In the past twelve months, CRASH Japan's disaster response has implemented the relief phase (meeting physical needs) and the recovery phase (meeting emotional needs). The Partnership Phase will commence on April 1st lasting until September 30th. Our mission continues to be serving the local church by mobilizing Christians to bring help and hope to the survivors of the disaster. During the first twelve months (relief and recovery phases) we embarked on an ambitious plan to mobilize thousands of Christians throughout the entire disaster area through five regional bases. Over 2,388 Christian volunteers (some are repeaters) have now been deployed through those bases.

Over thirty outreach programs have started in towns and villages along the coast and cities in Tohoku. The time is ripe to hand off these programs to local churches and ministries for long term engagement and impact.

CRASH Japan has applied a classic training model to see sustainable ministries flourish in Tohoku. Our partnership with the local church began in the Relief phase where we were charged with mobilizing volunteers to the affected areas. In the Recovery phase, as the crisis abated, we encouraged local churches to take on a greater role in operating outreach programs. This has resulted in local churches enthusiastically taking ownership of these programs.

During the Partnership phase, CRASH Japan will take on a secondary role, directing the flow of volunteers to churches who need them. Churches in turn will be responsible to provide housing, meals and transportation for the volunteers they will field. The idea is that local churches continue the work even after CRASH Japan's disaster response has concluded.

The task ahead is great. Your support in prayer and finances will ensure that the good work that began right after March 11, 2011 will continue through local churches in Tohoku.