Japan – The Church of the Nazarene in Japan is finding its footing since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake on 11 March and subsequent 33-foot tsunami that killed at least 10,800 people. Nazarenes around the world are asking how they can help their brothers and sisters.

According to Asia-Pacific Regional Director Verne Ward, Nazarene Japan will fix damages, excuse volunteer recovery teams and work with other Christian associations. While the immediate needs are being met by the state, the long-term needs will be met by the church.

Volunteers cannot enter the affected area without great risk due to road and railway damage, a gasoline shortage, the demand on health services, the lack of stable utilities, and the nuclear power plant situation. Leaders also discussed the establishment of a second water sterilization station in the area.

The Japan Nazarene district board discussed funding and will send a survey team to Sendai to help establish a church activity plan. As that plan unfolds, Japan Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) and the district will have a better understanding of its needed and available resources.

“We have a very active and organized Nazarene Compassionate Ministries committee in Japan,” said Dave Hane of the Asia-Pacific Regional Office. “Even though the magnitude of this disaster is staggering, they are used to dealing with disasters in a structured and orderly manner.”

There are many pastors and church members whose homes sustained damage or were destroyed. Rescue, recovery and aid efforts are being hampered by freezing temperatures, limited or no fuel supplies, and difficulty accessing the most affected areas. Government officials expect the number of deaths to increase amid widespread reports of landslides, floods, collapsed buildings and fires. More than 30,000 people have been rescued so far.

“In my area, there is shortage of everything,” said Makoto (Mark) Sakamoto, president of Japan Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS) and pastor of the Koiwa church in Tokyo. “We are short of milk and some foods and batteries. Because we sometimes have no electricity, people are trying to save things as much as they can. But rather than hoarding, we need to behave rightly as a Christian to deliver what we have and share things mutually.”

Although Nazarene churches in Japan remain intact, according to reports received thus far, damage is evident.

The Oyama church, pastored by Japan District Superintendent Manabu Ishida, has cracks in the walls, and the Meguro church sustained minor damage. Japan NTS and the district headquarters building sustained structural damage.

Sakamoto said the quake frightened many people. In his family’s apartment above the church, furniture toppled over and items fell onto the floor. The church building withstood the quake and there are no reports of any injuries or fatalities.

Shouei Abe, pastor of Sendai Tomizawa Church of the Nazarene, was one of thousands who escaped the tsunami that destroyed 10 towns in the region with populations of more than 1,000 each. The church, which was dedicated a year ago, sustained some damage and is one of a few structures standing in the wake of destruction. Although some areas remain without power or reduced power due to the nuclear power plant situation, the Sendai church now has electricity, water and Internet access.

Abe opened the church as a relief center so people could take a bath, have a place to rest, and communicate with the outside world. Right now, basic necessities are the most urgent need for a majority of people in that region.

Leaders from the Japan District Church of the Nazarene, Japan NCM, and the Asia-Pacific Region, recently discussed the current status of the churches, critical needs and possible relief efforts.

Given the situation, the church will focus on a long-term mission, working with lost and forgotten people. The district will use the Sendai church as a base camp. Japan NCM and the district will leave the current rescue efforts to professionals, police, military and firefighters.

The Church of the Nazarene’s Board of General Superintendents joins with other Christian leaders in asking Nazarenes everywhere to provide assistance if possible and pray for Nazarenes in Japan, people who lost loved ones and are still missing, those involved in recovery efforts, and funding for the long-term recovery plan. Pray that Christians in a nation that is less than 2 percent Christian, can be the hands and feet of Jesus as they reach out to those who have suffered.

Japanese church leaders say that there is a notable change in the people and what is shown on television.

"Before it was how to get wealth, get things for yourself, stories of suicide, and murder," said Ward. "Now it is stories of people helping other people – coming together and helping each other."

 

 

 

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