Team for Japan Relief Being Formed
Church of God leaders in Japan are inviting a limited number of volunteers to travel to Japan to assist in relief efforts following an earthquake earlier this spring.
On Friday March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, with subsequent tsunami and nuclear meltdowns hit northeast Japan. Nearly 30,000 people perished while millions have been severely affected by these catastrophic events. Another 7.3 earthquake occurred July 10, 2011.
According to Marc Morris, superintendent for the region for the Church of God, said, “Response of the Japan Church of God has been that Overseer Eriya Yatsuzuka and our national network of churches have provided needed residential assistance to evacuees and financial support to relief agencies. The Church of God also established a center in Iwate Prefecture as a ‘base camp’ for relief, community care, and reconstruction assistance.”
Morris announced a “Plan of Action” and after consultation with the Japan leadership, a relief team is being planned for September 16 – 23, 2011. This team, which will be limited to only 15 people, will travel to the Iwate base camp to help at local disaster centers, provide special meals, visit evacuees and assist in the relocation of families from temporary housing to permanent ones.
According to Morris, who will facilitate the team, the cost of the trip is $1,600 USD per person for in country “in-country” expenses. This price does not include airfare, as international travel reservations and payment are separate. Arrival and departure schedules must be approved by the trip coordinating office prior to purchase. Registration deadline is August 31, 2011 and due to the difficult context, only healthy persons with a calm and flexible temperament should apply.
For more information about the trip details or Japan relief efforts, please email or call: 423-559-1481 or 408-345-6788 or 731-574-7598. [email protected] or [email protected]
Priority requests are for continued prayers and cash donations through Church of God World Missions (www.cogwm.org). One hundred percent (100%) of gifts will be transferred to Japan. Please include Japan Earthquake Relief Project Number 765-0046 on all donations.
