Churches aiding Japan tsunami survivors as death toll surpasses 10,000

The Anglican Church in Japan, Nippon Sei Ko Kai (NSKK), said its “priority” was to care for all people affected by the disaster.

“In most of the areas affected by the disaster there are no Anglican churches. However it is the NSKK’s desire to stand with all people there and to do whatever we can to support them,” said Archbishop Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu.

The Church’s plans to distribute aid throughout the affected regions have been hampered by government restrictions on access to those areas hit by the tsunami.

In the meantime, the Church is assessing the extent of the damage and the cost of rebuilding churches and parishioners' homes.

“The relief and rescue phase will soon end, but the restoration phase will go on for a long time,” the Archbishop said.

“As the NSKK, particularly as Tohoku Diocese, we believe that it is during this second phase when God will most use us to do his work.”

He added: “I would like to express my utmost gratitude for the prayers and warm words which were sent to me from everybody. I would like you to continue to pray for the ongoing relief and restoration work.”

Teruki Takada, staff member of the Commission on Ecumenical Ministries for the United Church of Christ in Japan (Kyodan), said that some churches were still missing members, while others are hosting those left homeless.

In a report sent to the World Council of Churches, Takada said that few of the churches in the region had been left untouched by the tragedy.

In the Sendai Kita 3-Bancho Church, seven members remain missing, while in the Sendai Itsutsubashi Church, five church members are missing.

The Sendai Higashi Church is hosting 15 refugees, including non-members. The Sendai Minami Church is hosting 13 refugees and the Miyagino Aisen Church another 16.

The recovery effort facing Japan is huge, with some 340 miles of coastline destroyed or left badly damaged by the tsunami.

While some power lines have been restored and roadways cleared, the cost of the damage stands at an estimated $309 billion.

World Vision is among the international aid agencies assisting survivors. It has been distributing blankets, bottled water, and sanitary and hygiene supplies to more than 6,000 people in Minami Sanriku, where nearly 10,000 locals are staying in 40 shelters.

World Vision relief manager Kenjiro Ban said: “The first step in any response, for children and adults, is to provide shelter, food and safe drinking water.”