Editor's Note: The largest earthquake in 100 years struck 373 kilometers (231 miles) offshore of Tokyo, Japan at 2:46 pm local time March 11. Over 1600 dead have been found so far and 9500 are missing in just one of the regions. Millions are struggling with electricy outages and food is scarce in some areas. Tsunami waves wiped out some coastal areas. Explosions and a leak has occurred at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Takeshi Yamazaki, evangelist for the Tokyo Church of Christ, sent Disciples Today this urgent report. Also see a YouTube report.
HOPEworldwide's Disaster Response Team has been studying the situation and searching for the most effective way to help. Takeshi and some other brothers are ready to drive to Sendai with food, water, blankets, toys, etc. to assess the situation as soon as the roads are open. The explosion at the nuclear power plant is causing great concern. Check the HOPE worldwide website for how you can help.
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We are grateful for all of the prayers and the messages we are receiving
from around the world.
This is one of the biggest earthquakes we have had in this country.
In Tokyo, shortly before 3PM this afternoon, we felt a very strong shake
that continued and it was quite scary. We are still experiencing tremors now, and the officials are telling us that this may continue for another month.
The biggest damage occurred on the coastline, mostly in the Tohoku area
which is a few hours away. As far as I know all the disciples are safe.
Since the earthquake, traffic has come to a standstill and most of the
trains have shut down so we have disciples who are unable to go home
tonight.
Several singles were at the church building preparing food for a big party
planned for tomorrow. Tens of people who were forced to walk home have stopped by at the church building to try to get some rest. The disciples have been serving hot drinks
and giving food to people who have stopped by, and with the help of the fire
department which is located next door have used the building as an
evacuation location. Several people who are not able to go home tonight will
spend the night at the church building.
Please continue to pray for the safety of the people of Japan as we are
still experiencing tremors and are still at a tsunami warning.
One major concern are the nuclear power plants which may be in danger of
spreading radiation to the environment.
Please pray that God can use this difficult time to bring about an openness
to the gospel to this nation.
Thank you for your prayers.
Love,
Takeshi Yamazaki
Evangelist, Tokyo Church of Christ