Friday, 2:46:24 PM
It began like any other day. But it would not end that way. A 9.0-magnitude earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in that country, struck the northeast coast of Japan. A gigantic tsunami, reaching up to 130 feet in some locations, followed. This catastrophe, combined with the nuclear reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima power plant, created a “triple disaster” that has “changed everything in Japan,” says Richard Herring, director for the C&MA’s Asia and Pacific region. Japan suffered the greatest destruction and loss of life since World War II.
The survivors speak.
“The water kept coming—it was like a river . . . the entire road was water.”
“There were so many cars piled up here at the school grounds…the tsunami came from over there, where the Pacific Ocean is. So many people and cars were washed along and crashed into the school pliling up here. Endless cars. A huge fire broke out after the tsunami. Mothers, fathers, children and grandparents all burned to death in the fire. And cars kept piling into the school. People couldn’t open their car doors. The fire burned and burned, for a very long time. Only people who were able to make it up the hill behind the school survived.”
“My mother grabbed her sister to help her get inside. I saw the tsunami, looked to my mother, and then back to the tsunami. One, two, three—and then it hit. My family’s story ended in that moment. Everyone was dead.”
Days of Chaos
“The days [following] the disaster were marked by chaos as rescuers relentlessly searched for those in dire need—people stranded on roofs, trapped in debris, fighting the elements to survive,” says Alan Kropp, an Alliance worker in Japan who has been assisting with relief efforts.
“Within days, the rescue phase was over, and relief work began. The tsunami left more than 100,000 people homeless. The essentials—including water, food, and warm clothes—were in great demand. Government, nonprofit agencies, and churches stepped in to provide for those needs.
“The relief phase, meeting these tangible physical needs, lasted for months,” says Alan. “Now we have moved to the recovery phase, rebuilding communities and lives. Unlike the rescue and relief phases, the recovery phase will take years.”
The Alliance Responds
Since the initial catastrophe, God has led Alliance workers in Japan to focus outreach efforts on Ishinomaki, one of the hardest-hit areas, located in the Tohoku Prefecture, called Japan’s spiritually “dark region.”
“In this city of 165,000, about 29,000 residents lost their homes, more than 3,000 died, and nearly the same number remains unaccounted for,” Richard says.
International workers Harry and Jane Landaw are leading a strategic ministry to survivors, with assistance from Alan Kropp and Japan Alliance church leaders. “The needs have hit the subterranean level of the human heart,” says Alan. “[It has been said that] depression and suicide have become the greatest threats to life in the Tohoku region.”
But the Lord is at work. “Every day we are seeing God provide in amazing ways,” says Jane. “We are thankful to be partnering with other evangelistic groups in the greater Ishinomaki area in touching lives of those who have lost loved ones and suffered many hardships, including great destruction to their homes.”
One year after this tragedy, Christian organizations and volunteers continue to help Japanese people “who, before the tsunami, had never met a Christian,” Jane says. Samaritan’s Purse, for instance, has been overseeing the rebuilding of people’s homes. “After each house is remodeled, there is a dedication of the home; volunteers, missionaries, and pastors join together for this service of blessing the home.” During each dedication, a message is given from God’s Word, and a Bible is presented to the homeowners.
“Harry has been asked to be the representative in our neighborhood, and he led the most recent dedication. What a joy to see Mrs. S. holding the Bible that she and her husband had received. As we all ate lunch together, God opened doors for sharing heart to heart. Mrs. S. said to me (Jane), ‘Will you be my mommy?’
“Please pray for these times of witnessing to hundreds of homeowners and their friends through these dedication services. It is such a privilege.
“Thank you for giving to the Great Commission Fund, which allows us to minister here in Japan. We also thank you for partnering with us through prayer. It is THE most important need we have. God is moving, and we see it before our eyes daily.”
What You Can Do
Pray for the Landaws, the Kropps, Alliance church leaders, and their ministry partners as they continue to reach out to the people of Ishinomaki and share God’s plan of salvation with them. Pray that many will find eternal hope in Jesus Christ. Pray also for Alliance workers around the world as they address deep needs for which only Jesus is the answer.
Find out more about the Great Commission Fund and make a donation today. Partner with Alliance workers in bringing the good news to people, such as those in Ishinomaki, who have yet to embrace the hope that only Jesus offers.