Four years ago today, Silk and I were in Karuizawa, Japan with most of our Japan staff and Asian Access/Japan National Leadership. It is a day that I will never forget.
That afternoon, while sitting in the Megumi Chalet chapel, the 9.1 earthquake hit. Being well acquainted with earthquakes growing up in Southern California, I wasn't concerned at first. But, as the earthquake kept going minute by minute and getting stronger by the moment, I began to worry.
Soon, we evacuated the building and then learned about the terrible devastation that struck North Eastern Japan.
It all came back as I read the news today!
- 250,000 Japanese still displaced 4 years after quake
- FOUR YEARS AFTER: More than 60% of evacuees still stuck in temporary housing
The memories of those ensuing hours and days are overwhelming. Seeing the devastation of the tsunami and nuclear disaster struck home.
We mobilized our team: half of our missionaries moved to the disaster area and tons of aid was raised and sent to local pastors. The stories of Japanese churches and local pastors standing in the gap was—and continues to be—powerful. The hope they brought to the people was incredible. Many have found new life in Christ yet others are still stuck in temporary shelters, displaced from their homes.
I learned of one pastor from Fukushima who shared recently that he realizes that he will never get to return to his home. How devastating!
A Call to Pray... and to Go...
Our team has called for your prayers, and I hope you'll join us. The people of Japan are hungry for hope and your prayers and support can go a long ways. I trust you'll join us in prayer this day and consider going to serve in Japan to bring hope and health to the people. Learn more about this at http://go2japan.org
Join us this day in praying for this day that I will never forget!
- Call to Prayer - a prayer vigil is going on right now in Ishinomaki. Let's join them...
Thank you for your support, and let's keep praying for the people of Japan. May the hope of Christ be found by those who are still displaced, lost and hurting from the loss of all they have ever known: their homes, families, communities, and entire livelihoods.
Joe Handley
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