「あの日にかえりたい」
“I Want to Return to Those Days”
by Mike McGinty
As I stood there quietly in the midst of so much sadness this song, written in another era, seemed to represent the heart cry of the survivors who were trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. Our team of six, assisted by John Elliot and Martin Ghent, had traveled from Sapporo to assist people in returning to those days but our efforts seemed feeble in light of the enormous needs. Loved ones who were missing were unlikely to return home. Possessions and homes that were destroyed would not be easily replaced. Community life would never be the same again. Previous plans and dreams had been swept away by the tsunami and were now subject to a new, harsh reality. A life of waiting in lines for gasoline, food and basic necessities was the new ‘normal’. Sleepless nights in evacuation centers with hundreds of others on hard wooden floors, dealing with constant mud, cold, frequent aftershocks and lack of personal hygiene would only serve to intensify the longing for those days that would never return. 
While it was hard to witness so much personal loss, we were struck even further by the lack of evangelical churches in the areas that had been hit the hardest by the tsunami. We came for a few days with our shovels to clear away the debris and cooked food to feed the hungry, but who would stay behind to feed souls and share about the God of hope who alone can rebuild broken lives? Even if these people could somehow return to those days of the past, their most critical need would remain unmet as they needed to return to the God who created them. Herein lays the greater challenge we must face as a mission while we continue to do what we can to minister to immediate physical needs. The God who pleaded with His people: “Now return to me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7), desires the same for the Japanese who cannot return to those days of the past. May God use us all in the coming days to offer help and hope to those in need.
Our week long journey of 1,700 km and a 4 hour ferry is now over but what did we bring back with us besides a lot of dirty clothes?
- A greater admiration for the Japanese people—Their ability to absorb tremendous losses and move forward in community was a tremendous example to us on a daily basis.
- Thankfulness for our team and those who supported us—Our immediate team embodied the diversity of OMF with three Swiss (Dieter, Sam & Pascal), a Singaporean (Chai Hwa), a Canadian (Rowena) and a Texan/American (myself) yet God enabled us to work together closely in difficult circumstances using our individual gifts for His unique purposes. Throughout the trip we were also keenly aware of the larger team that stood behind us praying and assisting in countless ways.
- Appreciation for the generosity of God’s people—The church, the missionary community and supporters back home gave sacrificially of their goods, money and time as prompted by the Holy Spirit. This seemed to touch the lives of those we ministered to throughout the week when they asked where the supplies and assistance came from.
- Amazement at God’s provision, guidance and protection—The provision of special police permits for the toll ways, protection from injuries, extra stamina and patience for difficult circumstances, incident free travel, divine appointments and places to sleep each night were constant reminders of our Heavenly Father’s care.
- Excitement of seeing the church in action—We crossed paths with several pastors, churches and organizations eager to help and united in purpose, overcoming the things that often divide us.
