Absolutely.

The help is real and we are an encouragement for the victims, volunteers, Christian and missionaries here. There are too few Christian in Japan, less than 1% of the population, too few youth and young adults. Even if they are willing, they are mostly old and weak to help in this kind of relief work.

Kesennuma Baptist church received 500 sets of essentials by one Christian organization for distribution to the community. With an old and small congregation numbering around 25 members, they need help to distribute these essentials.

We can be there to guide and set new direction for the churches that in the past has resigned to keeping tradition that the community is familiar with but does not challenge them to go forth and preach the gospel actively. One middle age church member I spoke to, agreed things need to change but he is “young” compares to the others and although he is willing to adapt, there is so few of his kind. Evangelizing is mostly left to the pastors to work on and many are old. They have to also look at new ways to retain younger members who may initially come to church when the seed has been planted but would not stay long as fellowship is usually an important consideration.

David and Esther, long term missionaries who have stayed in Japan the past 40 years said it can take as long as 20 years to convert one to a Christian. Seeing what God is doing now, gave them renew strength and faith to preach the gospel when they return to Miyazaki. The time spent with foreign Christian co-workers like us is like “refreshing breath” of life in their own words.

There is high respect for foreigners coming to help. When we mentioned we are from Singapore and it is God commandment to help those in need, many open up knowing we are here out of love and compassion. Singapore and Japan has always enjoyed good relationship both at government and people level. When we mentioned we are also a multinational team including Indonesian, they are especially grateful knowing Indonesia had its own tragic tsunami not long ago. One volunteer is willing to help Indonesia when the need arises.