Helping the Hurting in Tsunami-Ravaged Japan

The following is an adapted excerpt from reports by Jill and Alan Kropp, who are partnering with Jane and Harry Landaw in reaching out to Japanese impacted by the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor leak.

We have great news! Last month we asked you to pray that God would provide us with a strategically located building to launch a new ministry initiative in the tsunami-hit disaster area of northern Japan. Through your prayers and the tireless efforts of our field colleagues, Harry and Jane Landaw, God has provided such a place. With the financial backing of CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates), we purchased a house in the city of Ishinomaki, one of the hardest-hit areas, where 46 percent of the city was inundated with water.

The earthquake literally shifted the city southeastward, and the ground sank as much as three feet in some places. More than 3,000 lives were lost. The previous owner of the home we purchased said that in the immediate neighborhood alone, 12 people had died. Some, even after hearing the tsunami sirens, went home to retrieve personal belongings, only to be washed out to sea.

Elderly people who had lived in the area all their lives underestimated the reach of the tsunami. They, too, perished. There are many more horror stories. To say that the needs are great is an understatement; but now, through this center, we have a unique opportunity to help the hurting. Our plans are to start a ministry that will serve the needs of the whole person, body and soul. Many in the region are still [emotionally traumatized by] the chaos, destruction, and death of the triple disaster. They are distraught, yearning for rest, hope, and peace. It is our desire to launch a ministry center that, by God’s grace, will eventually evolve into a sustainable, local church that will continue to serve this city.

“The people’s hearts are open!” said a Japanese pastor who is ministering inside the disaster zone. Please pray for continued receptivity to Jesus in the Tohoku region.

What You Can Do

Please join us in praying for this new work in Ishinomaki. Pray that God will give us favor with local contractors and community officials whom we seek to work alongside. Pray that we will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so we will know how best to serve and encourage the people of Ishinomaki.

Pray, too, for Alliance workers around the world.

Learn More

Read about God’s miraculous provision for Jane and Harry Landaw, church-planting team coordinators in the disaster area.

 

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