Michtam Records, a Christian music company in Japan, has been partnering with CRASH's Mobile Café program and provided concerts for the survivors who visit the café. In their quarterly publication, Tambourine, musician Migiwa and CRASH Japan's Nasu base volunteer Sousuke Noda share their experiences with music at the mobile café.

Testimony by Migiwa

I started volunteering with CRASH's Ichinoseki and Sendai bases this year. I started participating in concerts last year, but I'd always have to leave right after and never had time to talk and spend time with the people who came. After the concert at this temporary housing, I was able to make time to talk with many people, sing with them, and do crafts with them. I was very thankful for this time. At first we would make small talk but little by little the survivors shared their stories of sorrow with me. It moves me to hear that through all the obstacles, they remain strong. It's hard to think of truly encouraging things to say, but I want to continue to be close to them and listen.

Within 24 hours, Yabakeimachi in Nakatsu, Oita received 250.5 mm of precipitation, and Soemachi, Fukuoka received 174 mm. Evacuation warnings were given to 6000 homes in Oita, which includes over 17,000 people. These orders were removed on the afternoon of the 4th, and currently only 17 families (68 people) are under voluntary evacuation. In Fukuoka, all 2828 families (7634 people) in Haki, 48 families (154 people) in Tanushimaru, Kurume, have received evacuation warnings which will remain in place until at least the morning of the 5th. Please pray for those affected.

Rev. Fujiwara (Ph.D) pastors Covenant of Grace Church in Tokyo and is Professor of Theology at Seigakuin University General Research Institute. Last month he came to CRASH Japan HQ in Tokyo and gave an encouraging message for our morning chapel time. Afterwards we interviewed him about his experiences and thoughts on relief, Japan, and faith. A respected scholar, Dr. Fujiwara has written an important book called "Theology of Culture in a Japanese Context".

How does volunteering in Tohoku relate to the life and teaching of Jesus?
Jesus told us to do good work. So there is no question that we should participate in volunteer work within Tohoku -- as well as in other places.

And what do you mean by good work?
Any kind of good work. In the beatitudes he said that we do good work so that the name of the Father will be glorified. So we have to. We have no choice. We cannot serve God without serving people.

I am part of the Purpose Driven Fellowship Japan Committee. Saddleback Church sent two or three pastors right after the earthquake. On the 22nd of March, 2011, we held a networking meeting. Pastor Hari (of the CB church in Tokyo) came and spoke for CRASH. Purpose Driven Fellowship Japan held a counseling seminar the second week of April in Tokyo and Nagoya about what we can do when disaster strikes. We held three retreats, inviting pastors to come. We do that kind of work as well.

It has been more than 150 years since the Protestant mission started in Japan. But fewer than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian. And there is much conflict within the one percent, with little cooperation. But now we realize that we must work together, because people see us as Christian. We are Christians. We need to give the same voice.

Exterior of the new field office

In the first 15 months following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, a crucial part of CRASH Japan's effectiveness in Tohoku was 5 strategically positioned bases. The bases have enabled CRASH to develop long term, trusting relationships with survivors and with ministries throughout Tohoku, and to better understand needs that are changing.

As CRASH aims to empower churches and ministries to serve Tohoku in the "partnership phase," new offices have been opened in Koriyama and in Iwaki. This will increase the human aspect of CRASH Japan's efforts in Fukushima, and help to plant a Christian presence in an area that still needs support.

Takanori Kanari, pastor of Uchigou Christ Gospel Church in Iwaki, Fukushima recently expressed his gratitude for CRASH's presence in Iwaki. "The city of Iwaki, as well as CERS Net, has been helped by the Hitachi Base many times. Every week we've had volunteers come who were very faithful to the needs of the local people and churches. We've become like a family with them, and we share one faith and heart in this ministry. We are excited for these volunteers to be working in Iwaki with us in close proximity, and are very hopeful about the future."