Churches across Sydney have been praying for Japan in the aftermath of the quake and tsunami, but none more fervently than the North shore Japanese congregation.
The Cammeray congregation, led by returned missionaries Grahame and Cathy Smith, spent the weekend praying after the quake occured on Friday, just hours before its houseparty in the Blue Mountains.
From initial phone calls and emails, it seems that most of the Japanese people known to Sydney Anglicans are safe.
CMS missionaries are confirmed safe, as are contacts in other mission agencies and staff of the University Ministry, KGK.
Shocked expatriates
Grahame Smith says the members of the Japanese congregation here have been able to contact relatives in Japan.
One KGK staffworker is staying in Sydney at the moment and has confirmed his family and other staffmembers are safe.
But he, like other Japanese expatriates in Australia are still in shock at the television coverage which is showing of the extent of the devestation.
Mr Smith, who experienced the Kobe earthquake in 1995, says there's a high level of anxiety and concern.
"We had already scheduled studies on the Lord's prayer, and this was a comfort. Naturally, we spent a long time in prayer" he said.
In the coming days, Mr Smith and others in the congregation will be considering what assistance they can give,
"One of our members is heading back to Japan this Friday. We await further information about how we can be involved, but from our experience of the Kobe earthquake in 1995, there will be many suffering families and Christians will play an active role in helping the recovery stage."
It’s understood that missionaries and local churches from southern and central Japan have rented a truck and are planning to drive north with supplies spontaneously donated by church members.
They are asking for prayer as they prepare for the aid mission.
World concern
The bishop of a diocese in the northern part of Japan where the quake hit is said to be safe but uncontactable.
Bishop Hiromichi Kato managed to get a message out to say that he is OK, but according to news reports no one has managed to contact him directly.
In the brief message, Bishop Kato revealed many churches of Tohoku , including the cathedral suffered the heavy damage.
"Pray for Japan" quickly became a top trending phrase on Twitter.
John Piper released a Prayer for Japan on his blog.
Christian agencies, including the giant disaster relief arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, are mobilising.
Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, sent a message of condolence to the Anglican Archbishop of Japan, the Most Rev. Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu.
Thumbnail photo:Yuichiro Haga
