UCC missionary in devastated Japan pursues silver linings

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

UCC missionary in devastated Japan pursues silver linings

> Written by Jeff Woodard
> March 29, 2011

UCCJ Tohoku Disaster Relief Center - Loading Supplies

It took time to witness through catastrophic ruin and colossal 
anguish, but at least one United Church of Christ missionary says 
hope is alive in Japan.

"I am amazed by the grass-roots power that has given birth to the 
Tohoku Disaster Relief Center," said the Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, 
director of youth ministries at the Emmaus Center and the Sendai 
Student/Youth Center. The Emmaus Center has essentially been 
transformed into the relief center.

Sendai, a northern coastal city a two-hour drive north of Tokyo, took 
a devastating hit March 11 during the 9.0-magnitude and resulting tsunami.

"The earthquake happened on a Friday, and by Sunday three pastors had 
gathered, each of whom had their own experiences with earthquakes," 
Mensendiek wrote in an email March 25. "They were quick to call on 
capable volunteers to gather and set up camp. They called on the 
local district leadership to include them in the decision making. 
They included me because I provided the space to start up the relief center."

An estimated 350 miles of coastline have been swept clear by the tsunami.

"Many people will not be able to return to their homes, much less to 
the coastal area that has proved to be vulnerable to the tsunami," 
wrote Mensendiek. "It will take years before the families will regain 
their daily life."

As of March 28, the death toll was nearing 11,000, with more than 
16,000 people still missing.

Mensendiek had reported on March 20 the staggering sight that spanned 
landscapes for untold miles.

"Refrigerators, cars, houses, beds, televisions, telephone poles and 
trees were strewn out across the land," he wrote. "An elementary 
school stood strong, but the mark of the tsunami could be seen 
reaching to the fourth floor."