Walking Together in Hope — On the 20th Anniversary of the South Asia Tsunami and the 14th Anniversary of the 3.11 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Prologue

On the morning of December 26, 2004—just after Christmas—the sun cast its gentle warmth over the waters of the Indian Ocean, causing the surface to shimmer with dancing light. Across the tropical islands and coastlines of Southeast Asia, seabirds skimmed the waves, and the sound of the sea rolled in—soft and steady—mingled with the joyful laughter of people playing in the water. The world felt at peace, wrapped in a scene of harmony and happiness.

Yet on that very day, tremors from deep beneath the sea triggered massive waves that surged outward at nearly 800 kilometers per hour. What began as a peaceful morning was violently overturned—beautiful coastlines were reduced to rubble in moments, as the ocean swallowed all in its path. In an instant, paradise became a living hell. According to official records, the disaster struck 14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean—from Thailand in Southeast Asia to Kenya in East Africa—and claimed a total of 226,408 lives.

Just over six years later, on the afternoon of March 11, 2011, Japan’s northeastern Tōhoku region—facing the Pacific Ocean—was struck by a massive tsunami triggered by an offshore earthquake. A total of 22,228 people were killed or went missing, and the Fukushima nuclear power plant suffered a catastrophic failure. Tens of thousands of residents were displaced, unable to return to their homes. It became the most devastating disaster in Japan’s modern history.

In the face of these two cataclysmic disasters, people inevitably ask: “Where is God?” “Why is there suffering in the world? Is all creation as disposable as chaff?”

In December 2024, marking the 20th anniversary of the South Asia tsunami, National Geographic released a special documentary titled Tsunami: Race Against Time (hereafter referred to as Tsunami). The film revisits this catastrophic event through the eyes of survivors, retracing the devastation of one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. But what reflections can such a heartbreaking story—one paid for with the lives of hundreds of thousands—offer to the world today?

In a fleeting moment, the vast world turns to nothing.

The documentary Tsunami gathers rare and powerful footage from the day of the disaster, presenting the events through first-person perspectives to reconstruct the scene as faithfully as possible. Through the voices of survivors, the film invites viewers to reflect more deeply on the meaning and fragility of life.

The film opens with a little girl softly singing in front of the camera: “I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…” Under the coconut trees of the tropics, her song is accompanied by laughter and the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore. The images capture a family’s simple, everyday joy. But who could have imagined that this ordinary happiness would vanish in an instant, like a dream dissolved into foam?

Louis and Theo were just teenagers when they arrived in Khao Lak, Thailand, with their parents shortly before the disaster. Khao Lak was known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical rainforest—a place of peace and relaxation. That morning, people played by the sea. Some noticed the water mysteriously receding and a strange wall of waves forming on the horizon. Curious and amused, no one realized that disaster was rapidly approaching. Louis, Theo, and their parents stood among the locals at the shore, watching. By the time the roaring wave—like a monstrous dragon—rushed toward the land, it was too late to escape. In that moment, Louis and Theo lost their parents.

In Banda Aceh, Indonesia—the area hit hardest by the tsunami—Cut’s extended family had gathered to attend a cousin’s wedding. Everyone was dressed in their finest, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration. Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the street. Cut’s father urged everyone to quickly head upstairs. From the balcony, they looked out and saw that the city streets had vanished beneath a raging flood. Seawater surged through the town, destroying everything in its path. Houses were tossed about like fragile boats. In the water, people struggled to stay afloat, crying out desperately for help. Those sheltering above could do nothing but weep in helpless anguish as they watched the devastation unfold below.

Through tears, Cut said, “I couldn’t save them. The water moved so fast. Please forgive me.” In an instant, the family that had gathered to celebrate the bride and groom lost half its members. Even twenty years later, some of their bodies have never been found.

Soo had long had a tense relationship with her mother, constantly pulled between love and frustration. On the day of the tsunami, Soo and her family were on their annual vacation in Thailand. This time, they had chosen to visit the remote island site of Emerald Cave. To reach it, visitors must jump off the boat and swim through an 80-meter-long dark tunnel before arriving at a hidden beach—secluded, breathtaking, and full of mystery. At noon, sunlight reflecting off the sea casts a stunning emerald hue on the water, making it an irresistible destination for many.

The day was clear and calm—everything seemed to be going smoothly. But Soo and her mother were still arguing on the boat. When they reached the mouth of the cave, Soo’s mother refused to get off. Irritated, Soo snapped, “Just jump in! Don’t ruin the fun!” As they were about to exit the cave, the water suddenly surged around them like a whirlpool. In a panic, Soo’s mother cried out, “I don’t want to die!” Soo, still impatient, shouted back, “Then swim faster!” Those words became their final exchange. Her mother’s “I don’t want to die” turned out to be her last words.

That day in Emerald Cave, Soo lost both her mother and stepfather. The fact that she never got to say a proper goodbye became an everlasting regret. Not having spoken with kindness or understanding became a deep source of sorrow and guilt that she would carry in her heart.

Each survivor in the documentary carries their own story—stories marked by regret, sorrow, helplessness, and lingering grief. It is likely that survivors of Japan’s 3.11 earthquake share similar experiences and emotions. They are a reflection of countless others around the world—people who draw from the river of time, striving to build lives filled with joy and meaning, believing that what they have today will still be there tomorrow. But life is fragile, and in a moment, everything can vanish. Disaster makes no distinction between rich and poor, high or low—before its power, all stand equally helpless. The belief that human effort can conquer nature is, in the end, an illusion—arrogant and tragically naive.

Be Mindful of Your Days

Many people tend to associate disasters with God’s discipline, judgment, or punishment. But those who suffer are not necessarily more unrighteous than those whose lives seem to go smoothly. We live in a world broken and cursed by sin. If we are not watchful, we may face even more severe consequences when the Lord returns.

Luke 13 records that when Pilate slaughtered some Galileans, people came and told Jesus about it. Jesus asked them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?” Then He said, “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” He continued, “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?” And once again, He emphasized, “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (See Luke 13:1–5)

Can we truly find answers to suffering? Can we really believe that God's thoughts are higher than ours—and accept that He is sovereign over all things? Could it be that God allows disasters not out of cruelty, but to awaken humanity to a different posture toward life, and to fulfill His greater promises? What we can be certain of is this: if we fail to examine ourselves and continue to live in sin, we will face even greater suffering and tribulation. Do not take lightly the warning that disaster brings. It reminds us how fragile and limited life is—and urges us to repent without delay, so we do not miss the grace and mercy God freely offers.

Let us learn to number our days more carefully. In how we relate to others, may we refrain from quick judgment, cherish every relationship, and give thanks for every encounter in each season of life. While we walk together, may we enjoy the good and accept the flaws. When parting comes, let us say goodbye with grace and intention. In how we care for our own hearts, may we take time to pray and reflect. Prayer is the first step in building faith—and the most vital way to seek God.

Philippians 4:6–7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The world is full of uncertainty. Rather than living in constant fear and anxiety, we are invited to rely on God and seek His help. Before Him, we can bring our true selves—asking Him to search our hearts, to lead us, and to grant us wisdom: Wisdom to see clearly what truly matters, to discern purpose amidst the noise, and to let go of distractions and the unimportant. By following His will, we can live each day with godliness and diligence, and pursue a life of lasting meaning.

Seeing the Meaning in Disaster

Some things are difficult to understand in the moment. It often takes the passage of time—refined through memory and reflection—for their true meaning and impact to become clear. Only then can we begin to ask: What did it change in us? What is the lasting significance of the two great disasters that struck South Asia and Japan in the 21st century—for the survivors, and for the world?

Several survivors featured in Tsunami: Race Against Time spoke about the moment their loved ones were swept away by the waves—the fear, anxiety, anguish, and deep sense of guilt they felt. For those who were reunited after being separated, the relief and joy of being together again brought not only immense gratitude, but also a deepening of love and closeness in their relationships. For those who experienced loss, alongside the pain and regret came a profound reflection on the meaning of love.

In the film, two young women—Eranthie and Soo—both lost their mothers in the tsunami. Now, twenty years later, they themselves have become mothers. As they reflect on the disaster they lived through, both speak, independently yet in harmony, of the sacrifice embedded in a mother’s love.

Eranthie said, “As a mother, if given the choice, you would always choose for your child to survive.” Her mother died on a southbound train in Colombo, Sri Lanka, without ever having the chance to say goodbye—a sorrow that remains the deepest regret in Eranthie’s heart. Soo, on the other hand, carried the pain of never reconciling with her mother before the tsunami struck. The words of love and forgiveness left unspoken have become a lasting grief. All the missed chances from that day taught both women the importance of presence and cherishing every moment. With time, they came to understand the enduring strength of love, and gained a deeper awareness of life’s meaning. One survivor put it this way: “This ocean makes me feel both sadness and joy. It reminds me of what I’ve lost, but it also shaped who I am today.”

Barry Hirshorn, a geologist at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii, detected the earthquake off the coast of Sumatra in 2004 and immediately became alert. However, tsunamis in the Indian Ocean were rare at the time, and the entire region was not covered by the international tsunami warning system. Due to the lack of an effective communication network, no one could see where the danger was headed, nor could they contact the countries that might be affected. By the time the tsunami trajectory was estimated, the waves had already struck land, resulting in massive casualties.

When Hirshorn learned of the devastation in various regions through the media, he couldn’t hold back his tears and asked himself, “Is there anything more we can do?” By then, the tsunami had already severely impacted Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, and was racing toward East Africa. At that moment, the U.S. State Department called the Tsunami Center. Hirshorn immediately made a request—he urged them to mobilize resources to warn countries across the western Indian Ocean and eastern Africa. Thanks to the U.S. alert, nations such as Yemen, Somalia, and Kenya were able to avoid massive casualties.

Twenty years have passed since the South Asian tsunami, which claimed more than 220,000 lives and left millions homeless. What, then, is the lasting significance of this tragedy in human history? Though the lost lives can never be reclaimed, their sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of disaster awareness and preparedness. In response, early warning systems were established—among them, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) developed the Global Tsunami Warning System, capable of issuing rapid multilingual alerts to coastal regions, offering vital warnings for potential future disasters.

After the triple disaster of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis, Japan has made remarkable strides in recovery. Fourteen years later, aside from certain areas near the Fukushima nuclear plant that remain restricted, towns have risen from the devastation and regained vitality. In the Tōhoku region of Honshu, apart from deliberately preserved “memorial sites” marking the disaster, many train stations and commercial facilities have been rebuilt with cutting-edge technology and engineering—proactively preparing for the possibility of future natural threats.

At the 14th anniversary memorial, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said, “We will pass on the hard lessons learned from this tremendous loss to future generations. We will not let them be forgotten. … We will do our utmost to make Japan a world leader in disaster prevention.” 311 tsunami survivor Michiko Tsurushima also said, “We must not let down those who perished. We must cherish each day and live on with a smile.”

The surviving generation need not bury their memories nor cling to regrets. Though they carry the scars of the tsunami, they also bear the wisdom of survival—passing on to the next generation how to respond to future disasters, guarding the land they live on, generation after generation.

Embracing Life through Death—Journeying Together in Hope

Disasters compel us to face death and embrace life anew. They urge us to reexamine the meaning of life, rediscover what we have overlooked, and realign the focus of our journey. Tragedy becomes a touchstone, revealing the brilliance of humanity—like diamonds forged under pressure, gold refined by fire, and wheat that must fall to the ground to be reborn.

In the documentary Tsunami: Race Against Time, survivor and psychologist Cici says, “The loss of even one life is heartbreaking; the death of so many is almost impossible to grasp. But that day, I saw hundreds of selfless heroes rushing to help—this is the remarkable strength of the human spirit.” The film features many such images of people sacrificing themselves and diving into relief efforts—some so focused they didn’t even realize they were injured. Pim, a hotel owner on Thailand’s Phi Phi Island at the time, shared, “I couldn’t say no to people crying for help. I felt I had to help them—I couldn’t just run for my own life.” So, she overcame her fear and turned back from the highlands to the coast.

As Christians, can we also respond to others in crisis—not by asking “why,” but by taking concrete actions to be salt and light, becoming a source of blessing and hope for others, so that God's glory may continue to be revealed?

Philip Yancey, in his book Where is God When It Hurts?, writes: “Suffering is not some act of God directed specifically at us, a punishment we are forced to swallow...” In truth, suffering often reveals God’s redemption, grace, and love. As the Bible says: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10) Joel 3:16 also declares: “But the Lord will be a refuge for His people.”

In fact, when people suffer, it is often the time when they are closest to God. After losing his wife and child in China, Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission, wrote to his mother: “God knows the fruit He wants to bear. There is sorrow, but also joy. God, with His fatherly hand, arranges all things... causing all things to work together for good to those who love Him... He is nearer to me now than ever before.”

As we reflect on the 20th anniversary of the South Asian tsunami and the 14th anniversary of the 3/11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, perhaps our question about suffering need not be “Why?” but rather “For what purpose?”

As I write this, news has just broken of a powerful earthquake in Myanmar, measuring 8.2 in magnitude (moment magnitude 7.7), affecting many neighboring countries. As reports continue to come in, the disaster appears devastating, with numerous casualties and missing persons. May we continue to hold on to this truth: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.” Though we live in a world full of chaos and uncertainty—marked by natural disasters, disease, war, and suffering—God, who sovereignly reigns over all, surely has a good and loving purpose. Though we may not comprehend it now, the day will come when all will be made clear. As Paul said, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

No matter what happens, let us trust in the God who shows no favoritism, who is full of grace and mercy, and who brings hope and comfort. May we, through our circumstances, reflect more deeply on the meaning of life, come to understand our true purpose, and fulfill His promises and will. Life moves in cycles—there is no need to dwell endlessly on regret. Instead, may followers of Christ offer up their faith, fix their eyes on God, and walk with Him in hope.

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Stephanie Lu, a former planning copywriter for an advertising company and a high school Chinese teacher, settled in Texas after coming to the United States and participated in local Chinese education work. Currently focusing on literature ministry, I hope that through literature, more people will know the gospel and the values of the kingdom of heaven will be spread widely.