Fire destroys evangelist's home

Remains of gutted home

MITO, Japan (BNc) — The house of Yoshiya Noguchi, evangelist with the Ochanomizu church in Tokyo, was destroyed by fire Sunday morning, Nov. 4.

Yoshiya, his wife Emiko, their children Hannah (8) and Aito (6), and Emiko’s mother escaped with only the clothes they had on. Everything else was destroyed.

One report said that Yoshiya’s brothers searched among the remains, looking especially for a car key. They found half-burnt passports and driver’s licenses, but no car key.

Emiko tried to re-enter the house to get something and got a minor injury to her throat due to smoke inhalation.  She was hospitalized briefly.

Yoshiya was a member of the Park Avenue congregation while at Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tenn., according to Dwight Albright, Park Avenue missions minister.

He has served the Ochanomizu congregation since 1998.

Yoshiya’s family is currently staying with his parents who live in Ishioka, in the southern part of Ibaraki. Emiko’s mom is staying with a relative in Mito.

Those wanting to help may contact Dwight at 901-682-1220.

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