Christian groups extend relief to Japan
Christian aid organizations across Canada are responding physically, financially and prayerfully to the tsunami that Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan is calling the country's greatest national tragedy since the Second World War.
The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that ravaged Japan's northeast coast the morning of March 11 ranks fifth largest in the world in the past 100 years. An estimated 10,000 lives have been lost. More than 1,000 bodies have been found on the shores of Miyagi alone, the hardest hit prefecture according to the Kyodo news agency.
With 75 staff persons on location in Japan, World Vision Canada was quick to respond. “We contacted World Vision staff in Tokyo immediately and began planning," says president Dave Toycen.
Following the deployment of an assessment team, World Vision began providing practically for those rendered homeless, in addition to establishing child-friendly spaces “which give children a chance to resume normal childhood activities in a safe, secure environment." Long-term, the organization is hoping to connect with local churches and arrange hubs of compassion and distribution.
While relieved to report no damage done to any of its donor-funded projects in the Japanese region, cbm Canada is remaining in close contact with its regional office and “will continue to monitor the situation and its impact on partner programs in other Pacific Region countries over the coming days," says director of international programs Winston Miller.
With an intentional focus on the world's poor, cbm has no long-term goals of establishing what Miller calls “a development presence" in Japan, but, “our thoughts and prayers are with those affected as they cope with the loss of loved ones, and the disaster's impact on the lives of their families and communities."
Mennonite Central Committee of Canada (MCC) collecting funds to assist disaster victims. “MCC does not have its own staff or teams on the ground in Japan," says communications director Rick Fast. All donations will be distributed among MCC partners currently working in that country.
In the meantime, says Fast, “[We are] praying for the people of Japan, and saddened by the destruction ... following the earthquake and tsunami."
The Salvation Army in Canada is responding by partnering with TELUS to raise funds to assist with earthquake relief efforts. TELUS customers are invited to text QUAKE to 45678, to donate $10 to The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army in Canada will also allocate $75,000 to support ongoing relief efforts. “There are three emergency service relief teams operating in area devastated by the earthquake and tsunami," says Andrew Burditt, Canada's territorial public relations director. “Assessment teams will follow in order to determine what else The Army can do to assist."
Active in Japan since 1895, The Salvation Army has 172 officers and 3,000 members in 81 ministry units across the country.
“Our long-term plans will include a continuation of that service with the possibility of assisting in the rebuilding process," says Burditt.
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
