Whether it's happening across the street or across the country, check out what's happening with the Foursquare family.
From North Asia to Francophone Africa, and from Europe to North America, new Foursquare ministries will be taking root in part because of the faithful giving of The U.S. Foursquare Church. Phase one allocations, which have just been announced, account for one-third of the total Connection 2011 offering. These funds are already impacting the mission field.
Nearly 1.8 billion people live in North Asia, one of the world’s most diverse regions. The need is great, and there is much work to be done, especially in the wake of recent disasters such as the Japan earthquake and tsunami. But in the face of such daunting challenges, The Foursquare Church—comprising more than 47,000 members—is ministering effectively.
Back in the day, Chu Kosaka was the first Japanese rock star to appear on the cover of “Rolling Stone” magazine. Today, Chu pastors a Foursquare church in Tokyo. Along with missionaries, pastors and volunteers, he is busy bringing the love and compassion of Christ to the “hisaisha,” victims of the Tohoku earthquake, tsunami and radiation disaster.
Foursquare church members from across the U.S. have responded generously to the crisis in Japan, and relief efforts are underway as teams prepare to travel to the island nation this summer. More than $200,000 has been donated via Foursquare Missions International, and through a partnership between Foursquare and CRASH Japan, many opportunities to go help out are available.
In a region where evangelism poses a challenge—and can even be risky—Foursquare has seen more than 2,000 churches and meeting places blossom and grow.
Over the weekend Cyclone Nargis struck the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar—also known as Burma—with 120 mph winds and caused widespread devastation.
Foursquare President Jack Hayford offers his personal reaction to the recent disaster in Asia and urges The Foursquare Church family to respond and make and impact to restore the region.