WELS has begun distributing aid to victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Rev. Brad Wordell, WELS missionary, and Rev. Takeshi Nidaira, Japanese national pastor, delivered a two-ton truck full of supplies to Kesennuma on March 28. Kesennuma, a city of about 75,000 people, has reported almost 600 deaths and more than 1,400 residents are currently listed as missing.

Wordell reports that the supplies—which included blankets, food, water, and personal items—arrived when residents of Kesennuma needed them most. He says few stores are open right now and many shelves are bare. Gasoline is just becoming available to people of the city and roads are starting to reopen.

The supplies were delivered to the home of Mrs. Setsuko Sato, a member of WELS' sister church in Japan, who is distributing the supplies to members of the community. "She was so thankful for the Christian love shown at this time in this way," says Wordell. "No doubt she will distribute these gifts with an explanation that they come from Christians who care."

Wordell says many residents who have lost their homes, jobs, and income are unsure if they'll stay in Kesennuma and rebuild. "Please pray for the people of Japan—for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs," he says. "We pray that the Lord will use these circumstances to give eternal, heavenly treasures through Jesus to many.”

WELS Christian Aid and Relief supplied an initial $20,000 for relief efforts in Japan, including the relief supplies for Kesennuma. To learn more about WELS' relief efforts and to donate online, visit www.wels.net/relief.