Help Japan

I want to take a break from my usual entries to address what's going on in Japan. There is a terrible devastation in that country, and some nuclear power plants are threatening to make sure the devastation may get worse. Let's all pray that it doesn't. Remember, no matter where you are one thing you can do to help is to pray. The Bible tells us that we should respond to suffering with immediate prayer.

Pray that people in danger will get out of harms way. Pray that those who need to be rescued will be, and that people can recover from injuries. Pray that God will comfort those in need of comfort today, tomorrow, and every day of their lives. There are many ways to help Japan. Asking God to help is one big way. Ask big. Pray for miracles. Pray that God will give miraculous healing, and will use his unlimited power to keep anyone else from being hurt. Pray that he will use us to be the miracles to save those who need saving, to feed those who need food, and to get water to those who need water.

There are countless other ways to help, and I am aware that some aren't sure how to. I'll provide some advice here, and tell you some options.

Giving money is a big way to help. I'd recommend samaritanspurse.org. It's a great Christian organization that is actively working to help.

Also, I'd recommend going to this page being ran by Northside Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC. This is a great church I used to attend where one of their lead pastors, Travis Agnew, is gathering information related to ways people can help. Travis is a great guy, and what he says can be trusted. Keep an eye on this page.

Another good way is to give online to Elevation Church (elevationchurch.com) . They are also in the process of seeking who is best equipped to help, and they are giving their entire outreach budget from this past weekend offering to the relief efforts in Japan.

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention The Red Cross. I've worked with them in the past, and the Red Cross is a great organization truly dedicated to helping those in need. Not only can you give them money, but blood, time, and many other things. They offer training, and can teach anyone how to help respond to such disasters in a number of ways.

There are countless more ways to help. Many unconsidered things. They are running out of coffins and body bags. If anyone knows any way to help with that then help. People need food and water. Find out ways to make sure they get it. We can help combat this devastation. We can obey the commands of Jesus, and love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

This disaster has caused considerable darkness, and our God has called us to be the light. Represent Jesus, and help. Pray. Do what you can. Don't hold back. Shine as a light.

UPDATE: I've found some new ways to help. I'll keep posting them here as I find them, and I encourage all others to do the same. Please let me know if you find out about some way to help that is great. People in Japan need it.

A great way for Iphone, Ipod Touch, and Ipad owners to help. There is a current sale going on in the App Store for Street Fighter IV and all the Sonic the Hedgehog games. Every cent made from the sale of these games over this time is going to relief efforts in Japan. Already have those games? Then why not just donate the money you would have spent on them anyway?

Saddleback Church has an easy way to give that goes directly to people who are trained to provide aid in disaster relief. Additionally, you can set up for funds to come out of your account on a regular basis to help with this effort.

Paypal has set up an easy way to use a paypal account to donate. Very simple, and an easy way to help.

Ign.com is having a charity event where they'll be staying up 24 hours, and playing a slew of games from Mario 3 to Resident Evil 4 all in effort to raise money for relief efforts in Japan. An original effort, and all proceeds go to the Red Cross. It starts at 3pm on America's west coast.

Life Church is partnering with Convoy of Hope, a great organization that has people in the ground bringing food and other supplies to those impacted by the tsunami. Both websites have ways you can help.

Baptist Global Response is another website gathering information on how to help, and that is actively helping in Japan. Can make donations on the website, or follow links to other ways to help.

The International Mission Board has also begun relief efforts in the area, and you can make donations to help them in their good work on their website.