Where do I begin this journey of serving in disaster relief? Thinking back, God has been definitely leading me in that direction. Before my family and I came up to the PNW, we attended a church in California. One week, we had a celebration for missions outreach. At the end of the week during the church prayer, the pastor made a calling that whoever felt led then and in the future to pursue missions outreach should raise their hand. Yes, I raised my hand, unaware of how I would be involved.
Moving forward, our family made the decision of relocating up to Washington State. While my family prepared for the big move, I had secured a job with Lakehaven Utility District and settled in Northeast Tacoma to start working. Every day, both to and from work, I drove by a church along Dash Point Road—Palisades, at that time. What do you think was on their marquee? That’s right: “Have you considered serving in disaster relief?” WOW!
My family finally made the move and we began our life in the great Northwest. Joyce and the kids visited a number of churches in the area and Palisades (now LifeWay) became our home church. “Pastor Billy really made us feel at home,” recalls Joyce.
In a short time, I had inquired about Disaster Relief. Before I knew it, I was traveling along with four other church friends to the Bahamas—not for a vacation, but for hurricane recovery. I recall that this was with the International Mission Board. It’s really amazing to see God providing for all your needs, especially when you only have the bare essentials to work with. No doubt most disaster relief is hard, physical work, but it’s working for the Lord. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Our team completely removed and replaced composition shingles on a hurricane-battered church and pastor’s home. It was astounding what our team of five could do in just one week. There is a saying that we give to those in need: there is not only benefit to the receiver, but we are benefitted as well.
After returning home, I continued pursuing disaster relief and became a part of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), Region 1 team. Many disasters seemed to happen after that from flooding, mud slides, forest fires, 9/11 and hurricanes. During Katrina, after the team had finished providing the daily allotted meals for the designated areas, we would then open up part of the compound to provide hot food and other supplies. We called this “the drive-through.” One particular time, after I greeted an elderly man, his hands started to tremble on his steering wheel. Tears just started welling up in me and when I composed myself, his vehicle had moved up the line. I asked to leave my post and pray with the man. I did catch up to the gentleman and asked if I could say a prayer with him. Usually when I asked to pray for these victims, they never said no. I know the Lord aided him in some way, but what a benefit I received from that experience.
Through those experiences working with many SBDR brothers and sisters in the Lord, helping to bring HOPE to victims of a disaster, it has been a lesson for me to “serve a cup of cold water in His name.” I just looked inside my SBDR work cap and found this scripture that I had written:
Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Besides my own wife and family, there have been many brothers and sisters in the Lord at LifeWay Church who have enabled me to experience SBDR missions. You know who you are. Thank you!
In His Service,
Rich
Growing up, Rich Fujimoto was in Cub and Boy Scouts and eventually earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He and Joyce have been married 39 years and have three daughters and two grandchildren, Kashis (age 7) and Gwen (almost 7 months). In 2017, Rich became a member of the “Rollover Club” (retired) and now keeps himself busy with ham radio, Bible study, disaster relief, keeping in contact with friends, and spending time with their two grandchildren (not necessarily in that order). The Fujimotos have been attending LifeWay since 1991.