Kia Kaha - Forever Strong

Today was National Earthquake Memorial Day in New Zealand. God gave them a warm, end-of-summer sunny day. There were two very strong messages given at the memorial service held in Christchurch (CHCH):

"Kia Kaha Christchurch"... be strong Christchurch!

"Rise up CHCH!"

There were thousands in attendance in Hagley Park in Christchurch. Even Prince William was there on behalf of the House of Windsor.

The city was dealt a blow earlier this week when it was announced that the seven games to be played there in Sept/Oct for the Rugby World Cup, would be moved to other cities. It makes sense in light of the destruction and human needs - as those resources should go into providing homes and infrastructure. But, economically and in terms of city pride - it's a big loss.

However, those who have remained in Christchurch are amazingly strong. So awesome. If TVNZ publishes the memorial video they showed during the service, I will upload it. The love and care between neighbour, family, students and nations is stunning and inspiring.

Please continue to pray for Christchurch, for New Zealand and for all who lost loved ones from around the world in this tragedy. 20 countries lost loved ones. And nearly half of the people who were killed in the February earthquake were international students, a large portion from Japan, and China.

PLEASE BE PRAYING FOR JAPAN!

By now there is no one not aware of the tragedy that happened one week ago in Japan. The world has been stunned, shocked, and numbed at the images coming ever since the moment the 9.0 hit off the coast near Sendai.

I spent many hours and days communicating with as many of our returnees as I could reach. I praise God that the very first correspondence I had was from KEI in Sendai! Kei was my very first Japanese 'daughter' at the Cardiff Chateau. She and her family are fine. But the struggle is with power and water and food. God has kept them together and strengthened them and their church. I have received several updates from her, the latest of which had me praising God for His protection in her life. She said:
Good evening! Today,I could buy meat and vegetable! Many people went to supermarket. It was long line!! You know, 1month ago, I moved to new apartment. It's more close to my work. This earthquake has broken many houses and my old apartment,too. As you know, it is OLD. Wall crumble. Owner's home, too. All windows broke and they lived shelter for 4days. It was so terrible. If still I lived there, I am scare to think about that! I am thankful to God for safe me.

I also heard from Nobu in Yokohama (Tokyo area). He was on the subway when I reached him. Thank God for SKYPE and Facebook and email. I reached Kei through her mobile phone email, so she still had battery left. Nobu was on FB and SKYPE.

Since then I've had a lot of correspondence from Mai in Tokyo. A couple of days ago, they were experiencing rolling blackouts and no food or toilet paper on shelves, and waiting over an hour to get their ration of fuel. There are so many stories I could tell you - but the most moving one came from Mai:

"On the night of earthquake people couldn't go home so many people were lying on the concrete floor. Many homeless people came up and shared their boxes for people to use. That made me think... everyday we just ignore people on the street.. but now WE are on the street..."

With the fears of a nuclear disaster, many have left the Tokyo area. But those who remain are hopeful things will settle down. The media has made the news of the radiation a big drama, and while certainly there are serious issues... the radiation levels in water in Tokyo are above normal, so pray there will be ample supply of bottled water. The trains are getting running more consistantly, and supplies are slowly making it in.

These are the scenes in Tokyo and Yokohama from earlier this week.

To the north, it's an entirely different story. It's snowing, it's freezing, there are still survivors that haven't been found, and they are frightened.

"Oh Lord, may You calm the nuclear issues so that rescue and recovery and restoration can move more effectively and efficiently. Lord, we ask that you would divinely direct those looking for survivors to the EXACT locations where they are trapped. We pray that you will keep warm and fed those in shelters, and all those who are without power. Father, we ask you to give ALL of those who survived a sign of your grace and presence, that You will reveal Yourself to them and bring warmth and hope. Lord, bring comfort to those who have lost so much and are so very afraid. Raise up your church in Japan, O Lord to answer this call to be Your voice calling, Your hands healing, Your feet walking, Your hope and Joy, Your love to the hurting and helpless. And may your children around the world be generous to help provide for those needs, and be praying, and Lord, should you raise up a new generation of servant hearts to go and love on and care for the people of Japan, make it so! Amen"