March 11 marks the first anniversary of one of Japan's worst disasters in history. For most people from outside the disaster-hit Touhoku region, memories of the tragedy are fading. But for those who lost everything, for those still dealing with dislocation and the fear of radiation, the pain has never left. The future is still very uncertain for thousands of survivors and the journey of finding healing, peace and hope has only just begun.
Created by CRASH Japan volunteer Martin Barker using photos taken by volunteers, this video slideshow documents some of the most excruciating moments of the disaster. It also shows how the body of Christ has been working hard with survivors to bring warmth and comfort. Watch the video and see how God is working in Japan as we commemorate the anniversary of this momentous event. Please continue to pray for Japan!
Thank you for your support and prayers for Japan and the JEA.
March 11th, 2011 will mark the one year anniversary of the huge quake that has so deeply affected our nation. In association with the World Evangelical Association, the disaster relief department of JEA invites churches of all denominations around the world to hold a special time of prayer for our nation. We would like to see an international chain of prayer that begins in the Land of the Rising Sun and ends in the West.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
