ARDF Japan Relief Fund to Give Assistance to Earthquake Stricken Japan and Surrounding Areas

Dear Members and Friends of the Anglican Church in North America,

A powerful 8.9 earthquake shook Japan at 2:46 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011, triggering a massive tsunami. The quake was the fifth-largest in the world since 1900 and nearly 8,000 times stronger than the one which devastated Christchurch, New Zealand last month.

Sadly, news reports are saying that the death toll could possibly reach more than ten thousand, as hundreds of people remain missing.

Striking off of Honshu, Japan’s most heavily populated island and approximately 200 miles from Tokyo, the quake is already responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people and many more deaths are expected. A tsunami triggered by the quake reached six miles inland in places carrying houses, buildings, boats and cars with it. The tsunami is expected to reach areas in North and South America. In the city of Sendai, Japan, the police found up to 300 bodies in a single ward. Fires also blazed across the area.

If you are able, please consider donating to the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF) for Japan Relief.

To assist your fellow Christians in Japan and our suffering brothers and sisters affected by this tragedy, click here to donate.

*Archbishop Duncan of the Anglican Church in North America also encourages all to pray for the families of those who were killed, for those who are missing and injured, for aid workers, military personnel, government officials, and other volunteers who are part of the rescue and relief efforts. We know that the Lord can work in powerful ways, especially in the midst of crisis.

Prayer: Gracious Father, creator and Savior of this mortal world, we ask your comforting and strengthening help for the people of Japan and surrounding areas. Comfort those whose loved ones have died, bring swift rescue for those who are missing, and strengthen those who are injured. In this crisis, empower your people with your Holy Spirit as they bring Gospel love and courage to their fellow countrymen. Keep us steadfast in prayer until this season of trial has passed for our brothers and sisters. All these things we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Blessings,

Canon Nancy Norton
Executive Director
The Anglican Relief and Development Fund

Photo credit: FoxNews.com. Smoke billows from houses in Natori, northern Japan, after the area was hit by a powerful earthquake and a tsunami.