1. Thank God for the incredible unity of the Christian church in their response to this triple tragedy. Organizations like JEMA and JEA are working closely with umbrella organizations like CRASH to coordinate response to these disasters (see previous posts). PRAY that God would energize this unity into great opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ in this large unreached people group. 2. The Converge Worldwide Japan Field Council met last week and…
Cherry blossoms came early to Tokyo this year. Traditionally Japanese would have a cherry blossom viewing party (hanami) to celebrate the coming of Spring and to inaugurate the new year. But this Spring is no time for celebrating. The governor of Tokyo has made public announcements to encourage people from refraining from holding these hanami parties in Tokyo parks due to the mood of the nation after the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and power blackouts.…
An historic church in Fukushima city was reported demolished today due to extensive damage. The Fukushima Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan, as the first commissioned work by American missionary/architect William Merrell Vories was a cultural asset registered with the Japanese government. This church, founded in 1886, was far too damaged to repair. PRAY for this church and the other 27 churches in Fukushima city that they may have a renewed sense…
Japan is recovering from a great disaster but is even more spiritually needy, which is the assessment from the World Compassion Network (WCN) staff after their visit to Japan. “Japan has suffered a triple punch in the stomach. The 9.0 earthquake was the worst earthquake in 100 years. They actually survived it quite well due to their building codes. The Tsunami however was devastating. Their tsunami protection walls were taken down in a split second…
Today is April 1st, a day which marks the beginning of year for businesses and schools. For all of Japan, and especially for those in the hard-hit areas, today is a day of new beginnings. Japanese are trying to keep their spirits up in the face of the hard realities of destruction of lives, homes, and communities. It was only 3 weeks ago today that Japan had met in the terrible forces of nature and…
Today we were meeting for our Converge Worldwide Japan Field Council. We have been planning on our response to the triple disasters of March 11th. More coming very shortly. Jeff Chapman, who went on a relief trip (see previous posts) to Kessenuma and Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture a week ago, shared some photos and video of his trip. The destruction is what we have seen elsewhere but it was encouraging to hear how they were…