Prayers needed for ‘quite desperate’ situation in Japan, former missionary says

The Mito Church of Christ meets Sunday for the first time since the Japan earthquake. (Photo by Kendon Murrell, via Oklahoma Christian University Facebook page)

Chris Rosser, a former Church of Christ missionary to Japan, reported Sunday night:

I wanted to briefly offer a few words of explanation regarding the significance of the disaster in Japan as it relates to our fellowship.
As you have heard, the situation in Japan, especially on the eastern seaboard, is quite desperate, and the seriousness seems to worsen as the extent of the devastation comes more and more to light.
The eastern seaboard of Japan’s main island has been a prime location for church planting, and congregations were intentionally established near major train stations in cities along the eastern coast, primarily in Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures.
Sendai (the capital of Miyagi prefecture and one of the chief cities that was impacted by the tsunami) is home to an important congregation in Japan. At this point, I have heard no news regarding the congregation in Sendai, though others may have heard more.  John Osborne’s brother, Joel, was a missionary in Sendai and is currently working with the Mito congregation.
Mito is the capital of Ibaraki prefecture and has experienced several major aftershocks of severe magnitude.  We praise God that the congregation at Mito was able to gather Sunday for worship! Although I have not heard reports of damage to the building, we have seen images of severe damage in Mito.
Ibaraki Christian University is near Hitachi in Ibaraki prefecture, which is between Mito and Sendai (closer to Mito).  I have inquired about damages to the school, students and faculty and have heard news that the school sustained no major damages and as of now it is believed that members of the campus community are unharmed.  The area has no running water, gas or telephone service, and electricity was restored only a short while ago.
I have heard no reports regarding the congregations in this area. The tsunami did enter Hitachi port, but was not as severe as in northern regions.
In Fukushima, it was just reported that a second hydrogen explosion has occurred at a nuclear plant (the first explosion occurred on Saturday).
The situation in Japan is desperate. With nuclear radiation threat, continued aftershocks, the potential for further tsunami, rescue operations, tens of thousands missing, lack of food and water, falling nighttime temperatures and general despair, there is much to keep in prayer.
Here is a link to a Japanese news program broadcasting from Tokyo that is offered in English.
The devastation to Japan is the worst in its recorded history, and I wanted to draw attention to the concentration of Churches of Christ along the eastern coast.
God give them peace, and be merciful to them all!
Chris

Rosser now serves as theological librarian at Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City.

• • •

Other Japan earthquake coverage:
– Facebook group focuses on prayer, relief for Japan earthquake victims
– Christian relief organizations prepare to respond to Japan disaster

• Feedback
  I was in Parajok, a rural community in South Sudan, when I heard about the earthquake in Japan through a short-wave radio broadcast. The Parajok Church of Christ, which meets under the shade of a blue United Nations tarp and thatch, said a special prayer for the victims of the quake. I’m in South Sudan’s soon-to-be capital, Juba, now.
  Joel Osborne, mentioned in this post, has been getting a lot of requests from people who want to go to Japan and help. He offers some good advice on his Facebook page:
  “For those wanting to come, it is not possible yet. The government has shut down those areas so it is impossible. Plus, while your desire is appreciated, you bring extra taxing on limited resources at this time – food, energy etc. There are people here to start.
  “Consider donating what you would spend on travel to help us have the money and supplies. Work with the organizations who can help send you because we cannot manage that. Plan to come further along in a few months – trust me, there will still be much to do at that time.”

  Erik Tryggestad

  March, 15 2011

  I want the people of Japan to know I have been praying ever since I heard of this disaster. Just know God our Father in heaven has you in his hands. I have also prayed that God would release his angels to protect your country from the nuclear threat and to keep calm and hope among your people you would know his hand was upon you. All of the people in my Christian church are praying the same thing. Fear not because God’s grace and mercy will be with you through this whole ordeal and you will be a stronger people becasue of it. I claim the God our Father in heavens word for your people, ” FEAR NOT FOR I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU”. God’s word says my kingdom come my will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Claim this for your nation and watch what God the almighty will do for your people your church.
  God Bless America and the People of Japan one nation under God!!
  Susie

  susie

  March, 21 2011