There was so much to be heard this week. So much to see, so much to do, so much to hear.
On Thursday this week, I was excited to go and work hard in my awesome, borrowed bright-blue jump suit. We went to a Ramen and Hamburger Joint called the Clock Tower (Tokeidai). The owner had been running the business for 40+ years. However, the tsunami waves came in a destroyed much of what was inside and took out a few walls. I heard earlier teams cleaned out a lot of sand while taking everything outside and dividing the trash.
I never really thought about that part-- all the sand. But other teams have spent days at another restaurant trying to clean up dishes and other supplies from sand and oil and otherwise caked stuff.
Anyhow, this owner of the business, who is in his 60s, has decided to have the house destroyed and start over. When asked what will he do after that, his answer is that he doesn't know. He will figure that out once all this is taken care of...
As we were going through the piles of things to be thrown away, there were books, photo albums, stuffed animals, clothes. It was a little disconcerting to be going through someone's stuff like that-- knowing that it wasn't their plan to have all this stuff disposed of in this manner. However, a few things were salvaged. Among those things was the deed to the land. The owner could not find it, and that was one of the things he seemed to be worried about. However, someone was going through the piles as we were bagging things up to carry to the dumpsters, and found an old, flimsy deed. Sure enough, it was the deed to his land, and the owner was very happy about that.
On Friday, I was going to finish some painting for the church cabinets housing tools and other manly things. I had found out on Wednesday that they wanted one done, and on Friday, I planned to do the other cabinet. Anyhow, while I was finishing the first one, Ijima-san came up to me. Ijima-san is a man about in his 50s or 60s, I would guess. He communicated with me that he wanted a sign made for a family that had a fishing business-- for bate. Anyhow, their house was destroyed, but they are still in business.
So, I got to work on it. I was really excited to make something for a family. Ijima-san later told me that he would take me to the family to give it to them. That was even cooler, because I wasn't expecting it. Anyway, I finished in the afternoon, full of paint everywhere on me, but happy to have finished something (and with limited paint and brushes (amazingly expensive here, let me tell you... I shouldn't be surprised though) that would bless a family in need.
Later, Benjamin and Ijima-san and I went to the family's house and delivered the sign. They were happy to receive it, and we had the chance to chat for a bit about their experience. They are now living in the addition that they had built on their house. The original part was built some 100 years ago, in the traditional Japanese style. Because it would cost so much to rebuild it, they tore it down and are now living in the addition, which has a tarp for a wall and a half.
Their next door neighbor received work from some of the team. He owns a rice factory, and his machinery was also destroyed. Only some 5% of it was insured. He will receive some money from the government and some from the insurance company, but he will have to borrow much in order to restart. It seems to be the case for many businesses and families.
But the Japanese people go on, and Global Mission Center and the volunteers that all work with them continue to offer hope not only for the current situation, but that hope you need on the inside-- the kind that comes from God. It is truly amazing to see all the opportunities to serve through this church. See earlier blogs for more..
Since the beginning, when the earthquake and tsunami first took place, I was impressed by the world's reaction to and support of Japan. It really touched me. But on my first night, I stood in a room with people from all over. From around Japan, from the States, from Canada, from Korea. From all different churches and backgrounds.
We stood in a circle, and Mori-sensei (the pastor) said, you know-- we come from all over and from different churches, but together we are the church of Jesus here.
And it's true. We are the church, the body of Jesus. And we carry the hope with us-- and the knowledge that we do not face the world alone-- God, who created us, loves us and is with us.
It's easy as time goes by to forget the tragedies that have passed. Or at least the ones that we don't see everyday. I probably tend to think that because I don't see it on the news anymore, that everything must be fine.
But, the people of Japan still hurt and still are affected by the events of March 2011. There are still families without homes, without jobs, trying to rebuild. There are still those grieving for lost loved ones and friends. There are still some very, very difficult situations.
If you are able to, you can volunteer to help. Please contact me for more info. You can pray, because prayer is powerful, even from across the world. And you can do your part from where you are by offering the hope you have and can find in Christ to the people around you. You don't have to wait for disaster to strike your area. You, if you believe in Jesus as your Savior, are the church and you have the hope for all situations of life.
Thank you for your prayers for Japan and encouragement. The Japanese people need it.
