Hope for Japan

Last night, Allie had a difficult time going to sleep. She seemed disturbed by all that has been happening. Luckily, she slept fine in our bed with us. But, at 5am we were frighteningly awoken by another earthquake in our region, which was a 3.0. Trains are still running irregularly, the power company is issuing roaming blackouts which will limit our electricity as well as gas, water, and phone.

Rescue efforts are in full force. Many missionaries and organizations are preparing to help in the weeks ahead as relief and recovery efforts are needed. Untrained people in rescue operations are being discouraged from going up to the Sendai area at the moment. For those interested in supporting the relief efforts, you can give to Covenant World Relief (the relief arm of the Evangelical Covenant Church, headed up by our former Japan missionary, Dave Husby; http://www.covchurch.org/relief/), CRASH Japan (Christian Relief Assistance Support and Hope; http://www.crashjapan.com/), as well as other great groups like World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse.

Our prayer requests are 1) Success in continual rescue effort and quick relief for the people in the tsunami stricken areas (especially north eastern Japan).

2) The whole Eastern Japan is shaking both physically and emotionally. The original earthquake is triggering other (large) earthquakes in various areas in Easter Japan. We need peace of mind, courage, strength.

3) There has been chaos. In most grocery stores, all sorts of basic food is out of stock: rice, water, bread, milk, etc. Gas stations are out of gas as well. The trains are not running normally. Please pray for quick recovery of order.

4) Stability in the nuclear plants and prevention of the spread of radiation.

5) God may use this time to turn people to Himself. This is a very surreal experience. I’ve never felt this unsafe in this country. Your prayer is much much appreciated! Thank you!