The Monument Project

7/11 and 7/12 We have been working on a monument project at Ofunato, Japan.  Ofunato is one of the towns that was devastated by the Tsunami.  Many homes and lives were washed away at this region.  Standing on the ground once stood by a home, our hearts again touched by the loss of these people.  The monument was designed by Mido Harada, a Christian Artist.  The purpose of the monument is to bring the broken community back together.  This project is completely done by volunteers.

It rained all day on 7/11/12.  Despite the rain, we shoveled the rocks and stacked bricks.  Compared to working in the hot sun the previous day, we were thankful for a break from the sun and were glad to be able to work in the rain.

As we worked in this monument project, we witnessed to the community the Love of Christ.  Many passer-bys stopped to greet us and thank the Tohuku Care Team for helping them.  The Tohuku Care Team is an outreach ministry of Southern Baptist formed after the Tsunami.  During this past year, under the leadership and coordination efforts of Gerald and Brenda Burch, the Tohuku Care Team had led more than 50 teams to this Tsunami affected region.  The goal of the Tohuku Care Team  is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The presence of the Tohuku Care Team signifies the presence of Christians in the community.  Many of these people have never met a Christian or heard of Jesus Christ.  By developing relationship with the community, each team members are presented unique oppurtunities to witness and to share the love of Jesus Christ with individuals that they met.  Each team that served under the Tohuku Care Ministry built upon the effort of the previous team members and open doors for future teams.

While we sat under tent sharing our meals, we have the opportunity to witness to other volunteers who were also working on this project. We shared with them the difference that Christ made on lives and the gospel of Jesus Christ.   A couple of the volunteers were especially interested to hear our personal testimonies.   We also gave interested individuals a bible to read.   We prayed that the Lord will continue to lead them to receive Him in their hearts.