Waiting for "The Big One" (Earthquake)
“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” –Ephesians 5:14
Waiting for the “Big One”
Last month, three fairly strong quakes shook the Tokyo area, within a week’s time. Conversations on the street suddenly changed from how hot the weather was to what everyone was doing when their houses or apartments swayed from the force of the quakes.
The news was suddenly filled with the big question: Are these earthquakes leading up to the “Big One” that is predicted to hit the Tokyo area?
The Tokai area, which centers around Shizuoka but would strongly impact Tokyo, has not had a large earthquake in over 100 years. It is believed that earthquake energy is building up in the Tokai area, and that a massive, catastrophic earthquake is expected to occur in the near future. As one article writes, “It would not be surprising if a big one occurred tomorrow.”
Are We Prepared?
Most cities in Japan have detailed information on their websites and in their city halls on how to prepare for the big earthquake. Even Kadin’s kindergarten has a special suit for each child to wear in case of an evacuation. We have an evacuation bag, including hard hats, stored in our entranceway.
And, even though all of our Japanese friends tell us how frightened they are of earthquakes, we are very surprised when they tell us that they have not made any preparations in their homes or for their families.
A Sleeping Giant
How easy it is to procrastinate making preparations for something that could mean the difference between life and death. Our friends tell us themselves that they are lazy when it comes to disaster prevention/preparation. “One day I should really think about it…” they say.
Unfortunately, for most people here, it will probably take surviving a major earthquake before they actually prepare for one!
We find this is similar to the spiritual state in Japan. Just as in a true revival, it will take a spiritual earthquake before people take the Gospel seriously and genuinely make Jesus their Lord.
Unlike many countries where people are literally opposed to the Gospel and Christians experience persecution, the Japanese are open to talking about Jesus. They are just too consumed with what is happening in the NOW to realize their need for a Savior.
Would you please agree in faith with us for a spiritual “earthquake” to happen in Japan? Pray that the Lord would stir their spirits that they might wake from their spiritual slumber and walk in the light of Jesus. Only through prayer can this happen!