WELS, through its committee Christian Aid and Relief, is providing $20,000 in initial aid to victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last week.

Half of those funds are being granted to the relief agency CARE to provide immediate relief to people in Japan living in the most devastated regions of the country. The other $10,000 is being made available to the WELS missionary in the country and three national pastors serving in WELS' sister church in Japan to distribute directly to their contacts who have suffered loss.

"Please continue to pray that God would provide his almighty care to the Japanese people," says Rev. Mark Schroeder, WELS president. "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."

Missionary Brad Wordell, who resides in metropolitan Tokyo, reports that he and his family are safe along with the three national pastors. WELS' sister church operates nine congregations serving about 400 members—the member living in a city devastated by the tsunami has been accounted for.

Christian Aid and Relief is considering a trip to Japan in the coming weeks to assess needs for further financial aid. To learn more about WELS relief efforts and to donate, visit www.wels.net/relief.