by Michael Ireland : Mar 16, 2011 : ASSIST News Service
“It is a good chance to tell people of the peace God provides in such situations.” Ron Stoller
An ANS article notes some of the Christian and missionary organizations that are mobilizing to help Japan. Along with those mentioned in the article who are sending help are: Mercy Corps, Medical Teams International (formerly NW Medical Teams), Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Blessing.
Russ Jones, a twenty-year award winning journalist and correspondent, who freelances for a number of media outlets and who was one of the first Christian reporters to reach the affected areas, says: “Another concern looms as two nuclear reactors exploded in Fukushima Daiichi and Daini after cooling pumps were destroyed, sending clouds of white smoke into the air.”
In his report posted at www.crosswalk.com, Jones says Christian organizations based in Japan are using social networking sites to coordinate relief efforts. (Photo: www.onlinenews4u.com)
One Christian group led by Jonathan Wilson has activated a team of volunteers using Facebook. Christian Relief, Assistance Support and Hope (CRASH Japan) is working closely with JEMA (the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Association), to coordinate a large network of experienced volunteers who live in Japan and are familiar with the nation’s culture and language. Leaders are currently setting up a command center in Tokyo with bases in affected areas. “Many of us are wondering how we can best respond to the devastating news of the earthquakes and tsunami that have hurt especially Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate ken,” Wilson said. “As the computer and television screens pour out images, we can pour out our hearts to the Creator of the universe to take care of the great nation of Japan.”
According to Jones, early in the weekend, CRASH determined it will not send teams into the areas near the nuclear plants. Leaders say more highly skilled professionals are better trained to provide relief there. Instead, CRASH will focus its efforts in smaller villages who may not receive assistance from the larger humanitarian aid groups. Teams will work through churches who know the community’s needs.
Missions Faces a Unique Challenge in Japan
Japan’s population exceeds 127 million, yet less than one percent of those consider themselves Christians. Those who do claim a religious preference typically blend elements of Shinto and Buddhism. The regions hit hardest by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan’s northern Pacific coast are considered the “darkest” spiritually by most missionaries.
Ronald Stoller and his wife Joan have served in the Japan Baptist Conference since 1973 as missionaries in Nagoya, a city about 500 miles north of the nation’s quake-prone archipelago islands.
“Joan was finishing up teaching an English class at our church when the place started rocking,” Ron Stoller said. “During another Bible Study [later in the day] at church, seven people who usually attend (only one is a Christian) were happy to stay for the Bible study, though three asked if they could first call to check on their children living in the affected areas.”
“It is a good chance to tell people of the peace God provides in such situations,” said Stoller.
Jones explains that missionaries often refer to Japan as the wealthiest unreached nation in the world. Dan Iverson, a church planter and mission team leader in the Tokyo/Chiba area with Mission to the World, says about 70 percent of Japanese profess no religious affiliation.
Read this full report at the source link provided.