Seven month reflections

This past week we passed the seven month mark since the earthquake and tsunami.   Trauma experts say this is the time generally of deepest despair and hopelessness, when the suicide rate tends to peak in fact.


There have been a number of stories in the media. This one is about how couples are finding more difficulties in their relationship.


As people have moved from living in gymnasiums and other shelters into temporary housing, they have lost a sense of community that kept them going for months after the events. In some neighborhoods there are attempts to bring people together which will aid in the emotional healing.


Some communities that have had to abandon their home want to be relocated together to a new location.   One church from within the zone required to evacuate because of the nuclear accident, and its members stayed together at a conference center and hope to return to a new location where they can rebuild their church.


This week, Stan stopped by the Samaritans' Purse camp as he took a friend on a tour of the area.  They have housing for many, but few are coming to volunteer right now. They are looking for carpenters to volunteer a month to help put in floors and walls for houses that have been "mudded out." The demand is so great--we have heard that Samaritan's Purse is offering to pay airfare for any carpenter that commits to working one month. They also have three month positions available. We are very impressed with the work of this organization and are always ready to recommend that people come work with them.


We know that there are many other places in the world experiencing natural disasters, and our hearts go out to them.  But what we have seen in the past 7 months is a renewed interest in a country (Japan!) that we felt many in North American Christendom had written off their list.  


God has opened a door to people and communities that were resistant to the gospel through this tragedy.   The stories are so touching of people learning about God through the kindness and service of others. Mission organizations are sending people to the area to begin concerted church planting.  Asian Access is also prayerfully making preparations to send a team up there early next year.