Tokyo

by Whitey | Mar 14, 2011 | Ministry News

Well, it was a bit of a challenge getting here, but I’ve safely arrived in Higashi-Kurume, Tokyo. They are scheduling rotating blackouts throughout the city to conserve power, so some of the train lines were not operating. I got within a 2-hour walk or a 30-minute taxi ride, so I opted for the taxi, even though it was ridiculously expensive.

Before deciding to take the taxi, I was going to stop at a fast food joint for lunch, but the power was out and all the restaurants in the neighborhood were closed. Convenience stores were open but the shelves were almost empty.

The amazing thing is how safe and calm everything is in spite of the disruptions. If this were another country, there would be looting and rioting in the streets.

I’m working at CRASH’s command center, helping with communications. Basically we are trying to organize and mobilize the potentially thousands of volunteers that will helping with the relief efforts, and trying to ensure that the teams sent out into the affected areas are able to communicate with HQ. Lots of logistics to be worked out; lots of learning on the go. Please pray for things to go smoothly, especially as we have to continue working around power outages.

I’ll try to keep you posted. For more frequent, shorter updates you can follow my twitter feed.

(Mon. Mar. 14, 11:20 PM)

Updated Plans

by Whitey | Mar 13, 2011 | Ministry News

Hi everyone,

I woke up to the news this morning that the Immanuel Church’s annual conference has been canceled.

I am about to hop a bullet train to Tokyo. I’ve been asked to help set up and coordinate communications for the Christian relief group that is setting up their base there. I will still be far from the disaster zone but able to lend some practical help, which is something I’ve been champing at the bit to do since this whole ordeal began.

Please keep praying. I will try to update my blog, Facebook and Twitter feeds regularly so if you want the most up-to-date info on what I’m involved with, those are the places to look.

Thanks,

robin

(Mon. AM Mar. 14)

Current Plans

by Whitey | Mar 13, 2011 | Ministry News

Thanks again, everyone, for all your prayers, notes of encouragement and thoughts during this time. I thought I should post another update, though I don’t feel there’s much new to say at the moment. Here’s a numbered list of what’s going on:

1. It was really good to be with my church family today. We are physically unaffected here in Nagoya but our hearts are heavy and many of us are wondering how we can help. A good time of intercessory prayer this afternoon.

2. The IGM annual conference is going ahead as planned Tuesday-Thursday. Dr. Joanne Lyon, GS of the Wesleyan Church was scheduled to be the speaker, but had to cancel because her flight was canceled.

3. I’m planning to go to the conference, and stopping in Tokyo on the way back to help with the relief effort there. Not sure how long I can get away from my normal responsibilities, but even if I can just stay a day or two I can least help them get things rolling or give one of the full-timers a break. There is also the possibility of helping the  communications team from here in Nagoya.

I’ll try to send out another update when my plans are more concrete. Thanks again. Keep praying.

(Sun. Mar. 13 2011)