conference (Reaching out Japanese for Christ) is around the corner Feb 17 -19!　ｋeep the participants and speakers in your prayers! For His will to be done!



3. Hikikomori Workshop on Feb 18
3a. My healthI arrived in Seattle yesterday, and not feeling good at all. I go to the washroom/toilet one/twice in an hour, excessive urine and pooh... no diarhea though. Feeling extra tight and pain at my abdomen, the pain is effecting my lower back too. Celia and Izumi suggested that could be a jetlag experience. It could be a travelor symtom, as I tend to get symptoms much frequent these days, probably too much of traveling and not enough of rest...... not sure. However, is Feb 14 now, and 4 more days to go for the workshop! Do pray for me that I will adjust quickly!
3b. M-chan (the hikikomori girl that you prayed for in 2009) had sent me some of her crafts, and I brought them together with me to RJC Conference for sale. I hoping to take this opportunity to discuss the needs of employment for hikikomori once they are free from the bondage. Please keep this in your prayers, and hopefully we will be able to clear all her crafts here in Seattle, and the good sales will restore confidence in her.
3c. Adopting youths with a passion for Christ in prayers
I brought the dedication cards that the youths around Japan had written which I collected last year to the conference. I am planning to dish it out to the missionaries, so each of them can adopt one or two dedication cards, and start to pray for these youths.

4.Things to work out in Japan

4a. I am leaving Seattle on Feb 21, and will reach Tokyo on Feb 22. Then I will prepare for the Hikikomori study group on Feb 25. Please pray for the participants and the flow of the program!

4b. I have another conference on society and health in Nara on Mar 4-5. I am taking this opportunity to visit Nara Fukuin Kyokai (Nara Evangelical Church) before or after the conference. Do pray for the Heart4Japan connection.
4c. Then I will go back to Tokyo to help out in our department organized conference, Behavioral Sceince and Medicine Japan on Mar 11-12.
4d. After that, my family and friends will come for a visit for a week.
4e. After that, we will have another hikikomori study group

4f. After that, I am planning to leave to IFJ (I follow Jesus Camp) on April 1-3  in Kansai area, hopefully will visit some churches too.

4g. Then, I will come back to Tokyo. Starting the new semester, at the same time, will have another hikikomori intervention for 3 weeks (Apr 4 - 23).


Will write more about item four when I have time. But meanwhiｌe, guess this is enough for now! Thank you for praying!

Hikikomori Workshop (Feb18) in the coming RJC Conference

Follow up with the previous article "Beginning of 2011", this is an edition about RJC Conference from Feb 17 -19 that will take place in Seattle, Northshore Baptist Church in Bothell, WA. 

Considerations......

As you may have be informed that I would be leading a Hikikomori workshop in the coming RJC Conference on Feb 18. In this workshop, I was asked to address the topic of hikikomori so that people could come into assist, as quite a number of Japanese students are located in overseas.

Through these years working on this topic, I see some cases who had developed the symptoms while they were in overseas, or not long after they returned to Japan. In 2009, I had shared about the findings and conclusion from my previous master work in the conference, and with some other missionaries and local churches in Japan. Following that, not only that I began to identify similar trends that occur in the practical field, but with the expansion of my work, I have had opportunities for more fieldworks and experiment interventions through different contacts, where some of these interventions worked and some did not.

As much as I wish to share all these observations with God's workers, and get people to pray about things and seek His wisdom in how to deal with the issue, there are certain limitations, as it takes time and skills to connect scientific findings to practical outreach, and it takes time to travel and exposure in order to spread the idea. At the same time, I do treasure the time that I have in Japan, and hope to reserve more time to the work here and sharpen the edge of research. I am afraid that I may not be able to travel much to in following years. Considering how the participants would get most out of this workshop, I have been thinking and praying these days for a way of conduct that could help the participants to be able to be on their own to start praying/intervention with clear context in mind. This would be meaningful, as the participants are mainly missionaries and Christians, where I believe that their presence in the field would carry lights of Jehovah with them. The outreach to hikikomori would not only be a temporary relief of human efforts, but entering into the eternity rest within God's plan.

Plans for the Hikikomori Workshop, 2011.02.18
What I have decided to do with this workshop would be focusing on these 2 major parts:

i.) Use a few case studies to illustrate the phenomenon by exploring the possible mental states, relation to cultural and social structural background, so that the participants would catch a glimpse of the context. 

ii.) Then, I will go on in illustrating the current practices in the field, by giving examples of the intervention efforts organized by Christians and non-Christians that experienced by my cases, in terms of their efficacy and sustainability, to spur the participants to challenge and examine the existing interventions in relation with Gospel, what work and what do not work.

There is a major theme in this workshop: LOVE

1 Cor 13:13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love (NASB)

Please Pray......
For this I would love you to pray together with me, for the workshop, and the RJC Conference as a whole (Feb 17-19).
1. Pray that the Lord will prepare the hearts of the people, hikikomori will be set free, and the workers that He calls to this field will rise up and go while continue to seek His heart day and night for Godly intervention.
2. Pray that His words will fill my lips, and it would be His passion and His fire that burns in my chest. Having the RJC conference to begin on Feb 17, is the the most fabulous birthday party that I would have. What more to have such a grand party by meeting many people whom their hearts are for Japan!
3. Please pray that the Lord will give me a gift that I will receive partners that are committed in both partnership and discipleship, whom have the same passion and direction that spur by His will, through this conference!

Thank you for your prayers! Shalom!