A Humble Plea for Prayer and Support to Establish a new Chruch building for "I Love Jesus Church"

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“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen.”

(Isaiah 43:18–20)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

March 11, 2026, marks the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Today, we stand before the possibility of another major disaster that could strike at any moment. To ensure we are never caught unprepared again, we have spent the last 15 years praying and preparing, drawing from our memories and experiences in disaster relief across the globe. By leveraging the networks we’ve built with brothers and sisters throughout Japan and the world since 2011, we are now fully committed to nurturing future leaders and establishing a permanent base for disaster relief.

It is with a heavy yet hopeful heart that I write this letter, earnestly seeking your fervent prayers and financial support for this sacred journey.

During the Great East Japan Earthquake, I had the privilege of serving at the church where my wife grew up. At that time, the congregation took over a building that had once been a pachinko parlor (a gambling hall) and transformed it into a church. It quickly became the headquarters for disaster relief. Through the process of helping the affected areas alongside Christians who flew in from all over the world, I experienced the immense grace of God through countless comforts and divine appointments.

Since then, to prepare for future calamities, I have collaborated with Christian politicians to build a nationwide network within Japan. I also assisted in launching a prayer network for Japanese Christians scattered across the globe. As a result, when the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck recently, we were able to facilitate swift cooperation between the government and civil society, putting into practice the lessons learned from 2011.

In particular, we have been praying for former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who championed the establishment of a "Disaster Management Agency" as part of his vision for Japan. I am overjoyed to share that the agency is finally being established in Japan this year. We believe this is a victory achieved together through God's providence.

We are currently preparing measures for potential mega-disasters, such as the Nankai Trough earthquake, a direct hit to Tokyo, or a Mount Fuji eruption. To this end, we have been sharing our vision and coordinating relief systems with partners in neighboring South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, as well as those as far away as the United States and Brazil.

Even amidst the COVID-19 crisis, our church never stopped worshipping. Through hybrid services combining in-person and Zoom gatherings, God allowed us to transcend physical boundaries. We have been blessed to see many souls find Christ through our website and online services.

In 2022, while preparing for a new church building, our family was blessed by the kindness of a local real estate CEO. He allowed us to live and minister in our current building rent-free for two years after it was remodeled. Upon hearing about our disaster relief ministry, he was so moved that he personally drafted the blueprints for our new church, envisioning it as a headquarters for future relief efforts and a place for believers to gather, learn, and pray.

However, we are now facing a tough trial.

Due to the economic stagnation and rising prices following the pandemic, the real estate market has frozen, and the CEO who so selflessly helped us is now facing a severe financial crisis. To make matters worse, this dear brother, who supported our church's completion more than anyone, suffered a stroke this past February. By God’s grace, he survived the life-and-death crisis and is currently recovering in the hospital, awaiting discharge.

Even now, having survived the threshold of death, his only hope and motivation for recovery is to see the new church building finally stand.

Help Us Establish a Kingdom Outpost

Beloved family in God,

Just as we rose as one during the 2011 earthquake, I earnestly move you to join forces with us once again. When an unexpected disaster strikes Japan, we desperately need "our own base"—a place where the church can make independent decisions and act swiftly, rather than a rented space where we must seek someone else's permission to move.

We are praying for a "miracle door" to open for the church’s establishment by the end of this March, which would also provide the necessary support to stabilize the CEO’s company in its time of need.

The blueprints are ready. The potential land has been identified. All we need now is the outpouring of God’s grace through His people. Please do not let this ministry—dedicated to embracing the souls of Japan and delivering Christ's love in the midst of ruins—be interrupted.

We humbly ask for your precious prayers and support. May the grace of our Lord be with you and your families always.

Amen,

Rev. Yoshitaka Ikarashi

Lead Pastor, I Love Jesus Church