Today is April 1st, a day which marks the beginning of year for businesses and schools. For all of Japan, and especially for those in the hard-hit areas, today is a day of new beginnings. Japanese are trying to keep their spirits up in the face of the hard realities of destruction of lives, homes, and communities. It was only 3 weeks ago today that Japan had met in the terrible forces of nature and its greatest challenge since the end of World War II (1945).
But today also marks a day when there was another 5.9 magnitude aftershock in the affected area. Over 200,000 languish in evacuation shelters with no privacy now that their homes are completely gone. Over 11,000 people have lost their lives and bodies are still being removed from the rubble. PRAY for those frozen in grief at the loss of their loved ones. The prospect of improvements at the Fukushima #1 nuclear plant wanes as that task is also so daunting. PRAY that accurate information will come from the plant and various government agencies that would ease people’s troubled fears.
The church in Japan, already incredibly outnumbered, is trying to meet needs in their communities. PRAY that the church would be the body of Christ where it is. PRAY that the world church would respond with them through prayer, generosity, and coming along side to help.