Ofunato: The Harvest is Plentiful

Our team arrived in Ofunato on Monday evening. Since then, we helped Stephen Bay, a missionary called to Ofunato, move into his new apartment and visited 5 kasetsu, or temporary housing units. 

Ofunato is beautiful. Green mountains crowned with rolling fog and mist envelope one side of the city, while the sparkling bay dotted with oyster buoys and ships complete the scenic panorama. 

The bay, which once sparked terror, also provides the region's livelihood. The skeletal remains of buildings serve as an eerie and sad reminder of the tragedy that occurred. Much of the city remains unrestored. Many of the kasetsu residents are unable to return home because the land where their homes existed is now below sea level. 

The question which has been heavy on my mind has been, what goes on in their minds as they must rebuild after each devastation? What hope do they cling to? Is that hope enough to sustain them in such prolonged and great devastation of both physical and emotional proportions? 

Today, I shared about my hope in Jesus and his peace which transcends my understanding in the midst of my pain and discomfort. I sensed a connection being forged. They seemed interested in my story, and simply overjoyed and grateful at our presence. 

The people on the frontline here say the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. As more than 2 years have passed, many volunteers and organizations are phasing out, but the people here are becoming more open to the gospel, something almost unheard of in Japan. I hear stories of unbelievers' supernatural encounters with Jesus and know the time is now. God has not forgotten Japan in his great plan of redemption, and neither should we.