April 17 Kumamoto/Oita Update

As of Sunday morning, the death count has risen to 41, over 2000 have been treated for injuries, and 180,000 people are evacuees.

CRASH Japan’s Assessment Team is working behind the scenes to evaluate the situation on the ground, including a trip from Tokyo by two CRASH leaders Tuesday-Wednesday and gathering information from churches and ministries already in Kyushu. We are developing a plan for how the worldwide church can respond to the disaster with Christian Relief Assistance Support and Hope! Please pray for our leaders and our assessment team as they make decisions and establish pathways for your care to reach the people of Kumamoto. To help, choose one or more of the blue buttons to the right!

Large Earthquake in Kumamoto

東京新聞に熊本地震の記事As is reported in the media, on April 14 a magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu. 9 people were killed, hundreds were injured (50 severely), and 40,000 people are currently displaced.

The following quote is from the Facebook page of the Machida Church Disaster Preparedness Network:

“The combined church sanctuary and parsonage of East Kumamoto Bible Christian Church was completely destroyed. The pastor’s daughter was trapped for a time, but was rescued safely and is being treated at a hospital. The pastor and his family plans to stay at the affiliated North Kumamoto Bible Christian Church. Kamoto Christian Church did not suffer severe damage.”

Please remember the victims in your prayers.

Prayer Requests

  • That Jesus would have mercy on all those who have suffered loss or grief.
  • That necessary help would speedily reach the victims who need it.

Request for Donations

For information about how to donate, please see: http://crashjapan.com/en/donate/

Volunteer Registration

Until now, CRASH Japan has been processing volunteer registration for relief work in Kumamoto. However, it has now been decided that CRASH will consolidate its procedure with that of “Kyushu Christ Disaster Support Center” after June.
Since Kumamoto base is scheduled to relocate during the time between the end of May and the beginning of June, the acceptance of volunteers will resume after June 6.

Volunteer team to Joso city on November 24.

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CRASH Japan volunteer team to Joso city on November 24.
They opened mobile cafe and invited survivors from a local village (Misaka-Shinden) in Joso city. They provided emotional and spiritual care to the survivors through active listening and special sweet (Oshiruko).

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CRASH Volunteer Team Provided Emotional and Spiritual Care at The Biggest Shelter in Joso City

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Dear CRASH Prayer Partners and Supporters
Thank you again for your prayers and financial supports. CRASH Japan sent a volunteer team to the biggest shelter in Joso city today. There were about 200 people who evacuated from the flood. Today we served 100 crepes and hot coffees and teas to the survivors. We also offered footbath and hand massage.
They sat and enjoyed conversations with CRASH Japan’s emotional caregivers. Most of them were the older people. Some younger and small children were among them. They told us the stories how they survived through the flood in September. They also told us that they struggled with facing difficult realities.
We served them though active listening and provided emotional care. Please keep praying for and support CRASH Japan as we continue to serve the survivors.