In the Event: Living with an Earthquake

by Mark B. Jabusch

Dive into the frantic fight for survival in this riveting, firsthand account of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan in 2011. In the Living with an Earthquake takes readers onto the heaving, rolling streets as the earth cracked on the day that changed the lives of millions forever. It’s an account of an unthinkable disaster, and a testimony to hope and faith as it challenges readers to consider their approach to life overall.

Mark B. Jabusch, a Christian missionary, lived with his family in Japan during the seismic events of 2011, and in this narrative, he chronicles the days leading up to the quake as well as the aftermath during the months that followed. Through his own testimony and the stories of others, he bears witness to the power of community and individual resilience in a crisis, and to the role of faith in his own life as he navigated this unknown territory.

A journey into human resilience, the strength of community, and steadfast faith, In the Event is an engaging cross between a personal memoir and an informational guide on surviving and recovering from a natural disaster. Educational and inspiring, this book is for readers of all faiths and backgrounds!

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Dea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting first-person recount of the March 2011 earthquake in Sendai, Japan. This earthquake was the strongest in Japan's history, and the fourth-largest internationally since 1900. Close to 20,000 people lost their lives, and 2,000 more are still missing today.

Mark Jabusch is a Christian missionary who has lived in Japan for over ten years with his wife, children, and pets. He is a pro-social person who has developed an international network of people, and he willingly chose to stay in Japan after everything fell apart. This book tells the story of Japanese life and culture in Sendai, the day of the earthquake, and the many months of recovery that followed, through the eyes of someone who didn't choose to live through a tragedy but chose to stay and help.

I picked this book, eager to learn more about earthquakes, and it did serve that purpose. It was fascinating to learn about Japan's long, tumultuous relationship with its underlying tectonic plates and how the society was built around preparation for the inevitable. If you are particularly interested in earthquake facts, tips, and tricks, don't skip over the appendix! Tons of useful information, such as staying in a car if possible, leaving doors and windows open to avoid being trapped, and that the "go under the table" advice is outdated.

Maybe I'm alone in this, but I was completely unaware that aftershocks can (1) be so strong and (2) be so persistent. After the 2011 earthquake, over 5,000 aftershocks occurred within a year (!!), including some of 7.9 magnitude. This really helped me understand why people were so dismayed and slow to rebuild; the future literally seems so shaky.

Overall, this book was really interesting and informative. There were parts that were repetitive and seemed a little disorganized (for example, the book is mainly in chronological order, but some sections jump around in space and time, which was disorienting). Unsurprisingly, given that it was written by a missionary, this book leaned very heavily on Biblical quotes and references. While not off-putting at all, I did find it a little heavy-handed. That said, this book would be great for anyone interested in firsthand accounts of natural disasters.

Thank you, NetGalley and FriesenPress, for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was picking up a disaster story, but this book hit me right in the heart.

I could not put this down. It throws you straight into real life in Japan before everything changes, then suddenly the earth is moving and nothing feels safe, and you are right there with the family trying to figure out what to do next. This is not just about a big earthquake. It is about people, neighbors, faith, fear, courage, and what actually matters when life flips upside down. I loved how honest it felt and how much hope is woven through the hard parts. Everyone should read this because it reminds you how strong people can be and how fast life can change. 🌊

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Event follows a missionary family living in Sendai as they experience the massive earthquake and tsunami that changed Japan in 2011, blending personal story, community experiences, and practical insights about disaster response and recovery. I liked how real and human everything felt, from daily life before the disaster to the fear and uncertainty after, and the way hope and faith carried people through. I really enjoyed reading this because it felt like sitting with someone who lived through history and is sharing what it meant, not just what happened.

[Paige Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Life Shakes You Awake
This book grabbed me by the shoulders, dropped me into a real life disaster, and somehow still left me feeling hopeful about people and what really matters.