'Who touched me?'

I've had a busy day today. I took three Japanese students to the Vancouver Gospel Church located in New Westminister. All were greeted warmly. Each had borrowed Japanese bibles and hymn books. They even got a gift package containing the church's information.
Two youths gave testimony of their missions trip to Japan, just recently. They visited a church in the area affected by the tsunami. People still live in transitional housing after 7 years. The message of the woman who had an issue of  blood for 12 years in the bible was the verse brought to our attention. The female pastor indicated how the general public around her did not know that she was healed when she touched the garment of Jesus. Only Jesus knew that strength has faded from Him, and He asked 'who touched me'?  This woman was admonished by our Lord for the faith the woman had.. it was her faith that healed her. Then remarkably the pastor called to our rememberance that the Japanese people so adversely affected by the tsunami, who lost loved ones, are in many ways look fine from the outside, however knowing them deeper they have lost not only houses, businesses and loved ones, but also hope. Though they live in 'recovery homes now' coming out of the transitional homes, they are still hurting. Their lost loved ones can never be replaced. To us, they may seem just fine, just like the woman with the issue of blood. There would have been no visible evidence to the traveller by that she has been healed, except for Jesus asking; 'who touched me?"All we know is that she was financially, physically, and emotionally depleted, as many wanted nothing to do with her. BUT for God. He healed her, because of her faith. The people of Japan need healing too. God has not forgotten them. He is sending missionaries, and resources to them.
I also found two Japanese baptist churches near where these students live. I encouraged them to visit there, and have fellowship with the youth groups there. Generally, Western Japan has more christians than the eastern part. While there is life, there is still hope of salvation. See 4 steps to salvation in Japanese, or 4 steps to salvation if you see English. It is a good reminder of the requirements we need to adhere to per scriptures. With only 1 percent of the population who are christians, the suicide rate is very high in Japan. Not that suicide does not cross all barriers. I know that the pressure to study is so great for these girls, that they may only get 6 hours of sleep a night. God help us all to love one another.