Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

We have been in recent contact with Nori Hirai, National Executive Director of The Gideons International in Japan.

Nori reports that none of the office staff of The Gideons International have been injured in the catastrophic events.

However, they face a number of challenges in the region. Basic necessities like gas, milk, eggs and rice are currently scarce even in Tokyo. Mail and other shipments cannot be received in the devastated regions of northern Japan due to the destruction. The commuter trains are also being negatively impacted by the planned blackouts resulting in Nori's commute to the office on Monday taking three and a half hours.

The National Cabinet of Japan is evaluating the situation in order to most effectively meet the spiritual needs of those impacted by this disaster. This may include implementing the National Disaster Distribution Program at some point in the future.

Japan's first Gideon camp was established in 1950 and currently there are 168 Gideon camps there with approximately 1,600 Gideons and 850 Auxiliary.

Today, Japan's population is nearly 127 million, and to date, over 34 million copies of God's Word have been placed there through The Gideons International.

Please continue to pray for the people of Japan and that aid and rescue will get to them quickly.

Also please pray that God's Word will reach them through our efforts and that the Gospel message may touch the hearts of those desperate for real hope in the midst of such devastation.
We will keep you informed as more information becomes available.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Craig Warner
Executive Director