WELS is providing aid to earthquake and tsunami victims in two more Japanese cities—Mito and Minami Sanriku. These efforts are in addition to those already underway in Kesennuma, a city of 75,000 people. WELS Christian Aid and Relief has granted an additional $50,000 to fund these ongoing relief efforts.

In coming weeks, volunteers from the Lutheran Evangelical Christian Church (LECC)—WELS' sister synod in Japan—will be delivering supplies to Minami Sanriku, a city of approximately 18,000 people that was devastated by the tsunami. Supplies are also being delivered to the city of Mito. One of the LECC's congregations, Grace Lutheran, is located in Mito; Rev. Mitsuo Haga, pastor at Grace, and Mr. Daisuke Nakamoto, member at Grace, are coordinating relief efforts there.

Mr. Mark Vance, director of operations for Christian Aid and Relief, traveled to Japan last week and met with leaders of the national church. He says this disaster is providing opportunities for members of the LECC to demonstrate Christian love in their community—the first step in building bridges for the gospel.

"Because of the Japanese culture, it's hard for the members to witness their Christian faith," says Vance. "They have to show it first—and then people will ask the question, 'Why are you doing this?' Then they have the opportunity to say, 'We are Christians, and this is what Christians do.'" Vance says that in addition to the current relief efforts, Christian Aid and Relief stands ready to help with the long-term recovery process for the people of Japan. "The Christians in Japan understand it's going to take time to recover, but it's also going to take financial support—and spiritual support," he says. "They are so thankful for all of the support that they're getting from us, and that motivates them even more to reach out to the people of Japan."

To learn more about WELS relief efforts or to donate online, visit www.wels.net/relief.