Let’s praise the name of the Lord. I truly appreciate those who have been praying and supporting Tohoku. We feel the fresh autumn air and all the mountains are turning to beautiful autumn color here in Sendai.
It has been 2 years and 8 months since the Great East Japan Earthquake and here in Tohoku there are differences in the pace of recovery in various areas. People are struggling with frustration that they can’t see the future, and they also often share the fear that even though they found a place to live, they need to prepare a large sum of money for moving out of temporary housing into regular housing. I know one person who couldn’t sleep well and couldn’t focus while he was driving and nearly caused a car accident. Also there are people who are finally beginning to open their hearts and start to share their distress and experiences after 2 years and 8 months. We feel it’s important for them to have a safe place to open their hearts. And moreover, believer’s testimony and Gospel are reaching those who never ever heard about Gospel before the earthquake. Recently the concert by Ron Brown was held at several locations in Tohoku and we could praise the Lord and sing together with a lot of people. After the concert people gladly said, “It was great and believing something gave us great strength! Christians are amazing.” I always saw and felt that after the meeting, people’s faces were full of smiles and they looked very satisfied. I’m sure that it is because God is with us and He is working among us. God loves the people in Tohoku and also loves the people who volunteer and always gives grace to them. I’m always amazed by God great huge plan and wonderfulness. I have great expectations of what God will do in this disaster area.
Please continue to pray and support the disaster survivors.
Sendai Office/Tomoko Sugawara, November, 2013.