Bishop's Letter: Responding to the Earthquake in Japan

March 11, 2011

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

I truly request your prayers in the light of the devastation which is happening in Japan, the islands in the Pacific and even the West Coast of the United States. Please make your prayers for those affected by the earthquake, subsequent tsunami waves, and the threat of radiation from damaged nuclear generating plants, a matter of personal and corporate prayer in your worship.

In addition to your prayers please consider taking a special offering for the Pacific Emergency. UMCOR has established a fund to help provide emergency relief and long-term recovery support for disaster-affected communities in the Pacific Emergency. The Advance # for donations is 3021317.

At this time the Disaster Relief Committee of the Annual Conference is assessing the needs in various parts of the New Jersey which have been affected by flooding. As the needs become clear the opportunity for your assistance will be made known through the Conference Communication sources and District Offices. There is also a "website" (LINK) that will be used for communications. I earnestly covet your prayers across the conference for both those in need and those who volunteer to be of assistance.

It is a comfort and a call to service when we remember Paul's words to the early Church:

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or dangeror sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:31,35,37)

In Christ's love,

Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar