Arrival in Sendai

Today we arrived in Sendai in northern Japan. We were able to meet up with Pastor Chizou and Pastor Jack, who will lead us up to Ishinomaki tomorrow. When we first arrived in Sendai, it looked like a normal city, one that has more than a million people living in it. We were told were going to take a look at an area the tsunami had wiped out, so we loaded up in the vans and left. We could hardly imagine that there could be any huge damage. As we were driving, we came upon the disaster area... we were absolutely shocked. The area was devastated. Huge piles of debris were everywhere. Trees that had been ripped up by the roots were scattered like chaff all across the neighborhoods, along with mangled vehicles. The houses that still stood had received major damage, and the entire area has been abandoned by the residents. We stopped in a neighborhood to get out, walk around, and pray. One of the intents of this visit was to prepare the team for our trip to Ishinomaki. We would be less shocked when we arrived to the Ishinomaki people if we spent some time in this abandoned neighborhood. We learned that 300 bodies were found in this area, and that they were done searching, but that no one could know if bodies still remained. As we walked around the streets, there was a reverence that kept us silent. When we spoke, it was usually in a whisper. We saw where entire houses were swept away, leaving only the foundations. There were many different personal items (passports, IDs) which were scattered in the rubble. There was no time for people to take anything. Ron noticed a suitcase that looked like it had been packed, but it was swept away in the water. It is hard to wonder about the status of the owner. Tomorrow we head to Ishinomaki. 

Please pray for the team. We are looking forward to the work tomorrow. Pray for the people in Japan. Pray that the Lord will use us to reach the hearts of those we help and serve. The Japanese are less then one percent Christian, and the Lord will use this disaster to plow the fallow ground in the hearts of the Japanese. Praise Jesus for allowing us to be used by Him for His glory. 

God bless everyone for laboring along with us in prayer. Prayer is the front line of the battle. With love...

Ron, Herb, Kelli, Tanya, and Ben