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."