Helping in Japan

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope you are having a good first few weeks of spring. I am about to start my first year of college this fall and have been living on my own for about eight months now. However, I am looking for a real change of pace this summer. This past year I have been planning on going to Japan on a short-term mission this June organized by my church here in Ogden.

Our original plan was to teach Japanese people to sing Black Gospel songs in English and participating in a concert by a Japanese Black Gospel choir of about 300 to 400 people. Black Gospel music is very popular in Japan. Many people want to learn to sing this style and even more are interested in improving their English. These choirs give many Japanese their first exposure to a Christian church and their first chance to have a Christian friend. But now they have a different need.

As many of you know, Japan has been struck by a major tragedy and many lives have been effected and destroyed. I have been praying a lot lately about what God is calling me to do. After reading in my Bible for more answers I saw a verse that said “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. I know that our team can offer them our encouragement in their struggles and receive encouragement from them as we support them in this time of need.

I would appreciate prayers for my team and I as we prepare for this ministry and during our time in Japan. We will definitely be out of our personal comfort zones and will need to trust God for his strength and guidance. The financial need for me to be able to go is $2,300. I am thankful for any contribution, your five dollars might be the reason I get to go and help the people in Japan. If you do decide to contribute you may send your check to Washington Heights Church, 1770 East 6200 South, Ogden, UT 84405. Please make your check to the church and on the memo line write my name and the word “Japan”. If you prefer to be anonymous with your giving, write the word “Confidential” on the top of your check and our church will honor this. Thank considering helping me to go and help Japan.

I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him in another culture. I look forward to sharing the love of Christ with the Japanese people while meeting a practical need. Thank you for your prayers and your friendship as I experience what it truly means to be a servant for Christ.

Joyfully serving Him,

Aleesha White