Japan Disaster: Long-term Needs Increase

Even as the disaster in Japan begins to fade from headlines, recovery and rebuilding will take a
long time. LCMS partners in Japan are looking to us to help reach out with Christ’s mercy to people 
suffering after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear power-plant crisis.

By March 21, the total number of people killed or missing as a result of the March 11 disaster had climbed 
to 21,459, according to the National Police Agency in Japan. Some 320,000 evacuees are in shelters, also 
according to news reports. Radiation concerns persist. “We are working with our Lutheran partners on the 
ground in Japan and preparing for a long-haul response,” said Rev. John Fale, interim executive director of
LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC). As of March 23, WR-HC has announced $300,000 in grants to
Japan Lutheran church bodies to meet needs.

During this blessed Lenten season, LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison asks for prayers and continued 
financial support “as we strive to bring the help and hope of Christ to people who are hurting.”

Please Help Today!

Pray: Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Please pray that Lutheran 
disaster response efforts touch many lives with God’s hope and mercy.

Connect: To learn more, visit www.lcms.org/worldrelief or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Give: To make a donation for Lutheran relief efforts —

• 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

• Phone toll-free 888-930-4438 • Go online to http://givenowlcms.org

You can keep up-to-date on LCMS Japanese events through the website of LCMS.org.