Earthquake in Japan

[john doe]

I didn't hear about any of it until Friday!

Seeing as how the earthquake occurred on Friday, it's not like you were out of the loop very long.

[pam]

I didn't hear about any of it until Friday!

I don't mean this to be funny or trite, but I'm really glad I "stole" hotel soap so I can contribute to services for Japan.

Oh now that's great justification for theft. I think I'll steal a Nissan and contribute to services for Japan.

[Just_A_Guy]

This is terrifying to me.

Elphaba

Though CNN and Fox are positively salivating at the idea of being able to cover another Chernobyl, the real nuclear situation - while serious - doesn't appear to be nearly so desperate.

[slamjet]

The earthquake apparently did not damage the Tokyo Temple, but it rotated the Angel Moroni statue.

[Wingnut]

The earthquake apparently did not damage the Tokyo Temple, but it rotated the Angel Moroni statue.

That's really cool actually. Kinda funny, in an odd way.

Okay, I have a few more links to share. Let me know if anyone feels like I'm spamming.

Satellite Photos - Japan Before and After Tsunami - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com (Use the sliders to see before and after shots. Slide right to see all of before, slide left to see all of after.)

YouTube - Video captures boat in Japan tsunami whirlpool (Okay, call me naive, but I didn't realize that miles-wide whirlpools in the middle of the ocean was actually a real thing. I've only seen it in movies, and I've seen whirlpools in rivers and lakes, but never like this.)

(Obviously much less destructive than in Japan, but even after crossing an entire ocean, it still caused a fair amount of damage.)

[PrinceofLight2000]

I'm worried about the nuclear plants the most.

[Backroads]

Seeing as how the earthquake occurred on Friday, it's not like you were out of the loop very long.

Felt like it. By the time we found out, it was practically old news. we felt very out of the loop.

[Backroads]

So it's been redeclared 9.0 and cost us a millisecond on the day!

[carlimac]

I can't think of too many better reasons (nitty-gritty service) for delaying a return home from a mission.

...unless in the process one gets exposed to radiation.

But thanks for all the links. So heart wrenching! I'm so grateful my brother and sister-in-law and their children don't live there anymore. They would have been OK in Tokyo but still to close to the disaster for our comfort. Unfortunately they live in Alaska now which could be another hot spot for a big earthquake. Oh well, we're all going to expire sometime anyway- seems lke sooner than later.

[sixpacktr]

Things continue to erode in Japan. The nuclear problems all seem to be overblown to me, but it is hard to tell what is really happening because the news agencies want a catastrophe, and the Japanese gov't is usually pretty tight lipped about things. I believe, after getting the crash course in nuclear plant workings over the last couple of days that there is no real danger to anyone on the outside, that the design is such that things will calm down on their own, but as I said, we don't know everything except the 'sky is falling' scenario so loved by the media.

My wife has been in contact with my MIL and BIL over the last couple of days. Tokyo got hit hard in certain areas, and parts of our old ward had lots of streets buckled up and unusable. My MIL said that it is kind of scary there now because of the rolling blackouts that are going to start soon (with no end in sight, really, just guesses) and that there is no food in the stores. She said she's never seen anything like it, and having lived there many years myself, the shelves were NEVER empty there, no matter what was going on. She said she has stuff packed up and she sleeps in her clothes so that she can just go if something happens.

What is most shocking, I believe, at least to me, is that we somehow think things will just continue along as they always have. If we didn't understand this was not the case with the recent global economic meltdown, the pictures of a 20+ foot wall of water wiping out an advanced country, with thousands dead, 10s of thousands out of a home, etc., makes me realize even more than ever that our lives can take a drastic turn for the worse on a moment's notice.

All we can do is prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and rely on the Lord if we are obedient. Food storage did no good to those Saints in Sendai, but if they were faithful to the counsel, they then have a right to call upon the Lord for deliverance as a reward for their obedience. I think that as time goes on, we are going to hear some incredible stories of people that were warned of where to be at that time.

I hate this. I really do. But if anyone can take this type of shock and come back standing, it is the Japanese. They will weather this and come back stronger. That is just how they are.

[rubondfan2]

...What is most shocking, I believe, at least to me, is that we somehow think things will just continue along as they always have. If we didn't understand this was not the case with the recent global economic meltdown, the pictures of a 20+ foot wall of water wiping out an advanced country, with thousands dead, 10s of thousands out of a home, etc., makes me realize even more than ever that our lives can take a drastic turn for the worse on a moment's notice.

This is what I also think about when catastrophies like this occur. I am reminded of how puny we humans are. Just imagine... this was one earthquake lasting for probably less than 2 minutes (tried to find a source with the exact duration) and look at the sheer amount of destruction that took place as a result.

In 3rd Nephi we read of the destruction that took place just before the resurrected Savior's arrival to the American continent. The turmoil lasted for the space of three hours. Three hours. When I read of entire cities being "swallowed up by the sea"; or "sinking into the earth"; mountains forming where valley's once existed and valley's now found where once were mountains it all makes sense in the context of such a long duration of physical upheaval. Look at the destruction caused through earthquakes/tsunami's in the past and present... San Francisco, Haiti, Thailand and Japan... all caused by physical events lasting just seconds or minutes and then imagine such taking place for 3 hours or more. It boggles my mind.

May the people of Japan receive all the blessings the Lord has to offer them in this time of tragedy.

[Dravin]

This is what I also think about when catastrophies like this occur. I am reminded of how puny we humans are. Just imagine... this was one earthquake lasting for probably less than 2 minutes (tried to find a source with the exact duration) and look at the sheer amount of destruction that took place as a result.

One quote that has stuck with me:

Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.

[carlimac]

Apparently the Sendai missiaries were at a zone conference 35 miles inland when the tsunami struck.

[pam]

LDS Church to move Japan missionaries out of tsunami area - ksl.com

The Church is moving all the missionaries out of the Sendai and Tokyo missions.

[Mahone]

Some rather more detailed information on the nuclear reactors, from el reg: Fukushima is a triumph for nuke power: Build more reactors now! ? The Register

Dont believe everything you read in mainstream media. They love words like "meltdown".

[pam]

Here are some pictures of the destruction. It was amazing to see a yacht on top of a building. And cars that were on top of buildings that were 3 stories high. Goes to show just how much water went through some of these areas.

Photos: Earthquake rocks Japan

[sixpacktr]

As I read the article of the Church's press conference by Elder Holland, I was shocked by the number of missionaries/missions in Japan. They are down to 6 missions and only 638 missionaries, of which 220 are native Japanese and only 340+ from the States. When I was there 30 years ago there were 8 missions (soon to become 9) and over 2000 missionaries. I had heard that Japan had become a 'hard' mission, in that people were less and less likely to accept the gospel.

I know the church will be in front when it comes to relief there. We always are, and perhaps this may turn into something akin to the experiences of the People of Ammon, where, after being slaughtered by the Lamanites, had more people join than were taken. I have been trying to determine what the purpose of this was, and in no way do I believe I understand everything, but there are things happening in Japan that haven't been happening since WW2. Food shortages, damage beyond anything we can imagine, etc. There is always a master plan, and our HF always has the best interests of His children in mind.

Hearing some of the stories of the survivors is heartwrenching. But the missionaries were all accounted for, and so far all of the members have been except for two branches and a ward in the Sendai area. Reading of Bishops and RS Presidents going out and trying to find their flock speaks of the power of those offices. The Lord is overseeing and protecting His people.

[prophetofdoom]

As I read the article of the Church's press conference by Elder Holland, I was shocked by the number of missionaries/missions in Japan. They are down to 6 missions and only 638 missionaries, of which 220 are native Japanese and only 340+ from the States. When I was there 30 years ago there were 8 missions (soon to become 9) and over 2000 missionaries. I had heard that Japan had become a 'hard' mission, in that people were less and less likely to accept the gospel.

I know the church will be in front when it comes to relief there. We always are, and perhaps this may turn into something akin to the experiences of the People of Ammon, where, after being slaughtered by the Lamanites, had more people join than were taken. I have been trying to determine what the purpose of this was, and in no way do I believe I understand everything, but there are things happening in Japan that haven't been happening since WW2. Food shortages, damage beyond anything we can imagine, etc. There is always a master plan, and our HF always has the best interests of His children in mind.

Hearing some of the stories of the survivors is heartwrenching. But the missionaries were all accounted for, and so far all of the members have been except for two branches and a ward in the Sendai area. Reading of Bishops and RS Presidents going out and trying to find their flock speaks of the power of those offices. The Lord is overseeing and protecting His people.

I totally agree with you. I believe the Lord is going to make lemonade out of the lemons. We learn in Alma 32 that people are more prepared to hear the gospel when they are humbled. I am not saying that Japan is wicked... but the Lord could definitely use this event to advance his purposes among his children.

I was getting teary eyed thinking of the bravery of the workers going into the nuclear plants on suicide missions.. an act of pure love.

[HistoryLover]

I'm praying that the missionaries that haven't been accounted for yet are safe and unharmed!

Classylady, I think it's wonderful your praying for the missionaries to be safe and unharmed, but please also pray for the Japanese citizens, the men, women, and children who are suffering. They are just as important as the missionaries. I think it's great you're praying for the missionaries, but let's not forget that we are all brothers and sisters in this world and, regardless to whether we're members or non-members, we're to look out for each other. I hope we can remember the Japanese people, and not just the missionaries.

[Wingnut]

We often hear of miracles amid tragedies. Miracles for a few, but not for the masses. Like people who worked in the Twin Towers and were late for work on September 11, 2001.

I was talking on Sunday with a woman in my stake whose husband is from Japan. (Incidentally, the woman is from Santiago, Chile, and spent hours trying to reach her father during the earthquake there last year.) I asked her if he husband had family in Japan, and if they were affected by the earthquake and tsunami. It turns out that her husband's cousin is the mission president in Sendai. She told me that the morning of the earthquake, all the missionaries were "coincidentally" at a zone conference or similar type meeting an hour inland from the coast. The missionaries have all been relocated or sent home. Many of those who were within one transfer of going home just returned early. Others have been integrated into the Sapporo mission. The mission president and his wife have returned to Sendai, but the missionaries are all safely elsewhere.

[carlimac]

Classylady, I think it's wonderful your praying for the missionaries to be safe and unharmed, but please also pray for the Japanese citizens, the men, women, and children who are suffering. They are just as important as the missionaries. I think it's great you're praying for the missionaries, but let's not forget that we are all brothers and sisters in this world and, regardless to whether we're members or non-members, we're to look out for each other. I hope we can remember the Japanese people, and not just the missionaries.

I don't mean to throw cold water on this but I just have to say that I've seen so many comments like this. It's as if people assume we don't care or think about anyone else but members of our church and our missionaries in situations like this when we express concern for the missionaries. I think that's pretty narrow minded and condescending.

It is human nature when we hear of a natural disaster to immediately feel concern for anyone we might know or relate to in a personal way. If you are a mother, your thoughts go to mothers who might have lost children, or children separated from their parents. If you are a farmer, you cringe to see all that beautiful farmland destroyed and feel great sorrow for anyone who might have been out working in their fields and got washed away. If you are a fisherman, you feel horrible about the boats washed inland and fear for anyone who might have been out on their boat in the harbor when this happened. As members of a worldwide church we automatically think of these young men and women so far from home. We relate to the fear they might be experiencing so far from their families. We feel anxiety for their families who are also watching the same TV coverage that we are, ESPECIALLY if we have sons or daughters of our own serving missions far away. It's perfectly natural and there is nothing wrong with this reaction. If we mention the desire to pray for the missionaries it does NOT mean our hearts aren't breaking for all the people of Japan who are trying to survive. I really doubt there is one single member of the church who doesn't realize the enormous scope of this disaster and feel sick for the people of Japan. If anyone has any scrap of humanity, they watched in horror knowing that people or all faiths, ages and from all walks of life were dying right before their eyes as the tsunami swept in. And they prayed for every soul in that part of the world.

I'm sorry to be so blunt History Lover. I'm sure you mean well and your message is an important one. But I'm getting tired of reading this same patronizing admonition on every comment board I've seen where anyone mentions even a little concern for the missionaries. Please give us some credit.

There- I said it!

Edited March 30, 2011 by carlimac

[HistoryLover]

I don't mean to throw cold water on this but I just have to say that I've seen so many comments like this. It's as if people assume we don't care or think about anyone else but members of our church and our missionaries in situations like this when we express concern for the missionaries. I think that's pretty narrow minded and condescending.

It is human nature when we hear of a natural disaster to immediately feel concern for anyone we might know or relate to in a personal way. If you are a mother, your thoughts go to mothers who might have lost children, or children separated from their parents. If you are a farmer, you cringe to see all that beautiful farmland destroyed and feel great sorrow for anyone who might have been out working in their fields and got washed away. If you are a fisherman, you feel horrible about the boats washed inland and fear for anyone who might have been out on their boat in the harbor when this happened. As members of a worldwide church we automatically think of these young men and women so far from home. We relate to the fear they might be experiencing so far from their families. We feel anxiety for their families who are also watching the same TV coverage that we are, ESPECIALLY if we have sons or daughters of our own serving missions far away. It's perfectly natural and there is nothing wrong with this reaction. If we mention the desire to pray for the missionaries it does NOT mean our hearts aren't breaking for all the people of Japan who are trying to survive. I really doubt there is one single member of the church who doesn't realize the enormous scope of this disaster and feel sick for the people of Japan. If anyone has any scrap of humanity, they watched in horror knowing that people or all faiths, ages and from all walks of life were dying right before their eyes as the tsunami swept in. And they prayed for every soul in that part of the world.

I'm sorry to be so blunt History Lover. I'm sure you mean well and your message is an important one. But I'm getting tired of reading this same patronizing admonition on every comment board I've seen where anyone mentions even a little concern for the missionaries. Please give us some credit.

There- I said it!

Carlimac,

I'm sorry you feel like I was being condescending. But you have to realize, I do get tired, when I see so many messages on message boards, where people only seem to express concern for the members and no one else. That TO ME is condescending. I have no problem with people praying for the missionaries and being worried about them, but when I read messages that solely says, "I hope the missionaries are okay," yes, I do take issue as it makes us feel inclusive. If I offended you, sorry, but I stand by my beliefs and I will defend them.

There, just you said your peace, I said mine.

[pam]

Wow I saw nothing condescending in HistoryLover's comment. When reading it I just took it as a friendly reminder to remember everyone. As LDS we do love our missionaries and focus on them.

[NeuroTypical]

I do get tired, when I see so many messages on message boards, where people only seem to express concern for the members and no one else. That TO ME is condescending.

Be advised that my 7 yr old daughter often prays "for all the animals everwhere that have died that they can be happy and not miss their owners".

So shame on you for your condescending total focus on only humans.

(There - I hope that is enough smileys to indicate that I'm not really seriously taking issue with you.)

[carlimac]

Carlimac,

I'm sorry you feel like I was being condescending. But you have to realize, I do get tired, when I see so many messages on message boards, where people only seem to express concern for the members and no one else. That TO ME is condescending. I have no problem with people praying for the missionaries and being worried about them, but when I read messages that solely says, "I hope the missionaries are okay," yes, I do take issue as it makes us feel inclusive. If I offended you, sorry, but I stand by my beliefs and I will defend them.

There, just you said your peace, I said mine.

This IS an LDS forum. Now to go say "I"m praying for the LDS missionaries" on the Salt Lake Tribune or New York Times websites would be stupid and out of place. I see nothing wrong with mentioning it on a forum where there is an understanding and mutual concern for missionaries. It doesn't rule out the fact that we are praying for all of Japan. It's lke talking about family members among family.