Japan Church Reaches Out
In the midst of their own country’s calamity, the Church of God Japan is demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ to foreign nationals, particularly Filipino residents evacuated from northeastern Japan.
Embassy figures showed a total of 305,972 Filipinos in Japan, with an estimated 4,500 Philippine nationals living in northeastern Japan, the area hit hardest by the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami. Most are married migrants, entertainers, trainees and factory workers.
Currently, there are 15 Filipino evacuees being provided shelter, food, water and other necessities at the Tokyo Lighthouse Church of God. According Japan Overseer Eriya Yatsuzuka, the Philippine Embassy has asked the Church of God to receive another 30 to 40 evacuees by this weekend.
Last week, World Missions General Director Douglas LeRoy authorized an initial emergency assistance of $ 5,000.00 from the Christ’s Birthday Offering. On Monday March 28th, Regional Superintendent Marc A. Morris will travel to Japan to deliver additional Relief Funds and conduct an assessment for other humanitarian efforts. While goods are available for shipment, cash is the most effective and valuable relief assistance at this time.
Field Director Ken Anderson and Morris will be returning to Tokyo, Japan in early May to lead a special prayer conference in lieu of the National Convention. “ Please pray that doors will open for relief goods and opportunities for ministry,” Morris requests. “ This is a critical window of time to offer hope in Jesus Christ to the people of Japan. Let’s pray for a breakthrough in the hearts and lives of these precious people.”
Japan Earthquake Relief World Missions Project #765-0046.
(Visit www.cogwm.org for more updates and information)
