Dear friend in Christ,
Disruption. Uncertainty. Anxiety. Loss. The list goes on … Kumamoto earthquake’s influence is deepening and widening.
The latest facts are:
- 67 000 people cannot return to their homes, wait in temporary shelters.
- Diseases like diarrhoea and flu are spreading quickly.
- A volcano (mount Aso) nearby might erupt.
- Radio-active levels are 2-3 times higher than usual (cause unknown).
- Closely located nuclear power plants are cause for concern.
- 837 aftershocks (higher than 1 on the richter scale) have been felt, and continues.
- Dangers of more mudslides (rain is predicted for the whole week).
Two outreach projects launched
Mission Japan, and we who are sent by RCJ Shikoku Presbytery, are directly involved with the disaster, in co-operation with the Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary – www.krts.net
The seminary dean, Prof. Takashi Yoshida, is still actively involved with 2011’s Sendai tsunami disaster events (where he lived and worked until 2014). He immediately suggested that some students should be available to do support work in the Kumamoto disaster area this time. Because, as he emphasised during our dispatching ceremony on Friday from James 2:17, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”.
The support will happen via two outreach groups. I will lead the first group (with three other theological students) from Monday to Friday, April 25-29. The second group will reach out between May 9-13.
Mission Japan has already committed to a substantial amount of financial support to help materialise this – trusting that the Lord will keep on providing the means. We cordially invite individuals / churches / cell groups to contribute in order to support this significant initiative.
The bank account details are as follows:
Bank: ABSA
Name: Missie Japan
Number: 4049690248
Please remember to add your name, as well as the words ‘KyushuRamp’, as reference.
Credit card contributions can also be made directly via the internet from https://www.givengain.com/cause/3965/
Please pray with us for:
- Kumamoto disaster area’s victims who have to deal with deep losses and suffering. For God’s grace and comfort.
- Ecumenical network of churches’ multiple outreaches in the area. For a clear witness to Christ’s love and hope amidst pain and despair.
- Our safety on the road (about 10 hours’ drive from Kobe) – we depart 3h00 tomorrow morning.
- Emotional and physical energy to be able to listen actively, and get involved with various forms of relevant support work.
- Wisdom to discern on what to focus on in our involvement, and for receptive hearts of disaster victims.
- To be able to identify deeper, underlying needs of victims, especially those who are isolated, e.g. the elderly.
- Financial contributions to cover the commitments that have been made in advance.
Thank you very much that we can depend on your support and prayers!
God’s peace,
Stéphan
