How do you comfort people trapped in a refugee existence? How about old-fashioned African-American gospel music—in Japan!
It’s been over three years since the triple disaster struck Japan on March 11, 2011. A massive earthquake, devastating tsunami, and nuclear-plant meltdown killed thousands, wiped out whole communities, and left hundreds of thousands displaced. While most survivors have been resettled, nearly 90,000 Japanese still live in “temporary” housing—grim, tiny metal containers lined up in rows on any available ground.
While the physical needs of these people are being met, they are trapped in limbo—not sure if they will be allowed to rebuild in their old neighborhoods, dreading the possibility of being relocated to another part of Japan. In a land-starved, community-centered culture, being torn away from homeland, family, and friends can be paralyzing.
All of this is true today in Rifu, a city located in the hard-hit Tohoku region. But Oasis Chapel of Rifu is reaching out to these hurting people through an intriguing medium—African-American gospel music.
Ken Matsuda, brother of Oasis Chapel Pastor Makito Matsuda, is an accomplished gospel singer. He also has a vision for bringing the love and hope of Jesus to people struggling in a bleak day-to-day existence.
“What these people are hurting for is love, care, the touch of Jesus in their lives. We have found that one of the best ways we can encourage their spirits and share the gospel is through music.”
So Ken has organized Risen—a Japanese gospel choir. They learn songs in English, complete with soaring harmonies, high-energy solos, and all the great gospel-choir moves. Thus equipped, they regularly visit the temporary-housing settlements, bringing drinks, snacks, a message of Christian hope, a caring touch--and best of all, the music.
“Many Japanese people love gospel music,” Ken told us. “It has become quite popular throughout the country. Even if people do not understand the English lyrics, the music gets through to their hearts. And we are able to explain the meaning of the lyrics as we share with the people.” Not to mention that, as you’ll see from the video clip, Risen knows how to Bring the Blessing, as they say.
Pastor Makito is an A3 alumni. He and other A3 pastors have been central in both the immediate disaster response and the long-term physical, social, and spiritual renovation work still underway today. We are so grateful that leaders the caliber of Pastor Makito, Ken, and others have found their lives and ministries transformed and empowered through the ministry of A3—and, in turn, are reaching out to their forgotten neighbors… with down-home Gospel.
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Watch on YouTube:
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- Related story: Pastor Makito Matsuda: "Our Greatest Need is Leadership"
