Samaritan’s Purse, with a big assist from local Christian volunteers, continues to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit the northeast coast of Japan on March 11.

Since April 27, over 400 volunteers have stayed at one of our two base camps near the coastal areas where the tsunami filled houses with mud. They have helped nearly 100 families recover from the storm by cleaning out homes and removing debris.

As they work, they are bearing witness in a country where the evangelical Christian community represents less than 1 percent of the population. They are having an impact on homeowners like Kondo, who lives in Ishinomaki.

“Thank you for coming to our house,” he said. “I am so grateful that I cannot possibly express my gratitude with words. You helped with us take out rubbish, soiled futon and tatami mats, clothes, and furniture. I saw my garden surface for the first time since the tsunami. My wife and I are so moved. Now courage and energy to move forward is birthed within me. I will never forget your kindness.”

Samaritan's Purse , Japan , Courage to Go On

Previous Update: Waiting for Healing

Next Update: Wiping Away the Tears