Update from story posted 3/11/2011 – read original story
Mennonite Mission Network has heard from all workers and associates in Japan. They are alive and safe, though concerned about possible nuclear power plant meltdowns and another tsunami.
Mission Network has one worker and four families of mission associates living in Japan. Mission associates are workers who relate to Mission Network, but do not receive financial support from the organization. Two mission associate families are located in the northern inland cities of Yubari and Asahikawa City. One family lives in the southern city of Kobe, and another in Tokyo.
Mark and Stephanie Bartsch report being safe, but say that concerns about aftershocks are high. They said schools in Tokyo are being evacuated. Tomoki and Angela Yamanaka of Asahikawa Gospel Church said they are far enough north that their area was not directly hit by the earthquake; however, they felt the tremors. Their family members in Sendai, one of the hardest hit areas, are also safe, though the situation is grave. The Yamanakas have also heard from church members who are safe, though at the epicenter of the tragedy.
Mary Beyler, who works and lives in Obihiro, reports being affected by rolling blackouts, fuel shortages, and difficulties getting basic necessities such as bottled water and groceries. However, people are remaining patient and working together, she said.
Mission Network partners with the Japan Mennonite Christian Church Conference and the Tokyo Area Fellowship of Mennonite Churches. According to the Mennonite World Conference website, there are nearly 3,000 Mennonites in Japan.
Mennonite World Conference is coordinating the relief response and Mennonite Central Committee is accepting donations. Visit www.mcc.org or call 1-888-563-4676 (U.S.) or 1-888-622-6337 (Canada). Mail checks made payable to Mennonite Central Committee, and marked “Japan Earthquake,” to the nearest MCC office.
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Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, leads, mobilizes and equips the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. Media may contact Andrew Clouse at AndrewC@MMNWorld.net, 574-523-3024 or toll-free at 866-866-2872, ext. 23024.
