News items published by CRASH Japan.{jcomments off}
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Rev. Fujiwara (Ph.D) pastors Covenant of Grace Church in Tokyo and is Professor of Theology at Seigakuin University General Research Institute. Last month he came to CRASH Japan HQ in Tokyo and gave an encouraging message for our morning chapel time. Afterwards we interviewed him about his experiences and thoughts on relief, Japan, and faith. A respected scholar, Dr. Fujiwara has written an important book called "Theology of Culture in a Japanese Context".
How does volunteering in Tohoku relate to the life and teaching of Jesus?
Jesus told us to do good work. So there is no question that we should participate in volunteer work within Tohoku -- as well as in other places.
And what do you mean by good work?
Any kind of good work. In the beatitudes he said that we do good work so that the name of the Father will be glorified. So we have to. We have no choice. We cannot serve God without serving people.
I am part of the Purpose Driven Fellowship Japan Committee. Saddleback Church sent two or three pastors right after the earthquake. On the 22nd of March, 2011, we held a networking meeting. Pastor Hari (of the CB church in Tokyo) came and spoke for CRASH. Purpose Driven Fellowship Japan held a counseling seminar the second week of April in Tokyo and Nagoya about what we can do when disaster strikes. We held three retreats, inviting pastors to come. We do that kind of work as well.
It has been more than 150 years since the Protestant mission started in Japan. But fewer than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian. And there is much conflict within the one percent, with little cooperation. But now we realize that we must work together, because people see us as Christian. We are Christians. We need to give the same voice.
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Exterior of the new field office
In the first 15 months following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, a crucial part of CRASH Japan's effectiveness in Tohoku was 5 strategically positioned bases. The bases have enabled CRASH to develop long term, trusting relationships with survivors and with ministries throughout Tohoku, and to better understand needs that are changing.
As CRASH aims to empower churches and ministries to serve Tohoku in the "partnership phase," new offices have been opened in Koriyama and in Iwaki. This will increase the human aspect of CRASH Japan's efforts in Fukushima, and help to plant a Christian presence in an area that still needs support.
Takanori Kanari, pastor of Uchigou Christ Gospel Church in Iwaki, Fukushima recently expressed his gratitude for CRASH's presence in Iwaki. "The city of Iwaki, as well as CERS Net, has been helped by the Hitachi Base many times. Every week we've had volunteers come who were very faithful to the needs of the local people and churches. We've become like a family with them, and we share one faith and heart in this ministry. We are excited for these volunteers to be working in Iwaki with us in close proximity, and are very hopeful about the future."
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With all of the gifted volunteers willing to serve in Japan, CRASH Japan is sometimes able to channel unique talents and skill sets into their outreach events. One volunteer, Yukiko Hirano, has practiced Japanese tea ceremony for over 40 years. She was delighted to have the opportunity to serve survivors of the great earthquake and tsunami, who are now living in temporary housing.
Hirano-san sees many similarities between Japanese tea ceremony and the Christian faith. The cloth that goes around the waist of the person performing the ceremony is much like the cloth Christ wore around his waist when he washed the feet of his disciples. It is meant to signify servanthood, and a position of humility.
In this special volunteer portrait video, you can see the beauty and grace of Hirano-san's art. Your prayer and donations continue to make it possible for CRASH to connect with survivors in a meaningful way. Thank you for the support.
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A Strategic Self Care & Suicide Prevention Conference
by Helen Kwak, CRASH Japan Care Coordinator
As CRASH Japan Care Coordinator, a growing awareness of the critical need for supporting disaster relief staff and survivors of 3.11 inspired Helen to conceptualize and advance a three day Self Care and Suicide Prevention Conference.
"I started volunteering with CRASH Japan in May of 2011, and was immediately impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff who work diligently in support of the volunteers who go to Tohoku. I continue to be moved by their willingness to sacrifice time, energy and often health in order to bring hope to survivors. Watching them carry such heavy responsibility caused me to look into the causes of burn-out, the need for self-care, and the best ways to support people who are in supporting roles themselves. I spent as much time as I could with them in the field, seeing the work that they do, finding ways to support them as they reach out to care for survivors and the many volunteers we are mobilizing. The following two stories illustrate both the great opportunities and challenges that our staff face on a daily basis.
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Great news! CRASH Japan has successfully passed an independent audit of our financial records. We have had over five million US dollars in donations, have managed multiple field operations and have supported dozens of programs over an area the size of Northern California. Undertaking all this while still trying to figure out how to do it is indeed a great miracle.
I am deeply thankful for the diligence of our finance section and for the many CRASH staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to make all this possible. Most of all, I am thankful to our Heavenly Father who cares deeply about the great nation of Japan.
To learn more about the work of CRASH -- including a financial report -- click here (.PDF). We still need your support! Our goal is to raise over 1,000,000 USD by March of 2013.
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