Pray-Listen-Act: the Strategy of Transformation

The story of 3/11 Fukushima must not end as tragedy. It is only the beginning, and that's what I keep hearing from the local churches we've been visiting. The course of history in Fukushima is changing because of these faithful followers of Christ.

As I was listening to people's stories here in Fukushima and watching TV programs on the 1st anniversary of the disaster, one thing was very clear to me. The faces of Christians are brighter with smile and joy and their voices carry determination of hope and strength coming from Jesus. There is no energy of anger and bitterness. Of course people remember the day, March 11, with great sorrow and grief. But a true lament before the living God, the righteous and true loving Father, gives birth to a new life of hope as the author of Lamentation wrote several thousands years ago.

I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
   the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
   the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember,
   and remembering, I keep a grip on hope.

(Lamentations 3:19-21, The Message translation)

This week I've been privileged to hear some of the precious stories of transformation, small seeds of sacrificial love growing in Fukushima. I will share stories in the next few days, but here are some faces shining with gratitude and joy. 

Two brothers, thankful for a new family of faith

A pastor excited with prophetic imagination to rebuild an entire village

A fearless mother encouraging other mothers to not fear radiation

A community volunteer and church leader, giving thanks for losing (!) his job on March 10, 2011 as it was God's providence for making him available to serve his suffering neighbors

A relief worker who finds joy in listening to stories of victims finding encouragement through her love and care

Midori and her colleagues have been faithfully walking with these local churches for the past year by praying and listening together as a way of discerning where and how to act.

We would like to offer the same tool to many others as we are all part of this grand story of God's redemptive work in our hurting world. I would specially like to invite you readers to join us in prayers this weekend, as a group of us gather in Fukushima for a very special day of prayer and listening. Please click here to download a prayer guide for Fukushima, the Healing of the Land.