Written by Pastor Eiji Sumiyoshi (Fukushima Christian Network)

The 3.11 disaster forced 60% of the population of the city of Iwaki to evacuate. Iwaki had suddenly become a ghost town. There in Fukushima prefecture we coped with radiation damage by covering windows and staying home. We needed food and water so we went with other survivors to get those necessities from the city relief center. We survived by helping each other. Supplies began to arrive from DOMEI (the Church of Japan), other Christian organizations, and individuals from around the world, but the Japanese government and other religious organizations hardly did anything in our area.

For the 1-year anniversary of the March 11 disaster in Japan, CRASH Japan is putting together a special video. This is an opportunity for ANY country around the world to send an encouraging video message to the people of Japan.

The assignment is simple; shoot a video of yourself saying, in your native language, "Japan, we are still praying for you." Smaller files will work better. Video quality does not matter. Use your camera phone, or any video camera that can produce digital files.

• If you can keep the file under 25MB, you can email it directly to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• If the video is between 25MB and 50MB, please send it to us through YouSendIt.
• For files larger than 50MB, please ask and we will provide a solution.

PLEASE SEND YOUR VIDEOS BY FRIDAY, MARCH 2 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The finished project will be posted here on our website on or before March 11, 2012.

Nancy Nethercott, a TEAM missionary working with worship renewal in Japan, reflected briefly on the story of Esther as she discussed the tragedy. She quoted the portion of scripture from Esther 4:14, "for such a time as this," referring to the way that the Lord already equipped so many people to be ready to respond to the earthquake disaster. The day before the quake, Nancy met with a friend who often provides groceries for the Nethercotts, as they frequently host guests and provide hospitality for groups.

For the one year anniversary of the disaster CRASH Japan is cooperating with the Celebration of Hope in Sendai and a special prayer meeting in Tokyo that will feature guest speakers Philip Yancy, and Rev. Akira Sato -- pastor of "The Exodus Church."