Like so many, we were shocked and saddened Friday, March 11, by the destruction that took place following the magnitude 8.9 earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan. The tragedy is almost impossible to comprehend. As of this writing, the death toll stands in the thousands and is rising daily. Millions have faced days without necessities like food and water. Combine that with nuclear power plants failings, the lack of electricity and heating in a region where it is very much still winter, and the humanitarian crisis cannot be overstated.
During times like these throughout history, people of faith look for opportunities to help meet the physical needs of those affected as well as seek to see the cause of Christ advanced. We are thankful as the International Mission Board confirmed that all of its personnel are accounted for and none were injured. Those missionaries on the ground are seeking to minister during these difficult times.
Christians should always remember prayer is a first response during trials such as the Japanese earthquakes. Pray for local Japanese churches that must minister in the face of their own physical and personal needs, as well as the needs of those around them; and for our missionaries on the ground, as well as disaster response teams that will join in the international response.
But during this time financial assistance is welcomed and needed. While many wonderful groups exist to help those in need, our sister Southern Baptist agency is working to be Christ’s hand extended during this time. The International Mission Board Japan Response Fund is worthy of your support during these days.
This endeavor led by The International Mission Board seeks to live out the admonition of Christ in Matthew 25, where He tells us, “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink…” Christ paints a beautiful scene here as He tells us the redeemed will ask when we did this for the Lord. He will reply, “Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
At GuideStone we count it a joy to serve many thousands of missionaries around the world, including many of those serving today in Japan. For each of you, please know you, your families and your ministries are in our prayers, and more importantly, you are near to the heart of God.