There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love; There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.
Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need; Mercy-drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.
The phrase, "when it rains, it pours," can be taken either negatively or positively, I suppose. Often people will use that phrase to speak of multiple catastrophes or challenges. But in light of the great hymn of faith, we can also see that there are occasions when God will shower us with blessings.
I've been the recipient of those blessings over the last few days as we've received visitors from South America. Over the years, God has permitted me to partner with some very special people. Some with whom I've served alongside here in the USA, while others have been important keys to entry into the Nikkei community in South America. I am grateful for these dear folks who have partnered with me along the way.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
So good to meet again with Mrs. Connie Yamada, who is the widow of Rev. Takaaki Yamada with whom I served as co-pastor at the San Gabriel Valley Japanese Christian Church (now West Covina Christian Church). Also pictured, is Mrs Rosa Tanaami. She and her husband were one of the first pastors to receive JEMS teams in Brazil, using English language as a means to invite the community into the doors of the church. Also pictured are the extended Yamada family and Davy and Susana Tanaami.
Pastor Tomoyuki Nakada served as a missionary-evangelist in the challenging environment of the Amazon rainforest among Japanese farming colonies near the city of Manaus, AM. He was also the source of one of my greatest and most challenging experiences in the Amazon basin: Read more.
Although quite frankly, the economic situation is dire in South America, we are grateful to God for his provision which allows these ministry partners to visit us here in Los Angeles. May God continue to bless the bridges of relationship that he has allowed us to build over the decades.
