Hope for Japan

Posted by: grantmiho | March 23, 2011

Distressed with Progress and Setbacks

Just when it seems like progress is being made at the nuclear plants, there are more rumblings about the amount of radiation that is being spread in that area. Grant went back to school on Tuesday. By the way people are acting in Tokyo, it would seem like nothing is wrong. Yet, reports have shown that eleven vegetables in the region around Fukushima are now contaminated with radiation at levels that are not toxic but exceed the government limits. These foods have to be destroyed.

Our initial concerns were of the radiation in the air spreading down to Tokyo. It’s been happening already for several days, but the amounts are not at levels that urge panic and unrest. The past couple of days, Tokyo has found some traces of radioactive materials in the tap water, but this afternoon there was a news report that the amount passed the level for infants. This means we must drink bottled water (especially for Miho for breast feeding) and cook with it for any food we give Allie. This could possibly be a deal breaker for us to remain in our place for the time being, given the fact that bottled water is one of those basic supplies that are usually out of stock at every grocery store since the earthquake. We have some bottled water to last 3 days and hope to continue finding more, but the reality is difficult.

Though mainly foreign businesspeople, I heard that a fellow Korean student was transferred from his IT company to Fukuoka, which is the biggest city in Kyushu Island on the western side of Japan close to South Korea. A German company sent all their people to Singapore. A lady from our church yesterday told me that she would leave if she were us. But, when posed the same question, she feels like her family and everything is here which makes it difficult to even consider relocating. For businessmen, Tokyo is only a place of work, which makes it a fairly easy answer to get out before risks elevate. For missionaries however, we have a stronger bond with our location and being here.

Depending on how things develop in the next couple of days, either with further contamination or lack of bottled water supply, we will begin thinking seriously of heading west in Japan for a short while until things improve.

Allie can now stand up!

On a lighter note, Allie began crawling today and can stand up holding onto something! Now, nothing is safe as she invades the bookshelf, goes after our slippers, and will creep on anything in her sight Let the fun begin…..

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Japan, nuclear, radiation, relocation, water

Posted by: grantmiho | March 21, 2011

The Beautiful Japanese Culture Evidence in this Crisis

We have been overwhelmed by the way that the Japanese people have faced this crisis. Their values continue to draw admiration from me. On the day of the earthquake, we were shocked by how civilized and orderly people were. They patiently waited in line for a taxi or the pay phone. Nobody was raising their voice, cutting in line, or abusing the lack of power to loot stores who were unable to lock up or close their electric gate. We have read that there have not been any reports of robberies or fights in the aftermath of it all. The sad reality is that though there is a strong Christian heritage in the States, the reaction of people in crisis feels completely different. People seem to take advantage of the situation for selfish gain, whether stealing, creating scam relief funds for people to donate, or rioting. People here, however, remain calm and polite.

They even are willing to suffer blackouts if it is for the sake of the larger community, and especially bringing help to the nuclear plants or relief efforts. This group-orientation is beautiful in that people are worrying about Japan as a whole rather than their own comfort and self-interest.

No where is this more powerfully evident than in the 150+ workers at the nuclear plant. They are willingly putting their lives in danger, even accepting the fact that they might actually die in the process, for the sake of saving thousands or millions of lives. They are living in horrible conditions, being separated from their families for days or weeks on end, getting little sleep, in order to bring order to the crisis. We recently received an email from a supporter in Boston who was reminded of Christ through this image, as one who willingly sacrificed himself for the sake of others. What a fantastic image of giving up yourself in order that others might live.

As we continue in this season of Lent, may their sacrifice remind us of our sacrifices which point us to Christ. May His work on the cross be more real to you as you remember how He left the comfort and peace of Heaven to willingly put His life at risk and endure pain for our behalf. We can now enjoy peace and security due to His afflictions. May we also remember that though there is much to be praised on the values and lifestyle of the Japanese people, they are still in need of the true peace that comes from Jesus’ sacrifice.

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Japan, Jesus, Lent, nuclear, sacrifice, values

Posted by: grantmiho | March 18, 2011

Time of Prayer and Peace

It has now been over a week since the earthquake struck that set off a number of catastrophes in our country. Surprisingly, today has felt like the most normal so far. Last night was an intense time of praying for the work being conducted at the nuclear plant to install some electricity to help with the cooling process and save the plant. We were informed that a key leader working on this, Mr. Sato, happened to be a Christian. Our prayers were that this effort would be successful in preventing further decay or expanding radiation.

We have heard that the risk seems to remain severe but has plateaued at some of the reactors. There are a number of various steps they are taking to stabilize the situation, from fire fighters spraying water, using the ocean water, dropping it from helicopters above, etc. Tokyo appears to not be facing any threat from the radiation at the moment. For this reason, we feel more at peace about our decision to stay put. This is where God has called us to be and we want to remain as long as we can.

Most mission agencies seem to be leaving the decision up to each family of what they want to do. We have heard that some OMF staff have left the country, Southern Baptist missionaries went south or to Kobe, and two families from our group are currently in Kobe. Though missionaries have tended to be among the last to leave a crisis area, the nuclear danger throws everything up in the air and calls for complete understanding and support for those that feel lead to re-locate.

The news about the nuclear situation seems to have overshadowed the larger prayer point: those still suffering up north from the Tsunami and earthquake. As news reporting probably will begin to wane or shift from this issue, please continue to pray for those helping with relief efforts (particularly our fellow missionary, Jim Peterson, who is heading up to Sendai today with supplies) and those affected from loss of family and home.

Scarcity Shopping Experience

All the diapers are gone, except the big size

Though things are still uncertain and we experienced another earthquake last night, we finally felt things were slowly getting back to normal today. We finally left the house to get some much needed supplies and food. The stores open at 10am, with (hopefully) replenished shelves. We were surprised by how much the grocery store had, though critical items are still in short supply (as you can see in the photos). They rationed the bread and milk to one per household, which is wise when people can panic and load up everything for themselves. Diapers, toilet paper, tissues, milk, bread, and yogurt were completely empty or nearly sold out (though surprisingly, beer was in full supply as it seems people care more about essentials than drinking at this time!). We found most things, except diapers and toilet paper. If things continue, we may have to follow the way Middle Easterners use the toilet

All the milk is gone too, leaving only some cream

At the nearby mall where we went to the grocery store, they had a play area for kids. Since we were enjoying getting out of the house, we let Allie enjoy a new place to play. There was another boy there, who happened to be 9 months too. We struck up a conversation with the dad and allowed these two to play together. We even had Allie share her rice cracker with him. At one point, she almost put his foot in her mouth, along with his toy Turns out this couple lives in our area and work at a children’s museum nearby. We were able to exchange emails and may get in touch with them, while also inviting them to church. Moments like these when we get to interact with people in our area make it hard for us to consider relocating or leaving Yokohama. At this point, we feel that God has placed us here “for such a

But beer is in full supply; didn't see a single person getting any

time as this.” We want to walk with our church people and our community in this trying period, rather than escape. Yet, we are not willing to unnecessarily put ourselves in harm’s way just out of stubborn passion to remain here doing ministry. It’s a delicate balance that each missionary family here is wrestling with. Pray for wisdom and safety in the midst of all that is happening here!

Allie sharing a rice cracker with her new friend

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Posted by: grantmiho | March 16, 2011

Tough Decisions to Make…..

Some of our missionaries have begun thinking of contingency plans if radiation continues to spread from the Nuclear Plant in Fukushima. This afternoon we will be having a Skype group chat to talk about what we should do and when as things progress. The plant is around 150 miles or so from us. We just received an email from the US Ambassador of Japan (not a personal email, but to Americans here in Japan ), indicating that they suggest those within 50 miles of Fukushima should evacuate the area. They warned only those within 30 miles the other day, indicating that the radiation is spreading and people should be concerned. It is still a ways off, but one of our missionaries pointed out that if things do turn more grave, then millions of people will be panicking and trying to leave at once, making it virtually impossible to get out of the area.

Gas stations are still empty, along with grocery stores. This means that driving places remains fairly difficult (though we luckily have nearly a full tank of gas). If we do have to leave, it may be heading west in Japan to escape the radiation. Now, the threat of earthquakes has decreased significantly, though there still is a risk of more happening. We are grateful to the Covenant office for offering funds if we do need to temporarily relocate.

We have also heard from one of our fellow missionaries that he is heading up to Sendai with relief supplies. He is working with CRASH Japan, a Christian relief agency, which allows him to have a permit to drive on the highways (which are currently restricted to emergency vehicles). These roads also have gas, as it is set aside for those helping with relief efforts. He will be bringing up water, food, and supplies to those in need. Pray that he, along with others, will be able to safely and timely deliver supplies to aid those in desperate need.

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Japan, missionary, radiation, relief

Posted by: grantmiho | March 15, 2011

Offering Hope One Person at a Time

In the midst of all that is going on, Miho decided to hold the Language Cafe yesterday, though most people could not make it. A few came, however. We have noticed that many people in this area do not seem to be expressing how they are feeling, as they look as though nothing is affecting them. However, we know this is not the case, as people are grieving and fearful. Miho took the time in the Cafe to talk about how they were all doing. One lady commented, “It is very encouraging to be in a community where we can share these things.” Miho read Psalm 46 with them, and allowed them to translate it. Miho also prayed with them. Then, they sang “Still” by Hillsong, which is based on this Psalm. Afterwards, Miho was able to give a bag of rice to a lady who came, since she knew that their family had tried to buy some but the stores were sold out. Luckily, we were able to stock up on some things, though many items are difficult to find still in our area. (ex. Milk, bread, rice, dried noodles, diapers, baby items, gas, etc.) We hope that this was encouraging to them and our act of generosity will speak loudly of God’s love for them.

Here are the lyrics to “Still:”

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

Last night we experienced another earthquake in the general region, actually close to Mount Fuji. It was a 6.2 magnitude with the seismic intensity of 6+ there, but only about 4 here. Still, it was frightening. The storage closet with heavy things is directly above our bed, which made Miho nervous to sleep there since an earthquake could result in it caving in on us. Allie has not been sleeping well and needs to be held, which has been challenging for both of us as we typically put her down for a nap at least 2-3 times a day. Miho and Allie ended sleeping on the couch, with Grant on the floor with a futon. Grant’s language school was canceled Tuesday and Wednesday, but it is unsure how comfortable we are to start back up tomorrow.

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: earthquake, hope, Japan, psalm 46, still

Posted by: grantmiho | March 14, 2011

Prayer Requests for Japan and Our Family

Last night, Allie had a difficult time going to sleep. She seemed disturbed by all that has been happening. Luckily, she slept fine in our bed with us. But, at 5am we were frighteningly awoken by another earthquake in our region, which was a 3.0. Trains are still running irregularly, the power company is issuing roaming blackouts which will limit our electricity as well as gas, water, and phone.

Rescue efforts are in full force. Many missionaries and organizations are preparing to help in the weeks ahead as relief and recovery efforts are needed. Untrained people in rescue operations are being discouraged from going up to the Sendai area at the moment. For those interested in supporting the relief efforts, you can give to Covenant World Relief (the relief arm of the Evangelical Covenant Church, headed up by our former Japan missionary, Dave Husby; http://www.covchurch.org/relief/), CRASH Japan (Christian Relief Assistance Support and Hope; http://www.crashjapan.com/), as well as other great groups like World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse.

Our prayer requests are 1) Success in continual rescue effort and quick relief for the people in the tsunami stricken areas (especially north eastern Japan).

2) The whole Eastern Japan is shaking both physically and emotionally. The original earthquake is triggering other (large) earthquakes in various areas in Easter Japan. We need peace of mind, courage, strength.

3) There has been chaos. In most grocery stores, all sorts of basic food is out of stock: rice, water, bread, milk, etc. Gas stations are out of gas as well. The trains are not running normally. Please pray for quick recovery of order.

4) Stability in the nuclear plants and prevention of the spread of radiation.

5) God may use this time to turn people to Himself. This is a very surreal experience. I’ve never felt this unsafe in this country. Your prayer is much much appreciated! Thank you!

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: earthquake, Japan, prayer, relief

Posted by: grantmiho | March 13, 2011

Sermon Outline Addressing Earthquake Fears

Grant had prepared a message for today, but felt compelled to change it in light of the earthquake devastation. With so many fears and concerns, this felt like an appropriate step to provide hope and comfort for our hurting church community. So, yesterday was busy praying and creating a new message that would hopefully speak to the lives of those who attended our service this morning. Here is the general outline that he delivered:

^{Psalm 46: 1} God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

⁵ God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

⁸ Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Intro: Highlight the event and shock, which will be a memory that we won’t forget. We all have questions and fears. Such as, Why? Are we safe? What is going to happen?

1. How We are Feeling

a. We are shaken emotionally b. Nervous for the future c. Grieving alongside the nation’s loss.

b. Where is God in this? He is not distant and indifferent to our suffering. (Lk. 19:41) We see Jesus weeping over Jerusalem and his friend Lazarus. He cares for cities and people. He also suffered himself on our behalf. This is a God who understands and is with us in our suffering.

2. Where can we turn for hope now? Psalm 46

a. vs. 1-3: God is our refuge, strength; we don’t need to fear.

b. vs. 4-6: God is in heaven and in control. Ask ourselves: Is God still God? Despite what we have experienced, is He still the same? Faithful? Sovereign? Present?

c. vs. 8-9: He can overcome problems

d. vs. 7,11: Refrain- God is with us

e. vs. 10- Therefore, in light of all of this, we can “Be still and know that He is God.”

3. How this event can change us

a. We are aware of how dependent we need to be on God, not ourselves. We cannot control everything in our lives and surroundings, no matter how hard we try.

b. Appreciate life, as it is brief and fragile. (cf. James 4:14- life is like a vapor) Make the most of each day we have been given, along with appreciated what is most important. People stood in long lines to make phone calls on Friday, not to check on the damage to their possessions but that their family and those closest to them were safe.

c. Hopeful for a world without pain, fear, and loss—– Heaven! cf. Rev. 21:1-5- God will wipe away our tears, we will have no more death or pain. Our hearts long for such a place as this world is filled with pain and uncertainty.

Big Idea: When everything is crumbling around us, God is our refuge and hope!

(p.s. Please continue praying for Japan, especially as more earthquakes have been happening around the country. The seismic center seems to be moving southward, which worries us as it could possibly hit the Tokyo area at any point)

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Posted by: grantmiho | March 11, 2011

The Day After the Earthquake

We are happy to now have our telephone working again. We finally were able to get in touch with Miho’s parents and find out that her whole family is safe. One of her brothers did not get home until 11pm, though the quake was at 3pm. Last night we continued to feel some aftershocks as we slept.

There are now over 600 confirmed dead, with over 1,000 people still missing. Trains are just starting to get going again. We heard from some of our fellow missionaries that it took them 12 hours to drive home, which is usually only 90 minutes. Another family, the Haworths, who live north of Tokyo had the most damage. Their home suffered from the quake, leaving Ellen to sleep in her car for the night. We talked with a few people from our church and found out that one guy was on the subway in Shibuya, central Tokyo, and was able to get out and walk home, which took 3.5 hours!

Grant had already finished his sermon for tomorrow. In light of this disaster though, he has felt compelled to hold off from preaching it and come up with something timely in response to how everyone must be feeling. With only a day to prepare, please pray that God will give him the words to speak hope and courage into the lives of those coming who need to hear words of comfort as their world has been literally shook.

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Posted by: grantmiho | March 11, 2011

Safe amidst the major earthquakes

This afternoon around 3pm, we experienced the biggest earthquake of our lives. Luckily, we were all home together. They are quite common here, but typically mild. Just the other day, Grant felt one at school, but the class kept going without even an acknowledgement of what was happening. Today though, the light fixture and tv was swaying. Things fell off the shelves. Our gas shut off, as it is earthquake-proof, due to fires that happened in the past in these situations. We were quite shaken by the whole event. Miho is still deeply affected by everything that happened today.

We are still without phone or cell phone access. Many places nearby don’t even have electricity or gas (such as around the train station and Miho’s parents). Though it happened at 3pm, we had to go out to file our taxes (as this was the only time we had the time). The office had no power, but surprisingly was still open. At the train station, there were incredibly long lines waiting to use the pay phones, get a taxi, or wait for a bus as the trains were not running. The lines were still long at 6pm, since many people are far from home and have no way to get back easily. All the stores were closed, as the power was out.

This event reminded us of how dependent we are on God. Nothing is in our control during this tragedy. We just pray and wait for it to end. Afterwards, we were blessed to have a church member come over to check on us. This was a complete surprise, but something that made us feel grateful for our church. This little act of care made us feel very loved.

As many homes and offices were damaged in this earthquake and tsunami, please keep Japan in your prayers. Though nothing was destroyed in our apartment, we were shaken by the event. We imagine that many other people have been frightened by this experience. Perhaps this sad event might open their hearts to God, as they seek comfort and hope.

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