Japan Quake Report and Relief News

Funds may also be sent to BIMI account #954 • P.O. Box 9215, Chattanooga, TN 37412


The tremendous spiritual need and the urgent cry for missionaries for this area are highlighted in the current BIMI WORLD magazine.

April May 5, 2011

April 15, 2011



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April 11, 2011

If you are interested and able, follow us on Facebook. Recently, we have not had frequent access to the Internet. Because of this, we have tried to update Facebook with our cell phone. It is often the only way we can get word out of what we are doing.

I just left Miyagi prefecture after our latest shake up which was a 7.4 quake, and arrived in Aomori. Here, I have access to internet, but only until this afternoon. At that point, I will head to Faith BC in Misawa for their evening service and plan to head down the devastated east side of Honshu to deliver aid and present the Gospel to as many as I can.

This trip started from Kobe. A dozen members of Grace Kobe BC helped us buy $3000 in donated food and necessities from a local store. We had it all purchased, paid for and boxed up in about 2 hours! We shopped from a list sent us by national pastors from Fukushima. On Tuesday, April 5, I drove to Tokyo, picked up Bro Ron White who flew in from Okinawa, and headed to Chiba prefecture (east of Tokyo). We stayed at a church. I was privileged to meet Pastor Matsuyama from the Narashino BC. His father in law, Pastor Maruyama, had pastored that church for 48 years. They helped us find some water to take north. We had wanted to buy more, but were told that water was hard to find except in very small amounts.

On Wednesday, April 6, Bro White and I left the Tokyo area heading north. There was an accident on an elevated highway with two lanes of traffic each way and no shoulder. It took us 2 hours to go about 15 miles.

We made it to the Fukushima area (an hour south of Sendai), about in the middle of the island, 60 kilometers west from the dangerous nuclear plant, and delivered the supplies to pastors and workers representing 8 churches. We spoke with them of their situations. It does not look good. Areas of radiation will be unlivable for years to come. Some church members have already left the area leaving already small churches even smaller. One thing we must do is encourage those who remain and help them reach more people in this area. Because of this, we are devising a plan to cover their area in Gospel literature. One idea is to produce Gospel flyers that will have their church information and a Gospel presentation printed, sent to them. Then, we envision sending funds to get them passed out throughout their areas without burdening their already busy schedules. For about 3 cents per copy, these Gospel flyers can be distributed through distribution companies. I have in mind producing a different flyer each month and having them passed out around these churches for at least a year.

Plans changed suddenly which gave Bro White and I the opportunity to drive further north to visit other missionaries trying to get aid into other areas. We thought this team had gone to Sendai, but later learned that they were in an area an hour north of Sendai by expressway and then an hour east on regular (and very slow), roads.

BIMI missionaries David Carter, his wife, Glenda, and Bro Steve Canter, made up part of this team. Others include Bro Carter's son, Steve, his wife and children, and Bro Keith Matthews. They had established a camp site (living in tents), on a hill about 15 kilometers from the town of Kesennuma. From there, they are taking aid to coastal areas until April 22. Bro Carter and Bro Canter will be making runs to Tokyo on the weekends for ministry needs and to buy more supplies.

During our first night at the camp site, Bro White and I were sleeping in my van. (We had not prepared for camping!) At about 11:30 that night, we both woke up to a violent shaking. The car seemed to be dancing. We turned on the car radio to hear of the 7.4 quake centered about 80 miles south of us. It was BIG! We were all left feeling a bit nervous and wondering. We then had many an aftershock. Once again, just like before, electricity went out in the area. That meant once again, no gas, no stores open, etc. They even closed the rest room in the park where we were staying. That was not very convenient! My heart went out to many people in the area who already had endured so much!

In our two days there, we were able to visit both north and south of this city. It is impossible to explain sufficiently all the devastation we saw. The best way to describe it would be to imagine a very destructive tornado having gone along the entire coast line. At every point where there was not sufficient elevation, there are mangled cars, destroyed houses and bulidings, and ruined lives. Whole towns were swallowed up by the tsunami. At many points, when the road goes up over a hill or the towns get some elevation due to mountains, you cannot tell that anything happened. Even right in the middle of some untouched areas, you can find a small or large valley where the tsunami waters pushed debris up a river bed or low lying area. The waters entering valley areas acted like a funnel causing the water to push higher and further into these areas.

One place we visited had been a town of 25,000+ called Rikuzentakata (lee-ku-ze-n-ta-ka-ta). I cannot describe what it was like to stand in a place that was once a busy little town, but now reduced to piles of rubble or completely leveled by the power of the tsunami. One of the amazing sights was to see metal beams twisted like it was putty. Other than heavy equipment trying to clear the area and mountains of debris, we saw less than 5 people rummaging through what was left of the place they once lived. All who did not flee to the mountains nearby were killed. Downed bridges mean that it is extremely hard to get into the area. We had to wind our way around miles of debris and back valley roads to get back to the main road. Much of it looks like a giant garbage dump.

While viewing Rikuzentakata, a man walked close to us. He had lost all except for the clothes on his back. When we tried to give him supplies, he said he could not take much since he had no place to put it. It was sad! We did give him the Gospel and pray that he will allow it to change his life. For many who remain, as happened in other disasters here, suicide will be an option many will choose.

When we drove down into that first area of complete destruction, there were tears. It was not long though that the tears were replaced by a feeling of utter despair. All those in the low lying areas that did not escape, perished. Thousands more lost everything! Scores of towns are deserted. People everywhere are trying to clean up. Those who remain live in fear of another earthquake or tsunami.

It is a time to do something for them, but there is a very sad thought at this point. There are only a few who are able to help. Another sad thing is that the people are leery of foreigners who might try to take advantage of their situation in some way.

The cry of Japan today is the same as it was after the war. Send us missionaries!

This event has caused me to wish that there were many more churches and missionaries throughout this northern area. The few that are here are helping the people, but there is an overwhelming feeling of despair when I think that there are thousands with no one to show them God's ways.

The cry of Japan today is the same as it was after the war. Send us missionaries! For only those who know God can help these people in the greatest way! What is the saddest point of this whole experience for me? The laborers are few!

Will you pray with us that God will send laborers into this harvest? That is the greatest thing you can do for Japan right now!

In His Service,
David Harris
BIMI Missionary | Aomori / Kobe, Japan | www.dharrisjapan.com | facebook
April 02, 2011

Here is a brief update about what is happening in the next few weeks.

A team of BIMI missionaries and others will be heading to Sendai on Monday, April 4 to set up a base camp and to survey needs. This team consists of BIMI missionaries Dave Carter and Steve Canter and a few other missionaries. Bro Carter's son, Steve, is to stay in Sendai over the weekend while the others return to their churches in Tokyo for responsibilities over the weekend.

Then again, on Monday, April 11, they will return to Sendai with supplies and tools. Bro Dan Gardner and another missionary from Okinawa are to join them. A third trip is scheduled for Monday, April 18.

One of our national pastors associate with KIBBS, Wakimasu sensei, headed north today, April 2, to meet with national pastors and access needs. He will be distributing funds that have come through our Bible college. I plan to do the same this next week along with Bro Ron White so that we also can see how we can help our graduates from KIBBS, their churches and their areas.

There are travel expenses, tools, building materials, food, blankets, clothes, etc., needed for these trips. If anyone would like to help, we would welcome all the support and prayers we can get.

I just realized that no mention has been made above about spiritual help. I simply failed to relay that 200,000 Gospel tracts are being printed right now, but many more are needed. We also hope to get a supply of Bibles so that we can get people what they need most. The spiritual needs of these people is our first priority and we will do all we can to be sure that with the aid, we give the Gospel.

In His Service,
David Harris
BIMI Missionary | Aomori / Kobe, Japan | www.dharrisjapan.com | facebook
Assisting Far East Missionaries

March 28, 2011

I was 200 miles north of the quake in a missions conference and experienced first hand the initial quake, aftershocks, and preceding power outages. Since then, we have returned to Kobe and are pleased to announce that our national pastors in the Kansai area will be helping us to find out needs and aid in getting the funds to where they can help best.

There are scores of relief organizations, but it is our desire to aid the churches in northern Japan so that they can get back on their feet and impact their areas for Christ.

Many have written asking what is needed. Here are some thoughts...

1. Immediate help for displaced pastors and damaged churches
2. Funds to purchase supplies such as food, clothing, building supplies, and tools.
3. Funds for printing Gospel literature that can be distributed to churches
4. Help with travel expenses for workers going into the affected areas
5. Need for gas for cars and kerosene for heating

Many other needs may arise, but these are some items that are immediate needs.

BIMI has been in Japan since the early 60's and has a good nucleus of national churches throughout Japan. Our main area is the Kansai area consisting of the areas of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. We also have missionaries in the Tokyo area both to the national people and the U.S. military. At this moment, a group of missionaries is surveying the needs of our national churches and is making plans to head north of Tokyo to aid affected churches. I may be heading that way on April 4th to assess needs.

We would appreciate your prayers.

In His Service,
David Harris
BIMI Missionary | Aomori / Kobe, Japan | www.dharrisjapan.com | facebook
Assisting Far East Missionaries


March 25, 2011

BIMI has made it possible for those desiring to contribute to earthquake relief.

Since we have access to national pastors here in Japan, we have been able to locate pastors, churches, and needs resulting from the quake and tsunami. There are scores of organizations providing humanitarian aid. It is our desire to work primarily through our national pastors and churches to help them get through this difficult time. Rest assured that any funds will be directed to aid churches and help them reach areas around them. There are sufficient places for people to live and eventually receive everyday supplies. It would be great if Christians focused on meeting the spiritual needs of the thousands in need.

If you wish to help us encourage pastors and churches in the affected areas, please remember that we will be sure funds are distributed in a way that would be pleasing to the Lord. We hope to have further information in the near future of specific needs.

Thank you for praying for Japan and the thousands affected by the quake and tsunami. The entire country has been moved by this tragic event. What a great time to get the Gospel to them and show that we care for their souls.

In His Service,
David Harris
BIMI Missionary | Aomori / Kobe, Japan | www.dharrisjapan.com | facebook
Assisting Far East Missionaries


March 23, 2011

Thank you to all of you who have prayed and checked on our missionaries. The days continue to pass since the earthquake in Japan and still there are many aftershocks occurring. It is difficult to get fuel in many places. The situation at the nuclear facilities has been of concern to those in the north of Japan, including the Tokyo area. Some of the graduates of the BIMI Bible School have been displaced and churches were damaged. Missionary David Harris and one of the Japanese pastors will be heading up our relief activities. We are especially concerned about our graduates who were serving the Lord in the devastated area. Keep us in your prayers.

March 15, 2011

We praise the Lord for His protection of our missionaries. Some of them in Japan are still experiencing aftershocks and having difficulty getting fuel, food and supplies. Some have been helping their neighbors repair their homes. There is now a danger of radiation in some areas. Our hearts are heavy for the Japanese people. We are praying that all these tragedies will soften hearts. Thousands have died. Many have lost their homes and businesses. Our folk will be working in the days ahead to help their Japanese neighbors in many different ways. We ask you to pray with us. I want to thank many of you who have called, emailed, left messages, and let us know that you are concerned.

March 14, 2011

Since the earthquake in Japan, I have either been on the phone or computer. Last night about 10:30 PM, I was talking with one of our families in Japan and even as we talked they had to leave their home because their house was shaking so badly. They have spent a good bit of time helping neighbors whose homes have been damaged.

All of our missionary families are safe and accounted for. Some of them do not have water or electricity. Some are away from their homes and are finding it difficult to return. Dr. and Mrs. David Snyder, who were on their first trip to Japan, are fine. I have corresponded with them several times.

Many people have called or emailed requesting information about relief efforts and/or evangelistic efforts. Missionary David Harris, who is my assistant director and is in Japan, will manage funds sent for these efforts. We pray that this tragedy will help our Japanese friends see their need of Christ. Communication and travel within Japan is still difficult. As we have more details about needs, we will post it here on our website. Funds may be sent to account #954. This is the "Far East Projects Fund."

Thank you for your prayers and concern for our missionaries and the country of Japan. If you have questions about specific missionaries, you may email me.

J.B. Godfrey
Far East Director

March 11, 2011

In the early hours of Friday morning eastern time a massive earthquake struck just off the coast of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. This would have been in the early afternoon of Friday in Japan. The quake was 8.9 magnitude which is the most powerful earthquake to strike Japan since records have been kept. A large wave hit the cities on the northeast coast just after the quake. Houses, cars, and people were swept out to sea. We need to be praying for the people of Japan, as well as for our missionaries. I have heard from several of our missionaries. They are alright. I am waiting word from the others. Many of them are at a greater distance from the earthquake. The Steve Cantor, David Carter, Rick Conrad families and Ethel Wilson are in the Tokyo area and have been experiencing shaking for the last several hours. There are also several of our missionaries who work with the US military in the area. The David Harris, Henry Ward, Bill Craig families are in the Kobe area. The Dan Gardner and Paul Fischer families are on Okinawa. These areas are to the south of the quake area.

Dr. and Mrs. David Snyder are in Misawa, Japan. They are fine. They are with missionary Sammy Popwell.

The tsunami triggered by the earthquake has already struck Hawaii. Our missionaries in the Micronesian Islands are fine. The Philippines are also in line for the tsunami. The Dennis Pyles family and the Layne Jones family are on the northern end of islands there. I have not yet heard from them.

I will do my best to keep you posted as news comes in from our folk.

J.B. Godfrey
Far East Director, BIMI

Missionaries of the Day
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

James 1:12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

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Graham Scott & Melinda Forbes -  ENGLAND
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Vice President and Executive Director
Dr. J. B. Godfrey

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E-Mail Dr. J. B. Godfrey

He can be contacted through the
BIMI office (423) 344-5050.



Far East Director
David Harris

Read more about the Harris family.

www.dharrisjapan.com


Updates
Missionary Richard Conrad Home with the Lord

Europe Magazine Vol. 1, 2012 →

BIMI WORLD Magazine Vol. 3, 2011 →

Reseeding America Newsletter Vol. 1, 2011 →

Nations Magazine Vol. 2 #1, 2011 →

Islander Magazine Vol. 16 #2, 2011 →

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Soundings Newsletter Volume 1, 2010 →

Wednesday, February 22, 2012