A disaster strikes. People help. The helpers leave. Then, the rebuilding begins.
Camp Morigo first opened in 1960. Owned and operated by Oasis Chapel (located in the Sendai region of northeast Japan), Camp Morigo served as a full-service Christian camp for decades. Then, the Triple Disaster struck March 11, 2011—the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear-plant meltdown that devastated the Sendai region.
Camp Morigo suffered significant earthquake damage, but is located well above the tsunami area. They immediately transformed into Oasis LifeCare. Under the leadership of Pastor Makito Matsuda, OLC served as a hub for the provision of resources, the restoration efforts of volunteers, and the touch of Christ to the shattered survivors in the region. Over 18 months, OLC housed and fed more than 15,000 relief and restoration volunteers.
Last year, the primary volunteer efforts were largely completed… and the long-term implications began to sink in.
Three buildings—two main guest houses and the kitchen, dining hall, and conference-room facility—were damaged beyond repair and had to be torn down. To be restored to full function, a major rebuilding effort is required.
Anyone daunted? No way. Oasis Chapel believes the time is right to develop Oasis Center (OC)—a place where the community can meet, learn, and grow into Christ’s likeness, as well as provide long-term care for those still affected by the disaster.
The cost? USD $700,000. But Pastor Makito and his congregation are believing God for the resources.
“We are praying, sharing the need, and trusting God,” Pastor Makito told us. “He has brought us through this far, and He will continue to be with us.”
Needless to say, they can use your help. If you wish to participate, just click here to find out how to join the effort.
This is a cause worth supporting for all kinds of reasons. And here’s the clincher:
Oasis Chapel and Oasis Center are located in the least-reached region of Japan, one of the least-reached nations on the planet. They are planted right in the center of the most strategic location in Japan for the sake of the Gospel.
God works in mysterious ways. Even horrible disasters can become historic opportunities for people to experience the love of Jesus. We’re thankful that A3 alumni Pastor Makito, Oasis Chapel, and Oasis Center are smack in the middle of God’s will… being the hands and feet of Christ to people who sorely need His touch.
More Information
- Camp Morigo website: http://oasis-center.com
- About the Oasis Center project:http://oasis-center.com/oasis-center/
- Full project report can be found here: Oasis Center Project
Concept drawing for Café Livingston
Clearing the land
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