A Supernatural Response to Japan's Earthquake
Hey everyone, Conrad here from ConradRocks.Net! I recently had the opportunity to connect with my long-time friend Steve Barrett, a missionary with Holy Fire Japan and Dynamic Church Planting International (DCPI). You might remember I initially met him on Twitter through the hashtag #Tworship—a testament to how God connects us in unexpected ways. Steve was actually on a live Facebook broadcast of mine when a significant foreshock hit Japan, leading up to one of the largest earthquakes in southern Japan’s history. It was a truly surreal experience, witnessing the start of a major disaster live and now I get to share with you about the amazing relief work he’s doing. It's a story of not just physical aid, but a profound spiritual awakening in a time of crisis, a glimpse of the supernatural power of the gospel at work.
The Initial Shock and a Prophetic Foreshadow
I’ll never forget that live broadcast where the ground began to tremble. It felt like something out of a movie. Steve described it as being both "exciting" and terrifying all at once. Little did we know that this was just a foreshock to the real earthquake that came just a couple of days later. This event was certainly a reminder of how quickly things can change, and it’s certainly a powerful example of why we need to be ready and available to God’s call. It’s also a prophetic example of the types of sudden shifts and shakings that can happen in our lives, not just geographically. This whole thing is truly a reminder of the need to be aware of the spiritual world and the realities that are happening that go beyond our everyday existence.
The Reality on the Ground: Assessing the Needs
It’s been about a week since the main earthquake and Steve describes how difficult it is to gather clear and accurate information amid the constant flow of news, social media updates, and varied reports. He emphasized how important it is to speak directly with those affected. He mentioned while distribution centers are established, with people having to queue for 30 minutes to an hour for supplies, he acknowledged a sense of weariness among the people. The initial survival needs—water and food—were being met, but there was a deep need for comfort and care beyond the basics. This is where Steve’s ministry, guided by a supernatural leading, felt compelled to respond.
Shifting Focus: Moving Beyond Survival
It's clear that the early relief was about survival, but now the focus has shifted to more personalized care. Steve and his team are collaborating with local groups to meet deeper needs. They are delivering hot meals, mats for comfort (since many are sleeping on the ground), and even toys for children who have been out of school for a week. I'm really excited about this because as you all know my heart is for kids and for God to use every opportunity to reach them for Jesus. He's not just distributing things; he's showing them the love of Jesus through these tangible acts of service and this is the key component to any true prophetic ministry.
My Reflection: The Power of Direct Ministry
One thing that really struck me during our conversation was the importance of direct ministry. Steve shared stories of people falling through the cracks—the elderly, families without transportation—who were not being reached by the government's relief efforts. It’s in these moments that we see the need for direct, personal outreach— where one can simply offer a glass of water, a hug, or simply listen to someone’s story of loss, these actions carry the supernatural power of God’s love. That’s the spiritual work that really matters. The government might provide the basics but they're not going out to spend time with individuals and that is key to long-term change and recovery.
Biblical References and the Importance of the Gospel
As Christians we can take heart that there are many great things that governments are doing all over the world to help their citizens during time of crisis, but the bottom line is that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This is a call that goes beyond just providing for physical needs, this is a call to deliver the gospel of Jesus. This is what Steve is doing. He stated it so well when he said “Now is the time for people to kind of start to look, you know, as we’re able to reach out to these people and also the government is doing that too.” That’s the beauty of what we get to do – to show people we care and go further than just providing resources, we are called to provide hope! In those desperate times, when people feel like they have nothing to look forward to, the gospel is the only hope they will find. This is where the prophetic comes in as we are called to stand in the gap. We're called to love our neighbors as ourselves. Steve's ministry embodies this commandment beautifully. We're not only called to give a hand-up, but a hand of hope and this comes from the love of Jesus. I believe that's what it means to be prophetic.
Practical Needs and Tangible Ways to Help
Steve shared practical ways people can help through financial support. He mentioned that with just with $50, you can buy about 200 bottles of water, or hundreds of diapers or toilet paper rolls. More recently, Steve has been focusing on providing mats ($10 each) and portable gas stoves ($22 each), which can bring comfort and a sense of normalcy to families. He really emphasized how important it is to give people tools that empower them to get back some personal control as well as meet their basic needs. The government was sending tents to some areas, but people still need a way to cook hot meals. I was also moved by what he said about how people can use aluminum foil to cook over a small gas fire. It may not seem like much, but providing for the ability to create a hot meal for someone in despair is so powerful. He highlighted the efficiency of PayPal for instant giving, emphasizing how quickly funds can be used for relief efforts. He’s able to buy supplies in minutes once a donation is made. This is the power of technology at its best.
Steve's Testimony and the Power of Prayer
What struck me most was Steve's passionate plea for prayer. He spoke about how the prayers of others empower him, giving him strength and clarity when he’s feeling tired or overwhelmed. “The power is the spirit and people’s words and what they’re praying and what they’re sending your way will give you the strengthening.” He feels the connection through prayer, noting that the body of Christ is unified when we all move with purpose. He reminded us that ministry is not just about logistics; it's about connecting to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. This is the strength behind the relief that goes beyond the physical realm. He is truly living out a prophetic calling to bless the people of Japan and he needs our support.
Let's Stand in the Gap
I was really moved by my conversation with Steve, and I hope you were too. This is a situation that truly needs our support. We can make a real difference in the lives of people in Japan, both physically and spiritually.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Financial Support via PayPal: Give directly to Steve’s relief efforts at stevesunami@yahoo.com. He is able to turn around and use these funds instantly for immediate needs. This is the most direct way to provide support right now.
Prayer: Please join me in praying for Steve, his family, and the people of Japan. Pray for their physical needs, but also for spiritual revival and for them to encounter the love of Jesus.
This isn't just about a disaster response; it's about being part of the spiritual movement of God’s love in action. Let’s join Steve in bringing hope to the people of Japan, showing them the reality of a living Jesus, and walking in our prophetic call. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus in this time of need.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for being part of the ConradRocks.Net community. Let me know in the comments how this story has touched you, or if you’ve felt led to help as well. Let's continue to move together!
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