by Whitey | Nov 26, 2011 | Uncategorized, Videos
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/32665016 w=480&h=270]
This is what I saw during my relief work trip to Tohoku (Northeastern Japan) this past week.
While I stayed in Sendai, the work we did was in the city of Ishinomaki, which, as you can see from the video, suffered a lot of damage during the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. And, over 9 months later, there is still a lot of work to be done in rebuilding the area and restoring people’s normal lives and livelihoods.
I worked with an organization called JIFH (Japanese International Food for the Hungry). In addition to bringing supplies and encouragement to people living in the temporary housing units, JIFH is helping to clean up and re-build damaged homes and places of business. We worked in damaged houses tearing down walls and pulling out flooring and plumbing fixtures so that carpenters could go in and replace the damaged ones.
I felt like my part was a very small one, but it was a privilege to be there to help in any way I could. There aren’t enough resources or people to get the work done quickly, but things are going more quickly where there are volunteers, churches and relief organizations lending a hand.
Thank you for praying for Japan.
Note: The song I used in this video is called “Blackwater” by Fatblueman, and can be purchased via iTunes, with proceeds going towards Japan earthquake relief work:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/black-water-in-support-japan/id453606035
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)
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)
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)
by Whitey | Mar 12, 2011 | Ministry News
Thanks, everyone, for all the prayers and well-wishes. Though physically far from the affected area, this disaster has certainly had an emotional impact, as I’m sure it has on many of you. I’ve been glued to the TV and web for updates, praying for those who are suffering and wishing that I could do something to help. There is a disaster relief group in Japan called CRASH who have been working pretty much around the clock to mobilize their relief efforts. I’m thinking of joining them for at least a few days in Tokyo to lend whatever help I can. For those of you wishing to help out, here is some more information, copied from their Facebook group. If you can’t give, please pray.
DONATIONS FOR JAPAN
Many of us are wondering how we can best respond to the devastating news of the earthquakes and tsunami that have hurt especially Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate ken. As the computer and television screens pour out images, we can pour out our hearts to the Creator of the Universe to take care of the great nation of Japan.
CRASH Japan, a non-profit established for just a time as this, exists to help victims of disasters. We have experienced people who know the culture and language on the ground ready to assess the situation and then take appropriate action. Please consider how YOU might be able to help right now by giving a donation that will “kick start” our Tokyo based disaster relief initiative.
CRASH Japan is strongly endorsed by JEMA (Japan Evangelical Missionary Association) and comes highly recommended by Dale Little, JEMA President. http://crashjapan.com/
24 HOUR FUNDING GOAL: $100,000 (send a donation using one of the following options)
Donate via Horizon Christian Fellowship web site (tax deductible receipt provided):
https://www.horizonsd.org/donate/index.asp?purpose=japan_earthquake_relief
Donate via PayPal (no tax deductible receipt): http://www.jema.org/joomla15/index.php/component/content/article/57-feature-article/500-japan-tohoku-quake-relief-donations
Donate in Japan via the JEMA postal furikae account:
Account#00130-4-180466 (Please specify “earthquake relief” in the message box.)
(posted Sat. Mar. 12)
