TOKYO—It’s a lot different this time.

So much so that Southern Baptist disaster relief specialist Don Hargis looks incredulous if you try to compare Haiti’s earthquake last year, or even the 2004 South Asian tsunami, to Japan’s March 11 triple disaster.

Of course, there are the obvious differences in Japan: a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, a tsunami that brought in three walls of water measuring 50 feet high, the invisible radiation threat of the ongoing nuclear crisis.

And then there are the not-so-obvious differences. Early on, Japanese government restrictions didn’t allow international agencies to help with the search and rescue or meeting basic needs. A snowstorm set in hours after the tsunami. Parts of the disaster zone were closed off due to radiation.

The Japanese characteristic of stoic perseverance also added to the difficulty of helping disaster victims. This mentality can be summed up in one Japanese word — ganbatte.

No English words or phrases properly describe this ganbatte mentality. The closest might be “be tough,” “do your best,” “hang in there” or “try harder.” No matter how you interpret the phrase, it comes down to one thing: The Japanese will do whatever it takes to persevere, with or without help.

“You can’t even compare this to anything we’ve ever responded to,” said Hargis, from Copper Springs Church in Clovis, Calif. “This is our first time to respond to a place that had three major disasters hit one area all at the same time. Then, when you add in the fact that we can’t just fly in and set up shop, we’ve had to figure out other ways to help and make an impact.”

Because of these unique differences, Southern Baptist disaster relief is taking a slightly different role in Japan, providing a support and training role for Japanese Baptists. Specialists who train disaster relief volunteers in the United States are doing that in Japan. Tokyo Baptist Church asked the specialists to train their volunteers in everything from feeding stations to crisis counseling.

Dee Gulledge, crisis intervention coordinator for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, taught an introduction to crisis counseling to 70 relief workers crowded into the fellowship hall at Tokyo Baptist.

“In my wildest dreams I couldn’t imagine what it is like” living through a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, Gulledge told the group. “It’s better for me to be here training you. You know how to fit this into your culture so it will more appropriate.”

The veteran crisis counselor stressed the need for victims to share their stories. She suggested volunteers learn to listen closely. She asked what the appropriate cultural response should be in Japan when hearing stories of the trauma.

A low murmur rolled through the room. One word, ganbatte, is repeated over and over until one brave soul speaks up.

“I think it might be better if we try to avoid the ganbatte mentality and phrase,” the participant suggested. “I think we should try ganbarimashou. It means, ‘Let’s do it together.’”

Gulledge smiled at the phrase. It’s the perfect approach to use with victims and evacuees, followed by actively meeting needs — physically and spiritually. It’s also the perfect analogy for Southern Baptist and Japanese Baptist disaster relief workers — working together to show God’s love through disaster response.

IN THE ZONE

Hargis and Naomi Paget, a disaster relief trauma counselor from First Baptist Church in Bellville, Texas, mentored a volunteer team from Tokyo Baptist as they prepared food and distributed supplies in Ishinomaki, one of the Japanese cities devastated by the quake and tsunami. The duo was impressed with the easy way the volunteer team worked together and adapted to the elements.

Volunteers toiled all morning over four 80-quart pots on wood fires. The soup and rice in the first pot were only enough to feed the first 1,000 people in line. But as one pot emptied, cooks prepared the next batch of soup, until nearly 4,000 people ate a hot meal.

“It’s neat to watch them cook over wood fires. I haven’t ever done that. We use transportable industrial kitchens in our disaster relief in the States,” Hargis said.
“I’m impressed with their ability to adapt to the situation. There’s no potable water and no electricity in this area. The only way to heat something is over the wood fire, yet they managed to feed almost 4,000 people a hot meal.

“They have an open spirit and are learning quickly,” Hargis added. “I hope we can increase their vision — and I hope other Southern Baptists will be able to help them reach out. This is going to be a long-term project. There’s plenty of work for everyone.”

The volunteers took turns cooking and circulating through the crowd, listening to stories and praying with individuals. Hargis and Paget worked alongside the Japanese Baptist team. When a woman walked past, struggling to carry a 10-liter bottle of water, Hargis and a Tokyo Baptist volunteer jumped to her aid.

“Ganbarimashou!” the volunteer said as he and Hargis grab the heavy load.

IMB has established a relief fund for the Japan crisis. Donations may be sent to Office of Finance, International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23230. In the memo line write “Japan Response Fund.” Or you can give online by going to imb.org and clicking on the “Japan response” button. For further information, call the IMB toll-free at 1-800-999-3113.

Susie Rain is an IMB writer/editor living in Southeast Asia.

Original Article