Helping Japan - Pray and Give

With so many problems that affect us locally it is often hard to be help others. The Stony Plain Alliance Church, however, has indicated two ways you can help:

"PRAY – The needs are overwhelming. Where do you start? “How to Pray When Disaster Strikes” [and]
 GIVE – There are many organizations that will be helping in the relief effort. Who can you trust? Who will use the money for its intended purpose? There are many reputable organizations that will be helping in the relief effort, including our own denomination."



http://sites.advancedministry.com/index.cfm?i=3279&mid=1000&id=338376

Other Prayer Requests

Overwhelmed…[After one month]

Day after day, as we see and hear new reports from public media and from those travelling north, we continue to be overwhelmed by the extent of the destruction and loss caused by the tsunami.

CRASH director Jonathan Wilson, returning after a trip to visit the base camps, said that they drove all one day and never left the disaster zone.

read more...

Ovurwhelming Response

At the same time, the response from churches and Christians from around the world – through prayer, money, supplies, volunteers – has been amazing.

We and our Japanese friends have been truly touched to see this. Also, the church and missionary community in Japan has responded in big ways. But it has been wonderful to see what has been and is being accomplished by such a group of people, themselves dealing with the impact of the troubles around them.

[Here is One Story]

A young mother came in with two little girls, maybe 5 and 3 years old, saying her daughters wanted to donate some of their own money to help those affected by the tsunami. She turned to the girls and asked how much they wanted to give, and the younger girl opened her little purse, took out 11 yen (about 13 cents) and with a shy smile gave it to me.

The older girl stood quietly looking into her purse, then gave the same amount.

The mother then added another 1000 yen ($12) and said to her girls, “There, maybe with this money, some little boy or girl who’s lost everything will be able to have a ball to play with.” The girls looked so happy.

Not long after those girls’ gift, someone received a request from a school or evacuation center wondering if it would be possible to get some baseballs and bats for the children there.

The request was immediately sent out to groups overseas offering to send whatever’s needed, and apparently very soon a shipment of balls, bats, gloves, and bases was on its way to Japan. Simple stories like these help keep us going day to day...

[End]

Japan as a nation is also responding. High school students have spent several days on busy streets in downtown Tokyo, collecting thousands of dollars for relief efforts.

Overwhelming Emotions

We often feel the frustration of wishing we could do more to help. The emotional needs of the people around us, however, are so much greater than our own.

Yesterday, walking to our train station I saw a lady with a small bag of groceries, wearing rubber boots, rubber gloves, a thick, large rain coat with the hood up and a surgical mask so the only part of her body exposed to the air was her eyes.

Even though there are reassurances that the levels of radiation in Tokyo are far below safety threshold levels, I could see fear radiating in this lady.

Many are afraid of radiation, or of future earthquakes, afraid of the economic downturn or maybe especially afraid of the unknown. In the devastated areas many are wondering why bother trying to start over again...

The problems forcing the shutdown of the nuclear power plants mean that we all deal with the fact of not enough electricity to go around.

Several people have asked how they can face a future where the economy might not recover, where there might not be enough power, where they might not be able to send their children to university.

People are also finding that Jesus does have answers for these kinds of questions and we see a hunger to hear more.

Complete Prayer List

At 2:46 PM local time, March 11, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Japan off the eastern coast of Miyagi Prefecture. This is the largest recorded earthquake ever to have struck Japan, and one of the five largest recorded earthquakes in the world.


HARD-HIT AREAS:

• In many coastal cities, the ground sank as a result of the earthquake. Because of this, these cities experience floods of several feet twice a day at high tide. Many of these people are financially unable to move away from these areas. Pray for those whose lives and homes are being damaged by these floods. (5/11)


• Weeks after the earthquake, heavy aftershocks and other unrelated earthquakes are still being felt throughout Japan, with no way of knowing how long these earthquakes will continue. Some experts have said that there could be strong aftershocks of up to magnitude level 8 for six months. Please pray that the earthquakes will cease.


• Pray also for the buildings that survived the initial shock, but are being hammered by the aftershocks. Many buildings still stand, but were weakened, and because of this strong aftershocks are very dangerous.


• The devastation from the initial earthquake was compounded by heavy tsunami that hammered the east coast. Some towns were entirely obliterated by the tsunami. With the threat of strong aftershocks, the threat of tsunami still loom. Praise God that these tsunami have ceased for the time being. Please pray that the affected areas remain safe from further tsunami.


• Due to the seismic activity, the ground level in much of coastal Japan actually sank, so sea water that came in during the tsunami is not receding. This is hampering relief efforts. Please pray that relief teams will be able to work safely in these areas.


• Pray also for cities such as Uruyasu in Chiba Prefecture, in which sinking land has put many buildings in a precarious situation.


• In the wake of the earthquake, fires raged throughout affected areas. Pray for the victims of these fires and those who have lost their homes.


• Many of those reported missing have not been found, and it is likely that there are many bodies that may never be found, having been swept out to sea. Pray for those who have still heard no word on their loved ones.


• Casualty reports are still coming in. Over 14,949 bodies have been found, and over 9,880 people remain unaccounted for. It is estimated that the death toll could exceed 15,000 in Miyagi prefecture alone. Pray for those who have lost their loved ones in this disaster. (5/11)


• 5,279 people were injured in the earthquake, 124 severely. Please pray for continued healing for the injured. (5/11)


• Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in the coastal areas and the area around the Fukushima nuclear power plants. As physical needs are starting to be fulfilled, many of those living in shelters are starting to become accustomed to life there. One of the main challenges, however, is figuring out a long-term solution for these communities. Please pray for them, and all who are having to stay in public shelters.


• Pray for those who are have taken refuge in unofficial shelters. The government and official relief teams do not know about these places to send help. Pray that they can get word out to relief teams and receive the help they need.


• The future is uncertain and grim for those who have lost everything in this disaster. Pray for hope.


• Pray for the injured and the elderly. Many who were already weak before this disaster occurred are finding the stress more than they can handle. Several have died due to the stress alone, and more are dying in shelters because of the shortages. Please pray for continued healing and proper care for this very vulnerable segment of the population.


• Pray for medical and hospice workers who were unable to rescue all of the people under their care. Many of them are struggling with intense feelings of guilt. Pray for God's comfort for them.


• Pray for the restoration of municipal offices and the recovery of the government; many officials are still missing, and many buildings were destroyed in the disaster. Many important records have also been lost in this disaster. Pray for the restoration of order.


• 30 out of 33 designated disaster hospitals are now capable of accepting patients, but overall 20% of hospitals and clinics in the disaster zone are still closed. Please pray for the continued restoration of medical services.


• Pray for those whose homes are still without electricity or running water.


• Pray for SDF forces and other relief workers who have worked so hard in the past few weeks, and seen horrors that no one could be prepared for. Pray for them as they deal with the emotional impact of having to respond to a disaster of this magnitude.


• Many different areas affected by the disaster have different needs, and needs are constantly changing. This leads to confusion with the delivery of supplies. Pray for accurate communication of needs.


• Suicide has been a very serious problem in Japan for years, and with the added horror of this disaster and all its repercussions, many more people in the months and years to come may attempt to end their own lives. Pray for these people, that God would intervene and give them hope.


• Strong aftershocks over magnitude seven are still hitting, and with them come the risk of landslides and house fires, in addition to building collapse and tsunami. Please pray for God’s mercy and protection from strong aftershocks.


• Debris is a problem for those trying to rebuild their lives. Many ports are clogged with debris, and in the disaster zone, debris and rotting material are contaminating the air with bacteria and terrible smells. Debris carried out to see will also present difficulties for other countries bording the Pacific Ocean in the months to come. Please pray for the speedy, safe removal of debris, and for the restoration and rebuilding efforts of those in affected areas.


• Much farmland has been rendered unusable by saltwater. Pray for farmers as they begin the procedures necessary to clean their ground and resume planting.

NUCLEAR CRISIS

• The Nuclear Crisis in Fukushima has, as of Tuesday, April 12th, been raised a Level 7 on the international scale of 1 to 7. Pray for wisdom and strength for those who are struggling to get this situation under control, and for the workers who are risking their lives to prevent this situation from worsening.


• Elevated radiation levels have been detected as far away as Tokyo. To constitute a health risk, these level would have to be hundreds of times higher than they currently are. The Japanese government is taking appropriate measures to protect its people. Please pray for people to be calm and to refrain from overreacting in fear.


• Pray for the young and the unborn. Very young children and babies are at the greatest risk of long-term damage from radiation exposure. Pray that levels will remain low enough not to cause lasting damage for the children.


• Elevated radiation levels have been detected in tap water, vegetables, and milk coming from Fukushima and the surrounding prefectures. The government of Japan has ordered food shipments from these areas to be stopped. The ban on milk has been lifted from 25 municipalities in Fukushima, but in 11 areas the ban is still in place. Please pray for the agricultural industry of northern Japan.


• Pray also for the weather. With radiation being diffused into the air, wind or rain could carry it into populated areas and expose people. Pray that any wind will carry radiation out to sea rather than into populated areas.


• A leak in the first week of April resulted in thousands of gallons of contaminated water being poured into the sea. On April 6, the leak was reportedly plugged. However, cesium beyond the legal limit has been detected in small fish caught off the coast of Ibaraki. Please pray for Japan’s fishing industry.


• As the crisis drags on, experts are predicting that it may take years to resolve the situation. Pray for strength and wisdom.


• As of April 11th, residents within the 30 km radius have been informed that they need to evacuate within the month due to the long-term effects of the radiation. Those whose homes are within the 20 km radius are still stuck in evacuation centers, uncertain when or if they will be able to return home. Pray for everyone who is being affected by the fear and uncertainty of this situation.


• As of April 22nd, the 20 km radius was sealed. Many people will not be able to return to their homes for a very long time. Pray for them to find a place to stay and to be able to deal with the loss of their property and family homes, farms, and businesses.


• Radioactive water is currently being stored, and TEPCO hopes to have a facility to decontaminate the water operational by June. Please pray about the contaminated water from the plants, that there will be no more leaks, and that it can be swiftly decontaminated.

IMPACT ON JAPAN:

• Public transit systems in Tokyo and the surrounding areas are taxed to the limit by this disaster, and the transportation companies are no longer confident that the infrastructure can handle rush hour traffic. Please pray that this transportation situation can be resolved.


• Pray for the Christians of Japan, that we would be able to mobilize relief efforts and provide for people's needs, both physical and spiritual. Pray also for the impact this is having on regular ministries, that Christians would be able to help their neighbors to remain calm, and that we would be able to provide comfort for the grieving.


• Pray for the Japanese economy, for which the outlook was grim even before this disaster. Since the earthquake, massive losses have been posted, and there is no telling what impact this disaster will have on the economy for the long term.


• Many University graduates who had been promised jobs beginning in April are without work because of damaged or completely destroyed companies. In addition to the many other struggles, there are many who are without work now and for the future. Many people’s jobs have also been put in jeopardy by the current crisis. Pray for the unemployed of Japan.


• Pray for Japanese food service companies and farmers, who are finding domestic and international customers reluctant to buy food from Japan out of fear of radiation contamination, regardless of whether they are from affected areas.


• Pray for Japanese companies whose production is severely affected by rolling blackouts. Experts estimate that from the damage to factories and the blackouts affecting undamaged factories, Japan’s total industrial production has decreased by 25%.


• Pray for the South Korean economy and other related economies as well. South Korea’s economy is heavily interconnected with Japan’s, and it is estimated that this disaster and its influence will adversely affect South Korea in the months to come.


• Schools across Japan are starting the new school year, but for many, they have to plan around exams that students were unable to take, records that have been lost, and school buildings that have been ruined or are being used as evacuation centers. Pray for the educators and students of Japan.


• Pray for the tourist industry of Japan. With the current nuclear crisis, nobody wants to come to Japan, and areas that have been economically fueled by tourism are going to suffer heavily.

PRAY FOR THE JAPANESE CHURCH

• Until this catastrophe, the Japanese church has been hampered by strong denominational division and legalism. Since March 11th, we have seen the church here in Japan drawing together as one to respond. Pray that this unity will continue long after the crisis has passed.


• Pray for God to call Japanese Christians into ministry.


• Pray for the Japanese church to persevere. This is a situation that will not be over for a very long time, so pray that Japanese Christians will partner with the needy through every step on the road to recovery.


• Pray for willing hearts among the Japanese, and for Christians to have the boldness to pursue witnessing opportunities.


• Pray for God to provide the resources for Christians to reach out to those who are in need. Pray for compassionate hearts that actively pursue opportunities to help others.


• Pray for the Japanese church to focus on creating disciples. At this time, many Japanese are open to the gospel and may make a decision to follow Christ, but the danger is that Christians may focus on conversions, then leave new converts on their own without focusing on any further spiritual development.


• Pray for Japanese pastors, who often have to balance tradition and the approval of the congregation, and have little energy left to focus on God’s guidance for their churches. Pray for them to be bold in serving God rather than man.


• Pray for Japanese Christians on the fringes who do not attend church or regularly interact with other believers, that God will bring them back into unity and discipleship, so that they can grow in Him and become a powerful force in spreading His love to their friends and neighbors.

PRAY FOR LOVE ON JAPAN | CRASH QUAKE RELIEF

• On Friday, April 1, CRASH hosted a meeting at Aomori University for Japanese churches to learn about CRASH, in the hopes that we can partner largely with the Japanese church in serving the people of Japan. Please pray that the people who came to this meeting will be able to motivate their churches to do everything possible to help and to spread God’s fame throughout Japan.


• Samaritan’s Purse has donated 93 tons of supplies, to be distributed via CRASH’s volunteer network. Pray for CRASH Japan’s teams, that they would be able to distribute the supplies safely, and that they would bless the people receiving them, both physically and spiritually. Pray also for God to continue to supply for the needs of the suffering, and that CRASH Japan workers will have the strength and resources to distribute.


• CRASH has now established five base camps in four prefectures. These base camps will be used by teams from all over Japan to minister to those in heavily affected areas. Pray for the staff at these base camps, that they would have strength and wisdom, and that through these camps God will work in Japan to bring His hope and salvation.


• Pray for relief teams that are on the ground, assessing needs in disaster-struck areas, and providing supplies to evacuees. Pray for their safety and maximum effectiveness in providing relief for the suffering.


• Pray for CRASH Japan to be able to set up an effective, organized infrastructure. Many of CRASH’s workers are volunteers. Pray for these volunteers and for those organizing them, that the teams would work well together and that God would bless our efforts to bring relief and hope to the people of Japan.


• Pray for supplies, especially gasoline.


• Pray for salvation and hope for the people of Japan, and pray that Love on Japan can do its utmost to spread hope and the love of Christ in this difficult time.


• Pray for stamina for all those working relief; for enough rest, for emotional fortitude, and unshakable faith.


• Pray for those of us at the CRASH HQ to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, not losing sight of Him, His glory, and His sovereignty.

PRAISES

• On Saturday, April 16th, shipping was resumed at the seaport in Sendai. Praise God for this progress in the restorative process, and pray that healing continues.


• Praise God for his continued provision and protection for the hundreds of thousands of people in Japan who have been touched by this tragedy. As bad as this is, we acknowledge that things could have been much worse, so we praise God that so many have survived, and that so many are safe.


• The news focuses on the many, many horrible things that have happened in this tragedy, and we are heartbroken, but we praise God for the amazing stories of survival and reunion that have been coming out of Tohoku since the day of the disaster. The lives of many have been spared, and as people continue to be reunited with loved ones for whom they feared the worst, we praise God for even the smallest of blessings.


• We praise God for the love and support that has poured in from all over the world since this nightmare began. Truly, God is blessing Japan through His people all over the world, and we are humbled, touched, and overwhelmed by the love we have been shown.


• We praise God for the organization and fortitude of our friends and neighbors. The Japanese people are bearing this tragedy with impressive discipline and sacrifice, and we praise God for the respectfulness and mutual concern native to this culture which has led the people of Japan to act with swiftness and dedication to help their countrymen.


• God is bringing people together from all over the world to help Japan, both with her physical needs, and her spiritual needs. God is on the move in Japan.


• The wind is helping to minimize airborne exposure since the earthquake, as winds from the northwest have blown many emissions from the plant out to sea.


• On April 6, TEPCO was able to stop a leak that was pouring large amounts of contaminated water into the sea. Praise God for this success, and pray that no further leaks will occur.


• Many of the places experiencing shortages have had their needs supplied, and gasoline shortages are no longer a problem. Praise God for his provision, and continue to pray for those who are still without homes and supplies.(5/11)

Last updated: 5/11

Days in Prayer

• Pray for Japan Video
• PowerPoint 1

Prayer For Japan

• Days in Prayer
• Pray for Japan Video
• PowerPoint 1
• News Updates
• Selected Items from Prayer List
• Other Prayer Items
• Complete Prayer List

Videos for Japan

Justin Bieber Video
Pray for Japan Video
CBS Response Video