Some have labelled the last twelve months as the “year that was lost”. So much chaos has ensued around the world with the onset of COVID 19, and the losses for some have been devastating.
Not only does March mark the one year anniversary of the pandemic, but it’s also the tenth anniversary of the most expensive natural disaster ever recorded: The tsunami which crashed the shores of Japan.
Philip Yancey has explored the devastation firsthand and written extensively about it. To date, 300 billion dollars has been spent to restore the area, rebuild infrastructure, and build a sea wall. Half a million buildings were damaged or swept away. Nearly 20,000 died or went missing, and over 387,000 were left homeless. A decade later, the work of restoration continues.
Aid from around the world was swift and extensive. Search and rescue teams arrived from every continent. Christian relief agencies provided ongoing care. And those most deeply effected by the tragedy are also the most deeply grateful to this day. Yancey’s recent blogpost provided this link to a touching eight minute note of thanks from the Japanese people:
No, I won’t spend time teasing out the parallels between that enormous tragedy and the effect of the sexual tsunami on our own cultural landscape. I simply am reminded that restoration of the sexually abused, addicted, and confused will be an ongoing and costly effort until the return of Jesus. This blog is one of many efforts at awakening and equipping a Church overwhelmed and numb.
As I’ve hinted from the beginning, eventually there will be a paid subscription available for those who want to go deeper into the more controversial topics. The free posts, however, will continue at least twice monthly. Those posts will be laced with theology, prayer practices, wisdom and resources to equip and inspire.
The paid posts will also be at least twice monthly. There we will delve deeply into the more controversial issues facing the Church: gender identity and fluidity, ministry to gays and lesbians, the Trans phenomenon, and other matters which face those we counsel and pastor. With the paid subscriptions will be the opportunity to leave comments and discuss together the perplexing issues which befuddle leaders in the Church. A “think tank” approach, so to speak.
The fee will be the least amount that Substack allows: $5 per month or $50 per year. My hope is that the fee will discourage trolls from interrupting helpful discussion with their rage, strawmen, and polemical nonsense.
The paid posts will begin after Easter. Yeah, approaching quickly!
This short post is simply a reminder that surfing lessons to challenge the greatest of waves will be available soon.
Ready to sign up now?