Here are some blog posts that we hope will make you feel a part of things, and help you understand how to pray better for us and Japan. Please see our external blog in Blogger, if this page does not display correctly.
Uncool Hero
Another sign of the times in Japan: a new superhero has been born. With the Fukushima nuclear power plant down (melted down), and the mecury up, Japan is scrambling to find the extra energy it needs to avoid summer blackouts. Everyone is being urged to turn off or turn down unneeded electric.Only in Japan would you find a superhero to champion the cause. Right out of the PR office of Tokyo's Power
No Second Opinions?
July 8, 2011 12:20
| Culture, Doctor
| Permalink
I was interested to see this hospital scene. That any doctor's opinion in highly vertical socially structured Japan is even questioned is a sign that, perhaps, things are changing a bit. The Second Opinion window, however, is obviously not getting much business. After hours? Shut down by the doctor's union? Shut down for lack of inquiries? Japanese patients embarrassed to appear so brazen? Perhaps
Symbols of Hope
June 25, 2011 01:41
| Cross, Hope, Tree, Tsunami
| Permalink
As life in the Tokyo area returns to a new kind of "normal," the waves of challenges and sorrows continue in northern Miyagi and Iwate prefectures. It's easy to be so overwhelmed by the destruction and sadness of the area as to miss the symbols of hope... A solitary pine tree remains standing on a destroyed beachfront. It withstood the tsunami that destroyed everything around it. The tree has been
Brace for Impact?
As small aftershocks keep coming two and a half months after the major 3/11 quake, Japan's hi-tech Earthquake Early Warning System is getting increasing scrutiny. The hi-tech system was rolled out to much fanfare just a few years back. It's set up to ring, vibrate and flash the 125 million plus cell phones throughout Japan when an earthquake is imminent. Sounds great. Makes me feel more secure. Technology
Tsunami Ground Zero
I still haven't returned from tsunami ground zero. That is to say, although I've been back several days already, the reality of the scene is still with me. The incredible amounts of mud in once beautiful homes, the cars tossed around like toys, the shell-shocked people moving about sadly, the piles and piles of everything imaginable from the lives of so many now gone, the smells of kerosene and decay
March 25 - Earthquake (10)
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7Hope is on the WayWe appreciate the many of you who have expressed your prayer support. We're reading those email, we just can't respond. These are unusual times in Japan. Even as the nuclear reactors continue to belch mysterious smoke and strong aftershocks rattle us daily, we are trying to make plans and
March 20 - Earthquake (9)
Sunday RenewalWhat do you preach after an unspeakable tragedy? After the tsunami, Noah and the flood might at first seem to be dicey choice. But Genesis 8, the account after the flood, is a picture of God's healing grace, renewal of the earth, and firm promise. Pastor Kondo has been preaching through Genesis the past few months. As it worked out, this Sunday was scheduled to be on that very passage.
March 19 - Earthquake (8)
After the Triple PunchThe 9.0m earthquake and 40ft. tsunami double punch killed thousands (7500 and counting) and left a half million homeless. But then the knockout punch: the nuclear crisis began. The fear that has gripped people has done at least as much damage to the Japanese psyche as the earthquake and tsunami. No, I am not writing this from a fallout shelter. The Lavermans are watching, waiting,