PRAYER REQUIRED.

[Mami Ghone]

Hi fellow brothers and sisters.
I am not sure how loud this news is internationally, or even on Japanese media.

My mother and I are grieving for the increase of the people who commit suicide daily in Japan.

In December 2008, it was 83 people committing suicide everyday, just within Japan. It is a significant number and we must not overlook this.

However, this month, it has increased even more, and 100 people daily commit suicide.

I am not here to talk about how it is not God's will for us to commit suicide. Nor am I here to support suicide.

But I believe that it's important for us to realise how they had not many other choices. Because of the financial crisis last year many have lost jobs, needed to sell cars and houses. Some teens needed to quit high school, because their parents could not afford the fees. Living expense is still as high, and government has not been giving enough support.
I consider this phenomena as the consequence of structrual violence, and I really sympathise with those who gave up their lives.

My uncles fit into so called "working poor" populations, and they are, I believe in a similar situation as those who commited suicide. They work very hard, but earn very little.

As people of God, I believe that we have the authority to ask the Father in the name of Jesus to bring life, not death.

God brought me to the Scripture in Romans 12: 9-21,
rather a long passage, but worth sharing here.

Love
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[b]says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[c] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

There are a few things I want to share about this passage;
-It is time for us to pray for the needy, even if they are the very ones who persecute you. (I'm reminded that those who commit suicide might be those who do not know/deny God)
-It is time for us to feel with them. God calls us to share feelings with those in different circumstances. We might not be in the same situation, but we are called to care and bring comfort.
-It is time for us to provide practical help for them.
eg, v20, if they are hungry, feed them.
-Lastly, verse21 is a call for us.
v21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let's pray together for the people in Japan and spiritual, emotional bondages to be broken that the nation will experience life abundantly.

[Cecille]

Wow! Small world! Yep! Auckland is huge.. but I am from Wellington. Now..in Kapiti Coast. Its winter here and "Windy -Wellington".God is great! We lived in the same street where Christian Church is located.Cool huh! God bless you more.. and keep on with your faith!

[Mami Ghone]

Thanks Cecille, read you are from NZ!!! Kia Ora! I lived in Auckland before! I was at Epsom Girl's Grammar! MIss it so much. Love to visit there as a Christian. (I was not a Christian when I was there). I'd love to feel and experience what God is doing in the land.

[Cecille]

Glad to share more words of wisdom .. be a blessings and be blessed!..thanks for encouragement Sis Mami.

[Mami Ghone]

Hi Cecille,
Thank you for your comment: ) How was your Sunday? I just came back from the service.
Sure, I believe that we have so much responsibilities to spread God's word like you have just shared with me for those who do not know Jesus. I love how Jesus talks about how Father dresses the lily as well :) Gospel is such a sweet message :D We should not just keep it for ourselves!

[Cecille]

Sis. Mami,
Life has its ups and downs, and the down times are only temporary, even though it may not seem that way. Often, the hard times in our lives, when things seem hopeless, are really opportunities to learn valuable lessons such as humility, dependence on God, the value of prayer, or to learn how to help others who are suffering. In times when things seem the worst, we can be sure that God loves us more than ever.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV, Luke 12:6-7 )

"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. "Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (NAS, Matthew 7:8-11)

People often wonder if a person who dies from suicide can be saved and get to heaven, but the Bible does not say anything about this. Most Christians believe what matters most to God is how a person lives his life rather than how he or she dies.
And Truly, not only in Japan this things happens and we are here to continue to pray for all circumstances like this.
Our God may continually bless you gives you more strength and hope with your family and people in JAPAN.
Blessings!