This is a disaster relief update from Pastor Yoshiya Kondo in Morioka City, Iwate, in northern Japan.
There are doors that open as we continue our relief work in disaster area.
We have been visiting an elementary school which is one of the evacuation centers twice a week to play with children there. At first, it seemed like they were wondering in suspicion what kind of group we were. But as we kept visiting, they seemed to have gotten familiar with our faces and trusted us, and the person who checks us in now treats us completely differently.
At first: “Sooo, what kind of organization are you guys? …Please make sure you call us before you come.” Last week: “It would be a big help if you can come on this day.” Yesterday: “Please come anytime!”
We promise to the children “We will come again on this day!” when we leave the shelter.
Yesterday, two members joined us from Hokumin (Hokkaido Christian Mission Network) team. (Those coming on a short-term trip, please join.) Those who have been participating from Morioka repeatedly are starting to remember children’s names and their prayers deepening, even though they feel a little frustrated by the distance of 4-hour round trip. This ministry will expand to areas with temporary houses that will be built in the near future. In working in the disaster area, one of the key things has been to continue the relief work patiently as we build trust.
