Reverend Shoichi Izumi, a cabinet member of Konkokyo, paid a mid-April condolence and research visit to churches in areas affected by the East Japan Earthquake.
First, Reverend Izumi visited Konko Church of Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture. During the April 7th afterquake, the church’s gate pole fell off, but fortunately, the church building did not suffer other major damages. Reverend Kazuko Wakamatsu, Head Minister of the church, was reported as carrying on her missionary work in good shape.
When Reverend Izumi visited Kesennuma Church, Reverend Shiro Okuhara, Head Minister, was absent because he was conducting a crematory service for a member who died in the earthquake. His wife, Reverend Mikiko Okuhara said, “ In spite of the fact that many people have been buried without cremation, we are grateful that the member could be cremated with this service.” Kesennuma City was critically damaged by the earthquake, but the church escaped major damage because it is located on a hill. The church offered its facilities, such as the worship hall and annex, for the affected people and volunteers.
On April 14, after visiting churches of Sendai and Sendai-nambu, Reverend Izumi arrived at the Ishinomaki Church. He expressed his impression of that scene on arrival, “When I got out the car, it smelled pretty acrid like the combined smells of decay and ocean. It was indescribable.” Slime brought by the tsunami had accumulated around, and dried. Particles from the dried slime scattered in the air along with dust from the rubble. The worship hall of Ishinomaki Church was inundated by the tsunami and was covered with mud. At present, most of the mud has been removed. However, the smell still remains in the building which had been soaked with sea water and mud.
There was a concern for hygienic problems and worry that an epidemic might spread as temperatures rose.
Reverend Inoue said, “I would like to build a worship hall, even a temporary one so that the members can pray in a clean place and get recharged.” His wife, Reverend Naomi Inoue said, “I am worried that children may become ill if there is an epidemic.”
Completing his visits, Reverend Isumi said, “Seeing the reality, I became speechless. In order for reconstruction of the areas to occur, they need manpower more and more as well as the comfort of mitama and prayer. I wish that the Konkokyo congregation will work together for this reconstruction. To promote the support activities, it is important for headquarters to seek ways to establish a system of human and financial support.”