The following report describes how three skilled musicians from Tokyo worked alongside a local church, CRASH Japan staff, and volunteers to set up a concert for a small group of survivors. "Was it worth it?" In an economy of numbers and concrete results the answer is clearly "no". Even in church circles many will dismiss a small event like this as a failure. In reality, an intimate setting like this where there is music, food and warm human interaction is a fantastic opportunity to connect with people at a level that just can't happen in large venues. Eyes meet. Food and drinks are shared. Survivors are aware that someone cares enough about them to go to all this trouble. Lives are touched.

We seem to so easily forget that Jesus went way out of his way to love one woman at a well, one man in a tree, and one world in need of hope.

"In December, Euodia -- a group of classically trained musicians from Tokyo -- sent three of its members to the disaster zone. Euodia members Hiroshi Yanase (Clarinetist), Sachiko Yanase (Pianist), and Miho Kudoh (Violinist) played a concert at Matsushita Community Hall in Higashi Matsushima city. The setting of the concert was a Mobile Café -- one of many Mobile Cafés CRASH Japan utilizes to reach out to survivors.

"Over a dozen people came out including familar faces often seen at this Mobile Café. There were also new faces, and the community hall workers came. They were delighted to listen to the live instrumental performance.

"During the concert, not only did we sing along to traditional Japanese songs like 'Furusato' (Homeland) and 'Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o' (Look Up at the Night Stars), we also sang 'Itsukushimi Fukaki' (What a Friend We Have in Jesus) with tears in our eyes.

"As this was the last Mobile Café of the year for this location we reflected on the year and thanked God for everyone's hard work. We prayed that He would bless the year 2012. Watching these survivors show appreciation for Pastor Tachiishi's (Higashi Sendai Church) work, we felt the Lord's work is taking root in their hearts."

Report by T.S., CRASH Japan Sendai Base Staff

This concert was part of CRASH Japan's "Music Care" program that is a collaboration with Tokyo-based Michtam music ministry. We appreciate the volunteer musicians from Michtam who are working with us to bring hope to survivors in the disaster zone in creative ways. Please support the "Music Care" program by donating here.