“This worked for the first two services,” said Pastor Mike Malpass as he adjusted a connection and looked back at the large screens behind him. As members of the third-service congregation watched, he explained that we would be hearing a report from Japan via Skype if all went well. Moments later, the faces of Billy and Motoi Petite, missionaries to Japan, appeared on the screens. “Good Mornings” were exchanged, and then Pastor Malpass explained that it was indeed morning in Japan—1:00 A.M. Monday morning! In this age of technology, skyping missionary reports should not seem unusual—it’s good to put faces with the names of those for whom we are praying, and to hear how God is using them in ministry.

Billy Petite, a graduate of Shepherds Theological Seminary, and his wife, Motoi, currently serve at Akita Bible Baptist Church in Japan. Billy was preparing for a big day in his ministry, April 4, 2011, when he was scheduled to be ordained and begin his pastoral work at Akita BBC. Then March 11 happened and changed everything—a tsunami crashed onto Japan’s shores, killing thousands and destroying everything in its path. The Petites live about three hours from where the tsunami hit, and Akita was not damaged very badly so they were able to serve as back-up for local churches and contacts. Three days after the tsunami hit, Billy and Motoi delivered supplies to a local contact in an area that was greatly damaged, and safely picked up Motoi’s sister and niece who were in an evacuation shelter. After that, they continued to make numerous trips to deliver supplies and to volunteer where help was needed. They even delivered sixty bicycles to those who had lost their cars.

Although there is still much work to be done, most of the world, including most of Japan, has moved on. People in the devastated areas say they feel like the world has moved on while they are stuck in time. In January, Billy had hoped to take a volunteer team to help those still in need, but not one person signed up so the trip was cancelled. Billy said, “Please pray that the local Christians who are continuing to labor would be able to show those who have lost so much that true hope can only be found in Christ. May they come to know that, even though the world may forget about them, Christ desires to be with them always.”

Here’s how you can pray for the Petites:

1. Pray for the follow-up that is taking place after the recent "Celbration of Hope" sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association that took place in Sendai. The hearts of the Japanese people are more open than ever before, and this event could have a large impact on Northern Japan.
2. Pray for the local Christians who have been serving others faithfully since the earthquake and tsunami. Their one desire is to see souls saved, but they are growing tired after such a long and demanding time of recovery.
3. Pray for Akita Bible Baptist Church. God has been working among college students over the last year. They are looking forward to baptizing a new believer on March 25—their first baptism in more than two years.
4. Please pray that God will glorify His name in Akita.