Japan Disaster Response

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is working with Japanese Lutheran partners on a long-term response to help ease suffering caused by the deadly March 11, 2011, earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. The 9.0 magnitude quake triggered a tsunami that killed 16,000 people and left hundreds of thousands of survivors homeless. The tsunami also disabled a nuclear plant, causing concerns about radiation contamination and food and water safety. LCMS donors have provided more than $2.3 million for emergency and long-term recovery efforts in Japan. The donations helped support Japan Lutheran Emergency Relief – a partnership of four Lutheran church bodies – distribute emergency supplies at a relief center and provide families with shelter and medical care. LCMS grants also are being used to help partner church, Japan Lutheran Church, address ongoing radiation concerns in the Fukushima Prefecture. 

Video

As he prepares to return to Japan, the Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of LCMS Disaster Response, talks about recovery work and needs that continue one year after one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history triggered a massive tsunami and nuclear crisis. Listen to the interview and learn how your prayers and support are helping Lutheran partners reach out to Japanese children affected by the “invisible disaster” of radiation concerns.

Download video - (36.3 MB)

Prayer Resources

Prayer for rescue and disaster relief workers:

Merciful Father, we commend to Your keeping all who work to bring rescue and relief, especially those who have come to the aid of the victims of the recent storms and tornados. Give them courage in danger, skill in difficulty, and compassion in service. Sustain them with bodily strength and calmness of mind that they may perform their work to the well-being of those in need so that lives may be saved and communities restored; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

For Japan:

Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who continue to suffer the effects of the Japan earthquake and tsunami graciously come before You, so that in every situation they may recognize and receive Your gracious help, comfort, and peace. We commend to Your keeping all who continue to work to bring relief and restoration to the affected communities. Give them courage in danger, skill in difficulty, and compassion in service. Sustain them with bodily strength and calmness of mind that they may perform their work to the well-being of those in need so that lives may be saved and communities restored; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

How to help

Your gifts for Disaster Response provide a constant resource of funds that can instantly be made available to help those in need.

Give Now

You may also give by mail:
Make checks payable to "The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod" with a memo line or note designating ‘Disaster Response’

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis MO 63166-6861

Or by phone:
888-930-4438