We praise the wonderful Name of our merciful Lord.
We are so very thankful for your many expressions of concern and your faithfulness to pray for us as we find ourselves in the midst of a terrible natural disaster.
On the afternoon of March 11th, a massive earthquake, measuring 9.0 and a terrible tsunami, which followed, struck eastern Japan and wreaked unprecedented devastation on a vast area of northeastern Japan. We are in shock at the enormity of the damage, with already 10,000 dead or missing and with entire towns being destroyed. Continued aftershocks in this area and other earthquakes occurring in many other areas of Japan, coupled with the danger posed by stricken nuclear power plants has led to wide spread feelings of fear through out Japan. The stricken nuclear reactors have also led to power shortages and the disruption of both public and private transportation, so that the lives of many who were not actually in the earthquake itself have also been thrown into chaos. Distribution of goods and services have been disrupted, so that gasoline and heating fuel, along with food and various other supplies are not reaching the people of Japan.
In regard to our churches and believers, there were not any BBF churches in the areas that were most heavily damaged. However there were a number of Conservative Baptist churches, along with various other churches in these areas. Of course, many of our friends and loved ones lived in these areas as well. While there are many churches in Tokyo and its surrounding suburbs, as of date, we have not received any report of heavy damage to any of these churches. Of course, some of these churches have had walls crack, windows break, and lighting or various other items fall and break. Additionally some of their church members have been forced to live in evacuation shelters.
We are currently preparing aid to send to the earthquake ravaged areas. We would like to lend a helping hand to our fellow countrymen who are in unbearable pain over the loss of their family members, homes, and all their possessions. We are deeply grateful for you, our brothers and sisters in the Lord, who have readily expressed your desire to help us in our time of need.
The fact that so many died in this tragedy without believing on our Lord and Savior is the greatest of all tragedies. Japan certainly is a difficult mission field. Many Japanese have firmly closed their hearts to God. We earnestly pray that many Japanese will open their hearts and come to the Lord as a result of this devastating earthquake. Thank you so much for remembering us in your prayers.
In Christ,
Tsunehiro Michishita, Japan Baptist Bible Fellowship President
16 March 2011
Repoert (26 March 2011)
Even though there is no JBBF church in the area where the earthquake hit, but in Kanto area surrounding Tokyo, there are amny JBBF churches. Kanto is the area with the most population in Japan which means they need electricity more than any other area. 1st and 2nd Fukushima Nuclear power plants supply power for Tokyo. The damage is seriously affecting power provided to Kanto area. Requefaction at Tokyo bay where Disney land and many houses are built is seriously affecting the lives and production.
About churches, just as the President reported, the churche building of Megumi Baptist Temple is partly damaged and they need several million yen. They have many Burazillian people living in that area and most of the church people are Brazillians. They hardly have no experience of earthquake and are very worried. There are other buildings which are damaged to some extent, but they can repair by themselves. We are thankful for BBF churches that offering to send donations - from US, Korea, Phillipines, Brazil, etc.
One fourth of the whole land in Japan damaged by the earthquake and Tsunami and affecting economic situation which may lead to more jobless people. That will affect churches financially. What is happening at the nuclear power plant and other situations are affecting not only people living up north but also people in other areas.
Please keep praying for us.