Secretary General of the Japanese Evangelical Association (JEA), Pastor Kenichi Shinagawa, visited CRASH Japan headquarters to shed light on how God is doing much more than meets the eye in Japan. He shared words from the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah had countless obstacles, including rebuilding the house of God in his hometown. Despite the difficulties, Nehemiah fought his external enemies and dealt with internal conflicts. God gave this trial to the Israelites in His timing, according to His plan. God was building something greater than what the Israelites could see with their eyes.

God is working through each difficult situation in Japan, and we can anticipate His Kingdom to be strengthened and united after CRASH Japan demobilizes relief work. As Pastor Shinagawa shared before 3.11, there was no way to mobilize and send Christian volunteers to effectively respond to disaster in Japan. The spirit and willingness was there, but not the infrastructure. Since March, CRASH Japan has sent out over 1600 volunteers from all over Japan and the world to serve both physical and spiritual needs of survivors.

In partnership with local churches, CRASH Japan has planned and supported many programs to serve the needs of disaster-affected areas. Through this, strong relationships are being cultivated between Christians across denominational lines. The relief programs have been a great opportunity for Christians to interact not only with survivors, but other Christians. More than programs, the impact made through these relationships will play a key role in spreading the gospel throughout Japan in the future.

Many Christians with many different stories have gathered from around the world with the sole purpose of loving Japan. There are people that wouldn't have gotten to know each other had it not been through serving in CRASH Japan. There have been issues and conflicts. But without them, the young leaders at CRASH Japan would not have gotten the leadership training they needed. This is the invisible building that God is doing through CRASH Japan.

When Nehemiah built his temple, there were many issues and conflicts, but it served as an important foundation and building period for the Israelites to grow in God. People that you meet at CRASH Japan could potentially be important ministry partners in the future. CRASH Japan is here to support Japan's next generation of Christian leaders who will bring the Gospel to Japan.

Pastor Shinagawa closed, "It's important to seek what God wants CRASH Japan to do – the roles and projects that we are responsible for, and those that we ought to hand over to the local churches and other organizations. Let us connect with the network of local Japanese churches, strengthen the relationship, and work together towards God's vision for the nation of Japan."

CRASH Japan is very thankful for support of the JEA and WEA to help love on Japan.