I just received word that one of our ministry partners in Buenos Aires needs our prayers.
Five days ago, Pastor Luis Yonamine's house caught fire, destroying one bedroom and damaging the rest of the house due to smoke and fire damage. Pastor Luis was in the house when it broke out and he tried his best to put out the flames. Unfortunately he was overcome by the heat and smoke and was rendered unconscious for several minutes. He also suffered severe burns on his arms and other injuries on other parts of his body.
Because of the severity of the burns on his arm and resulting infection, together with the growing pain, he was admitted yesterday (4/24) to the Municipal Burn Institute of Buenos Aires. He was told that with the burn being so deep and severe, it would require surgery to remove the damaged tissue. He will need to stay for three weeks to receive surgery and skin grafts. This also complicates the rebuilding of their house. Pastor Yonamine is an accomplished wood worker.
His daughter, Aiko is writing to me to respond to an early email I wrote about a November visit to Buenos. She is very apologetic that they will not be able to receive me (us). But it's completely understandable given the circumstances.
I wanted to encourage my partners and friends to pray for this mission partner who received us so graciously several times in the past, including meeting with Pastor Rick and myself in 2013, and the reception of the São Paulo Holiness Church team that served there in 2014. (pictured below right)
