You can read the whole letter here.A message to the people of the worldwide Anglican Communion
Two weeks have passed since the devastating earthquake on the 11th March. At least I have been able to visit the devastated area in Sendai. The night of the 26th March I flew from Tokyo to Yamagata Airport. The next morning I entered Sendai City. Sendai is the main city of the Tohoku region where the Cathedral of Tohoku Diocese of Nippon Sei Ko Kai (the Anglican Church in Japan) is located.
On Sunday morning, I visited the Cathedral (Sendai Christ Church) and saw that parts of the walls had fallen down, the walls were cracked. It looked to me as the whole building was lopsided. On the floor of the Cathedral there were various piles of goods sent from churches in different parts of Japan such as foodstuff, fuel and clothing. Because of the frequent aftershocks, the church council members have decided that it is too dangerous to use the Cathedral for worship, so they are having services in the nearby church hall.
In Sendai City they have restored water and electricity supplies, but the supply of gas to houses has not been restored. Although food is available it is still very difficult to get hold of petrol and other fuel. So some of the parishioners who gathered for worship on the Sunday walked a long distance to get there. Due to the continuing aftershocks, some people go to bed fully clothed, wearing shoes. There are those who have not slept at all since the earthquake and look exhausted. The Bishop of Tohoku Hiromichi Kato who preached at eucharist, he tried to encourage the congregation by saying that their faith would lead them to hope even through the hardship and difficulties of the present situation.
Holy one we raise our prayers for the people of Japan and all those in the midst of disaster and fear…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
You parted the waters of the sea for your people to cross; drive back the waters that now threaten life and recovery…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
You called and empowered warriors to defend your people in time of need; strengthen the resolve of those now battling for the safety of others, [especially nuclear power plant workers]…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
You call others to be healers and consolers of your people; heal and comfort those who give medical care and comfort those in distress…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
Your Son Jesus called those who mourn now blessed; may all those who suffer great loss find consolation…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
As Christ revealed himself as the source of living water and bread of life; assist those transporting food and water to those without them…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
And as Jesus told his friends that the Son of Man has no place to lay his head: hide all those without shelter this night under the shadow of your wings…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
As he taught that no sparrow falls, apart from your knowledge; hold in your compassion and care those who have died unmourned or unknown…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
Stand in strength beside those in desperation and those searching for family and friends…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
As Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb; bring people who are trapped in the rubble to air and light and safety…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
You do not willingly afflict or grieve the children of earth; remind those whose faith is shattered of your steadfast love which endures for ever…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
Lend speed and skill to those rescuing others, endurance to those burying the dead, and fortitude to those who are helpless…Gracious God: Hear us and help those in trouble and pain.
All these prayers we offer in the name of your Beloved Child Jesus. Amen.
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