Church and Onagawa

This morning we enjoyed fellowship with Chad and Jennifer's Be One house church.  There were 50 people packed into this small Japanese house.  There were an overwhelming number of foreigners here today due to some volunteer groups being here as well as our family of seven.  But the time together was sweet and we pray that the Japanese seekers felt the warmth that we shared.

A trio called the Covenant Players was here to volunteer this week.  They are a traveling group that shares the gospel through acting.

Late this afternoon we took a short drive up the coast to the next small town, Onagawa.  The town lies in somewhat of a V shape that opens to the ocean and is surrounded by mountains in a V-shape.  When the tsunami hit, so much water had no place to go and just swelled up in between the mountains to over 15 meters high.  So much of the whole town was literally wiped away.  Whole buildings were lifted off their foundations and swept in on the tsunami, then carried back out.

We parked up on a hillside where many people escaped to.  Even there, the first floor of the hospital was covered in water.  A gentleman came up to us and said that we were looking out over where his restaurant once stood.  He drove to where we were standing, but had to go up to higher ground and watched as his car was swept away.  So overwhelming...each person has a story of heartache.

Looking out where homes and businesses once filled the valley:

A three-story building still there....on it's side, now laying just behind where the man's restaurant once stood.

Sign on the hillside says, "We love Onagawa".  Just above the white star looking thing at the bottom of the picture you can see a blue sign that marks the tsunami level.

Empty space, once filled with buildings and life:

A sign back in Ishinomaki....the blue signs are frequently seen as reminders as to how high the water rose.

After visiting Onagawa we filled our bellies at a restaurant that served "Volcano Ramen", a steaming bowl delivered to your table.  Fun!

Another day filled with so many emotions.  We said good-bye to some people we've enjoyed seeing throughout our week here.  It's hard for me not to tear up as I encourage them to carry on.  I try to tell them through my tears and tightening throat that we have prayed and will continue to pray for them.  I cannot begin to imagine the trauma that they have suffered through, yet I do know that they are receiving hope and help from some incredible servants.  Praying that God's love continues to fill this town and that his Peace sustains them through many tough days to come.  Tomorrow we head back to Osaka.