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| Rev. Mark Schroeder WELS President |
Mensagem do Reverendo Mark Schroeder, presidente do Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, sobre a situação actualmente vivida no Japão.
Last week Japan was jolted by the largest earthquake ever recorded in that country. Within minutes, one catastrophe was followed by a second, as a devastating tsunami crashed into coastal areas, literally erasing everything in its path. To make matters worse, in the days since the quake, there are new dangers from damaged nuclear reactors and the radiation that they could potentially release. Thousands are feared dead. Hundreds of thousands are homeless or displaced. An entire nation is traumatized.
Our thoughts naturally turn toward our brothers and sisters in faith in Japan. Our missionary Brad Wordell was out of the country when the quake hit, and his wife and five children living in metropolitan Tokyo are safe. The three national pastors in our sister church in Japan are also safe. We are aware of one member among the 400 served by the church’s six congregations and three preaching stations who is not accounted for. She lives in a city devastated by the tsunami, and prayers are requested for her safety. There have been no reports of major damage to the churches or property. For this we thank God for his gracious care and protection.
Still, the disaster offers WELS members the opportunity to show Christian love and mercy for those who have been affected. Our WELS Christian Aid and Relief committee has already granted $10,000 in aid to the relief agency CARE to provide immediate assistance to those in need. Christian Aid and Relief is also making available $10,000 through our missionary and the national pastors to provide some immediate assistance to any of their contacts who may have suffered loss. Even though Japan is a well-developed country with great resources, the effects of this disaster are so devastating that any help or assistance from other countries and from relief organizations will be welcome and helpful.
As in the past, we know that WELS members will want to demonstrate their Christian love by offering their help and assistance to relief efforts. In the early stages of a relief effort, monetary gifts are the most helpful. Contributions can be made at www.wels.net/relief. You can also send a gift through the mail to WELS Christian Aid and Relief, 2929 N. Mayfair Road, Milwaukee, WI 53222.
Certainly, during this time of Lent our thoughts are focused on the love that Christ showed for sinners like us and on the sacrifice he made to help us in our greatest need. There is no better time for us to reflect that same love for those in need than now. Please continue to pray that God will provide his almighty care to the Japanese people. Pray even more fervently that he will use this crisis as a means to bring his saving gospel to many in Japan who do not know Jesus as their Savior.
Thank you and may God continue to bless you this Lenten season.
Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder
WELS - Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Christ's Love, Our Calling
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