Praying for Japan

As I read and watched the horrific news about the earthquake and tsunami aftermath, I could not help but think about our fellow Epic staff and other missionaries currently serving in Japan. Besides dealing with the tragedy themselves, they have to continue in the the work they’ve been called to: telling people of the hope there is in a loving God through Jesus Christ. When I was overseas on missions a decade ago, 9/11 occurred. While the event affected all of us serving overseas, I felt like it affected me the most since it happened in my own hometown, a few blocks away from my high school. I felt immobilized, and incapable of sharing about a loving God in the midst of such death and tragedy. In time, God gave me the strength and truth that helped me to continue sharing about His love for the world. I cannot even imagine how hard it must be for our fellow brothers and sisters serving in Japan to press on in this good work.

Please pray for Ariel and his teammates who are currently serving in Japan. I got the privilege of getting to know Ariel as I coached him this past summer in raising funds to serve overseas. Please pray he and his teammates would be filled with God’s Spirit and His peace and strength. Please also pray for lives to be saved…both physically and spiritually. As Ariel writes: “Pray for a change in the spiritual climate of Japan. May this be the chance for us to show love and the gospel.” Let’s continue to be on our knees for Japan and our brothers and sisters serving there.

“East Meets West Leadership”

 

I recently read an article about Eastern leadership styles in Fullfill, an online magazine that “mobilizes women to invest their influence in the world for God’s purposes.” Though it’s marketed toward women, the articles in this mag clearly aren’t just for women – men can get just as much from soaking in the perspectives and wisdom that spill out from these virtual pages. (On a side note, I am incredibly encouraged to see the editors of FullFill bringing some of the ethnicity-specific dimensions of leadership to light.)

This particular article, written by Esther Feng, quickly highlights three areas in which Eastern cultures bring a different and valuable perspective to the American (and Western) leadership culture. For those of you who are familiar with the Asian American experience, I’m sure these won’t be new or shocking to you. I’m not sure what our Western culture friends think of it. But, before I share my thoughts on Ms. Feng’s article, I’d like to hear yours.

To access the article, sign up for a free account at fullfill.org and go to page 18 in the current (Winter 2011) issue. While you’re there, take some time to peruse the other articles as well – you never know what gems you’ll stumble across.