Several people have contacted me to make sure that our friends in Japan are safe. As far as we know, no one we know personally was affected by the tsunami that followed the powerful earthquake that rocked the country on Friday.
I lived in Nagoya, Japan for 9 months in 2004-2005 and studied at a university there. Thankfully, Nagoya and the other places I stayed and traveled are all south of the area affected.
Still, the news coming out of Japan is devastating. First there was the earthquake which caused power outages and halted transportation and communication in many parts of the country, then tsunami hit – waves reaching 30 feet in places, this has been followed by landslides, fires, aftershocks, and now the danger of exposure to radiation from nuclear power plants. My heart is torn in two for the families experiencing these ongoing tragedies. The death toll has reached 1600 and is expected to rise.
Please join me in praying for the people of Japan. Organizations all over the world have mobilized to send aid, and that need will not decrease as rescues continue to be made and the injured are treated, nor will it subside when the immediate threat of danger is gone. Whole communities have been displaced and will have to find the strength and resources to rebuild.
Below are some resources for those wishing to help financially. Shipping to Japan is extremely expensive, as are flights for aid workers. Giving financially and in prayer are the best ways to contribute if you are able. Please be careful to give to reputable organizations to ensure that the money goes to those who need it.
Mission to the World (our denomination’s missions org.)
CRASH (Christian Relief Assistance Support and Hope)
World Vision
Habitat for Humanity
Food for the Hungry
Operation Blessing
Save the Children
American Red Cross
The Salvation Army
Doctors Without Borders
On edit: Here’s an interactive map updated by the Associated Press.
