Youth in Japan

It’s been one week.  The death toll is up to 6,911, missing persons up to 10,316.  I keep finding myself wanting to shut my eyes and leave the room when news about Japan starts rolling.  People don’t have their basic needs covered, or even fuel to be able to drive away from impending nuclear meltdown… they are exhausted from seeing their homes swept away, from fear of radiation, from worry over loved ones who have not yet been found.  Everything is ruined and there is a dark cloud of hopelessness and helplessness over the nation.  It seems like too much for a heart to bear. Do the Japanese people know that they are not alone, that there is a God in heaven who is weeping over this destruction? Whose heart is shattered by the cries of His precious people?  Do the Japanese know that the maker of the universe is ready to comfort all who mourn?  Do they know that there is a hope of a time when everything will be made whole, pure, unbroken?  Do they know Christ?

2% of the Japanese population is Christian.

Light always shines the brightest in the darkness… and it’s looking pretty dark to me.  The only hope I have is imagining what God can do though the local church in Japan at a time as this.  Let’s join with our Japanese brothers and sisters, praying with our eyes wide open, looking for the ways that God is actively drawing His people to Himself. I found an article today that spoke of the church in Caritas coordinating humanitarian aid.  It particularly highlighted young people who are helping and are bringing hope to the displaced.  I feel somehow honored to be praying for these brave Christian youth.  May God continue to pour his Spirit into them as they pour themselves out to others.

helen