Well, we didn't take a photo this past Saturday night, but Nikka, Maeva, Yuki, and I had a time of prayer walking in downtown Kanazawa, in the heat and humidity of a Japanese August evening. I actually debated cancelling beforehand because I just felt so tired, and then we had some health issues on the walk that prevented us from staying out a long time, so we actually ended up praying for each other in addition to praying for freedom for those caught in trafficking. It was good to be together, with masks on, and to walk, talk, pray, and encourage each other.
This past Thursday night I participated in a Zoom meeting with Not for Sale Japan. Those of us attending the gathering learned more about the refugee detention centers around Japan, and it was eye opening for sure. A couple churches in Tokyo have detention center ministries, where some of the church folks visit those detained and take them supplies as needed and as allowed (soap, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, boil-in-the-bag curry packets). I'm going to ask how I can financially support these ministries, so if any of you would like to know more about it too, then please let me know. There might also be a way to write letters to the refugees in the centers, so if I am able to find out more, I will keep you posted.
My heart aches for those refugees who are tricked by visa brokers back in their home countries. These "brokers" promise them a better life and better jobs in Japan, and the refugees pay thousands of dollars for these fake visas, only to be arrested upon arrive in Narita airport in Tokyo. Some of them can spend years in these detention centers. Some of the folks have arrived requesting asylum from war-torn countries or from situations where they are being targeted (such as Christians in Sri Lanka). Lord, have mercy!
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