Feb. 7 - 11, we- 5 from the Azumino Family Chapel and then myself- visited the city of Kamaishi, Iwate. Almost 2 years ago a 4 meter tsunami devastated half the city, killing over 1000 people.
First, take a look at what happened. Kamaishi Tsunami - YouTube I believe the video is taken from above the church.... Though this is in Japanese, this may be better、釜石市 津波 - YouTube The cries to 'Run' bring me to tears, even now.
When we got to the New Life Kamaishi Church, it looked like it was in good condition.
But even after almost 2 years, the church is still in need of repairs.
The pastor and his wife still don't (can't) live in the parsonage next to the church.
The water covered all the first floor of the church. Note how the lower level of the sanctuary is the exposed dry wall and still in need of repair.
Why has it taken so long to repair the church? There are many reasons, but I sensed that the pastor did not want to move 'a head' by merely return to past 'normalcy.' There must be something they could learn and then change. He wanted to join the city in its suffering. 'Weep with those who weep,' Romans 12:15.... By the way, while we were still there, the church decided to repair the church completely.
More to come...
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