SEIMIC SHOCK!

All of Japan held its breath on March 11th as events of a devastating earthquake and tsunami unfolded. The earthquake occurred at 2:46 PM local time and registered 9.0, the strongest ever to hit Japan and the 5th strongest ever recorded in the world. The quake struck near the northern coastal area of Sendai, on the east. About fifteen minutes later a 10-meter (30+ foot) tsunami hit the coast.

Everyone in this island nation was reminded how very fragile life is. Our homes and cars, the clothes we wear and the very ground we walk on can be swept away in an instant. Though we were not directly affected, we will never forget the experience of living in Japan at this catastrophic time.

Where were we when the earthquake struck? The quake was not felt on Okinawa. We are approximately 1,000 miles south and west of the epicenter. It was Friday afternoon. We had just completed one of our weekly volunteer assignments and had gone to dinner. In the restaurant, a TV tuned to Japanese news was showing film of the damage. Our server translated a few of the details. We went immediately home to view reports on the internet. Like everyone, we were in shock as we watched videos which captured the earthquake breaking up roads, toppling buildings and terrorizing residents. And then the tsunami tossing cars, boats and planes about as though they were toys; washing away whole villages and sweeping over farmlands. Our brains could not process what our eyes were seeing. It resembled Hollywood 'special effects'. We could hardly comprehend the scope of destruction.

By the grace of God, all missionaries in Japan have been reported safe. And as far as is known at this time, no deaths have been reported among the 125,000 church members. Praise the Lord!

How has our community been involved in service? Everyone I know has friends or family in mainland Japan. Individually and collectively, we feel deeply for the loss of life and property.

The U.S. military sprang into action right away. Our marines, soldiers and sailors train for events such as this. From Okinawa and other nearby locations, rescue and relief efforts were made available immediately with troops, supplies, ships, planes and helicopters deployed to the disaster areas. Locally, compassion turned to action as churches, schools and neighbors collected blankets, warm clothing, food, diapers, and other relief supplies.

American members here are so compassionate and full of love for their Japanese brothers and sisters. As you might imagine, our church members were swift to act. Donations poured in. In a short time, we were assembling hundreds of emergency hygiene kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap and towel). Other work will follow as needs are identified.

How will the events in northern Japan affect our mission? At first, of course, we did not know. The Church has six missions in Japan. Ours, the Fukuoka Mission, is the most southern of the six. Today we learned that, for the time being, the Sendai Mission will be closed. All displaced missionaries from that area will be transferred to the north. Church leaders are always cautious about the safety of missionaries. Due to concerns over the nuclear power plants, the Tokyo Mission will also be closed temporarily. Missionaries currently serving there are being divided among the three remaining missions to the south. The Fukuoka Mission will receive 43 transfers tomorrow. This represents about a 35% increase in the size of our mission. We estimate about a third of those may come to Okinawa. We will help new arrivals get settled with bicycle, luggage and apartment furnishings as needed. Although this will involve a few extra trips around the island for us, it is a small contribution compared to the responsibilities of our mission presidents, their wives and office missionaries. They have the Herculean task of receiving, interviewing, orienting and re-assigning those being relocated. We love and sustain our leaders and are honored to serve with them.

We pray for relief for the suffering and comfort for those who mourn.