Mercy forever.

An 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s northeastern Honshu island early this morning, also resulting in a 50-foot tsunami, strong aftershocks and as many as 80 fires according to news sources. Residents near an atomic power plant were evacuated after the quake. More than 1,000 are dead and the number is expected to climb. Dozens more are missing. The quake is the strongest to hit Japan and fifth strongest in recorded history.

“Our hearts go out to the citizens of Japan as they are in the midst of great grief from the loss of life and their homes and as their lives are filled with chaos,” said Rev. John Fale, interim executive director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

LCMS World Mission reported that all LCMS missionaries in Japan are safe. Preliminary reports from LCMS partner church, The Japan Lutheran Church (NRK), also state that all are okay.

A tsunami warning was established for most of the U.S. West Coast this morning, stretching from Oregon to California. Three to seven-foot waves struck the Hawaiian Islands shortly after 8 a.m. (EST) and were expected to strike the mainland shortly after. Thankfully, impacts were less than expected.

“As this tragedy continues to unfold, we are in contact with our Lutheran partners and colleagues throughout the Pacific region. As they assess needs, we will respond appropriately as requested,” said Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of Disaster Response with LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

“We will respond with our partner church, the Japan Lutheran Church, and LCMS missionaries in Japan to bring tangible hope through Christ and tangible relief through our response of mercy,” said Fale.

“We encourage you to hold those affected, especially the people in Japan, in your prayers. At the same time, we ask you to consider providing financial support to ongoing LCMS disaster relief efforts around the world,” said Merritt.

“It is for times such as this that we Lutherans — in both Japan and the U.S. — must act decisively in our life together to witness to the mercy of a loving God, and to be present as His hands of hope and healing,” said Dr. David Birner, associate executive director, international, for LCMS World Mission.

How to Help:

• Please keep our Lutheran brothers and sisters and all those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in prayer.
• Learn more about the LCMS response in Japan by visiting www.lcms.org/help.
• Download this bulletin insert to distribute to your congregation.
• To make a donation for relief efforts in Japan, please give to LCMS World Relief and Human Care’s “Japan Disaster Relief Fund” by clicking the Give Now button below. You may also call toll-free 888-930-4438, or mail checks (noting “Japan Disaster Relief” in the memo line) to: LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis MO 63166-6861.

Any funds not needed for this relief effort will be used for other disaster purposes as determined by LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.