Worship in the Dark

One of the most positive and powerful things that I've experienced since this whole earthquake business began is gathering with other believers in the dark chapel and spending time in sincere worship and prayer. I think I already talked about that first service when we truly had no power. But this past Sunday was just as good. Ch. Beyea preached on Psalm 46 and had us stand and read it all aloud, shouting the triumphant words:

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge...

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world... The God of Israel is our fortress."

(Ps. 46:1-3,10-11, NLT)

Then we talked about how God is our fortress, so we should not fear! He is our warrior so we should trust in Him! And He is our king, so we need to lift Him up! Ch. Beyea made a couple of good points. First - he asked us to think back on our reaction when the earthquake hit, and to ask ourselves whether we are where we should be, spiritually. Then, he focused on those last two verses and said that we need to pause, and stop looking at ourselves and at the chaos around us and look to God instead. For He is God. No matter how much it's shaking, He's still got the whole world in His hands.

Monday night was another awesome time, and one I'm very thankful I was around for. We got permission from Wing Leadership to hold our usual youth group meeting at the chapel, even though it meant having lights on in the building for a couple of hours. I agreed with chapel staff that it was really important to get that going right away so that we could help the kids process what they'd been through and to start hopefully thinking about how God is working in and through it all.

We turned the lights down low and scattered several candles throughout the room to help set the mood and take us back to that first weekend after the quake when we had no power. Then we sang some powerful songs, like "Mighty to Save" where the chorus cries: "Savior - He can move the mountains. Our God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save..." Then we took a look at the book of Job and talked about that thorny question: "How could God allow something like this to happen?" It was great hearing the kids responses to that question, as well as their stories and praises from the past week. I think it's safe to say that God really is doing some mighty works in their hearts and I'm going to keep praying that they're able to go out in their school and community and be a light in these dark times!

They also started up our usual Tuesday morning Protestant Women of the Chapel meetings today. Our numbers were few, but we spent the first 30 minutes worshipping and in fervent corporate prayer for the nation of Japan that moved many of us to tears. It was incredible! I can't wait to start hearing more and more stories about the way God is reaching out to these people who do not know Him and need Him desperately.

If you'd like to join us in our prayers, here are some things you can focus on:

* For speedy relief aid for all the victims, and that they would be protected from the effects of the nuclear radiation around Fukushima.

* For the Japanese church - that they would be bold and stand up and start leading their countrymen to Christ. They are small and don't have many resources, but God can work miracles through those who are devoted to Him and willing to answer His call.

* For the Japanese people - that they would begin to understand the concept of receiving a free gift, when you are totally unable to give anything in return. And that this would be a gateway into sharing the gospel with them and breaking down the cultural barriers that prevent them from embracing it.

* For strength, endurance and wisdom for all of the relief workers who are tirelessly fighting their way through the debris to get to those small towns that have not yet been reached. That they would not be overwhelmed or worn down by all of the destruction, but that they would be reassured that their blood, sweat and tears are making a difference!

* For the safety of all American military personnel and their families scattered throughout Japan - that those who are choosing to leave will have safe passage back to the States, and that those who are staying behind will be safe and have many opportunities to help in the relief efforts.

Thanks!