Devastation in Japan

Devastation in Japan

You have seen the horrific pictures on TV and know that the people of Japan were hit by their most devastating earthquake in 140 years, triggering tsunami waves up to 30 feet high, swept across entire cities plowing six miles inland destroying homes and scattering families, with many succumbing to a violent death. The death toll will almost certainly exceed 10,000 souls.

Whole cities were completely wiped away, including the city of Saito Japan where nothing is left. “We’ve only seen a few bodies here,” said Takao Oyama, “I think everyone was swept out to sea.”

The souls impacted by this tragedy for the most part have been blessed to live in a modern society and enjoyed the ability to feed their families. But for hundreds of thousands, their peaceful existence instantly came to a crashing halt and their lives have been changed forever. Fewer than 15% of those impacted had their homes insured for this type of calamity and have nothing to return to but a cold bog of rubble. As families mourn the loss of those they love, they huddle together in massive refugee camps with an uncertain future and facing a path of suffering.

As Christians we are called to respond to our fellow man in need. Catholic World Mission spearheads relief efforts to help the victims of natural disasters – and this latest catastrophe in Japan requires us to step forward and extend a hand of aid as we did with our previous urgent relief efforts that made such a big difference to the people impacted by the Haiti earthquake and Hurricane Katrina.

Catholic World Mission is unique in our approach as we work through local churches to extend aid to those who are most vulnerable and cannot fight the crowds to reach international supply. Instead our relief focus is delivered through the capable hands of those in country who are close to the needs of the people.

You can be assured that, aside from the minimal cost of this mailing, 100% of donations are sent directly for use in humanitarian aid including food, water, water purification systems and other aid to those who have lost virtually everything.

During this time of Lent, will you consider making an extra sacrifice to help those who are caught in this most distressing time of their lives? Consider the magnitude of this tragedy if it had hit the United States?:

• In the diocese of Mijagi, 1,000 bodies were found scattered along the coastline.
• Crematoriums are overwhelmed and rescue workers ran out of body bags and coffins.
• Damaged nuclear reactors are leaking radiation that will have a profound long-term impact.
• Millions of people have spent days without water, food, or heat in near-freezing temperatures in the northeast.
• Countless people have lost family members and have no home left to return to.

Think of the families returning to what used to be their home – now just a pile of rubble – searching for any remains of their belongings. Think of the injured as they ask what their lives will be like.

During such a time, fear grips the hearts of the survivors. They wonder how they can begin to rebuild their lives – how they can overcome their grief. That’s why I am asking you to respond today, with the deepest Christian love we can find in our hearts. As a person known for your compassion, I ask that you send something, anything, to help them realize that 1) they are not alone, and 2) they should not give up hope.

You and I know the depth of the tragedy they’ll face after the last aftershock has finished. So, won’t you please infuse the hope of Christ into this desolate scene with your gift of $50, $75, or even $100 today? Your kindness and charity is urgently needed.

In a moment of sheer disaster … loving generosity saves lives and souls.