As the tragedy in Japan continues to unfold, we join our hearts and prayers with the people of this nation. Since early Friday morning, we have been in close communication with our area missionary for Japan, Corey*, as well as our missions personnel on the ground in this nation. In fact, we received a letter from Corey that will provide information from those who are closest to the site of the catastrophe. We are working closely together to assess the situation and to formulate the next steps and strategy for aid and relief to those affected by this disaster.
We are thankful to God that all of our Japan-based missions personnel, as well as all 42 of our Foursquare pastors and their congregations, are safe and unharmed. Less than .5 percent of the Japanese population are followers of Christ. Please join us in fervent prayer and compassion that, amidst this tragedy, the light of Jesus will be seen.
We are also tremendously thankful for the outpouring of calls and e-mails from our church family here in the U.S. as well as globally; you are offering support, prayers and assistance in any and every way. Please understand that we may not be able to respond to each e-mail or call immediately, but we will respond as quickly as possible to each one.
In the days ahead, we will update you on the state of The Foursquare Church in Japan via Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare.org. We hope to be able to outline more clearly how our churches and church members can help the people of Japan as well as those affected by current disasters in other nations, such as Colombia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Many have offered financial assistance, and we are very thankful for the generosity of our church family. Our relief team is working in conjunction with our Japanese family to maximize all gifts to meet immediate needs and longer-term recovery.
You can give to Japan through the FMI Give website, or by sending funds to FMI and designating them for Japan:
FMI
P O Box 26776
Los Angeles, CA 90026
*Last name withheld for security reasons
More on Japan:
- Updates regarding the Japan earthquake
- An open letter from Foursquare Area Missionary Corey*
- Donate to efforts in Japan
James C. Scott is the director of Foursquare Mission International
