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| < How the Project Has Started and Progressed > | |
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After the earthquake hit Kobe on January 17,
1997, a great number of ex-refugee Vietnamese people gathered in the vacant
lot where Takatori Church was burnt down. Learning this, we rushed there,
wanting to do something for them, and saw people of various nationalities
holding an open air mass. |
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After the mass, we proposed the construction of a temporary house made of paper to the priest. He said that he was not considering reconstructing the chapel in the near future. But he also said that he would be delighted if volunteers could build a temporary house as a meeting place for people in the community. Thus, the project started. |
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We collected contributions for building costs and recruited volunteers while further developing the project plan. The construction of the house started in the beginning of July. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of over 160 volunteers, most of whom were college students, the house was completed on September 10. |
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This house is a multi-purpose community hall to be used until the reconstruction of the community is completed. But we want to call it "Paper Church" because it is a place symbolizing the spirit of numerous contributors and volunteers. |