WELS relief efforts in Japan underway

Rev. Brad Wordell, WELS' missionary based in Tokyo, and members of the Lutheran Evangelical Christian Church, WELS' sister synod in Japan, have begun gathering relief supplies for delivery to residents devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11.

Wordell says that on Monday he and Rev. Takeshi Nidaira, national pastor, will drive a two-ton truck full of essential items such as clothes, bottled water, and batteries to Kesennuma—just north of Sendai, the city virtually wiped out by the tsunami. About one-third of Kesennuma was destroyed. This city of about 75,000 is home to a member of the Japanese church who at first was feared missing in the disaster. It turns out she and her husband were able to flee ahead of the tsunami and their home was spared. This member is now serving as the church's key contact in the region.

Wordell says that as the supplies are delivered, he and Nidaira will look for opportunities to talk with residents and offer comfort. "We want to tell them we're Christians and that we care," he adds.

The emergency supplies are being funded by WELS Christian Aid and Relief, which has made $20,000 available for such relief efforts—$10,000 through our missionary and national pastors, the other $10,000 through the independent relief agency CARE.

Discussions continue with Wordell and other leaders of the Japanese church to assess the need for future relief efforts. Wordell says the church is looking into ways to help care for the thousands of evacuees expected to move closer to Tokyo and the church's nine congregations and preaching stations. He expresses appreciation on behalf of church members for the thoughts, prayers, and gifts from their brothers and sisters in faith in WELS.

To learn more about WELS relief efforts and to donate, visit WELS relief