We’re planning to open a mobile cafe at a shelter in Ibaraki-ken on Friday, this week. Would you make baked sweets for survivors with love?
If you can bring them to our office on this Thursday afternoon, please send us a message contact us.
Or if you can partner with us financially at this time, please send your donations to us via postal transfer. Please include a note that it is for the “Typhoon 18”:
Dear CRASH Prayer Partners and Supporters,
Thank you for your prayers and financial support.
Today, Thursday, Sep. 24th, Rev. Takahito Iwagami, a chaplain of CRASH Japan, joined a Salvation Army volunteer team to serve the survivors and care workers in Joso city. Joso is one of the most affected areas by the flood (Kinugawa River) two weeks ago.
Rev. Iwagami was working as a chaplain and serving hot lunches (beef/rice bowls and special soup) with SA volunteers at Joso’s public gymnasium. This place was one of the biggest shelters in Joso city, and has now become a distribution center. Many survivors come to the gymnasium in order to get daily supplies.
The team served 355 meals and 100 cups of special coffee to the survivors and volunteer staff at lunch time. Survivors were so thankful for hot meals because they usually have cold rice balls and emergency food. It was also a great opportunity to provide emotional and spiritual care to them. Volunteers at the distribution center were also thankful to have a good break because they have been getting tired from hard work for two weeks after the typhoon.
Here is Rev. Iwagami’s report:
“It was my first experience to work at a canteen truck. I was so blessed to work with a Salvation Army team. Survivors looked tired, but when they received donburi and hot soup they smiled and said to us, “Thank you for lunch.” As we served lunch, we listened to the survivors’ stories of how they evacuated and how they felt. We provided not only hot meals but also emotional and spiritual care to them. I was also very happy for the opportunity for CRASH Japan to work with Salvation Army.”
On Sept. 17 (Thursday), CRASH sent a second assessment person to Ibaraki prefecture. He visited a church in Joso city that we had not been able to contact, and he confirmed that it’s okay. Based on the needs in the area and the results of our investigation, we are discussing how best to respond.
Mitsukaido Shalom Church
Thank you for all your prayers and concerns for Japan.
Recent Typhoon number 18, aptly named Etau, dumped record setting rainfall on an already soggy Japan. Currently there are 3 dead, 23 missing, and thousands of people evacuated from their homes. There is not yet a count for number of homes destroyed or damaged.
In times of disaster, when human life and way of life are threatened, people’s coping mechanisms can be overwhelmed. A trained caregiver on the scene early in the trauma can help mitigate the long term effects by being present and available.
CRASH Japan seeks to serve the Japanese community by offering Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope in times of Disaster. Our basic approach is to support the local church, sending assessment teams, mobilizing volunteers, and providing training in emotional and spiritual care, as well as sending trained caregivers.
If you can partner with us financially at this time, please send your donations to us:
Thank you.