The Morning After the Great Quake in Japan

March 11, 2011

Once again we are reminded of the natural forces that are part of our planet. Our hearts are full for the losses of so many in Japan from the earthquakes themselves and the tsunami. What devastation we are witnessing: in buildings toppled, land covered with debris, ships tossed around like toys. The human losses are too many to count. Our shock quickly inspires prayer as our hearts reach out to brothers and sisters across the waters.
 
Today after-quakes continue to occur in Japan and waves of water are swirling around the Pacific Rim. Waves have reached the West Coast, damaging harbors and boats in surge after surge.
 
Oh, God, we forget how connected we are!
 
We United Methodists are all about connection. We name it and claim it as one of our central values. Our Discipline describes connectionalism as "a vital web of interactive relationships." Our community with one another extends around the world, as we support mosquito nets for Africa, as we form UMVIM teams to work in Haiti. As God touches us, we touch each other, in offering shelter in our own churches and meals cooked in our home kitchens. We come together in small group Bible studies and covenant groups and youth gatherings and UMW circles. We know that when two or more are gathered, Jesus Christ is present with us and in us.
 
Today, as pictures unfold of losses almost impossible to imagine, we can confidently proclaim that we United Methodists are and will continue to be part of the recovery after the devastation of these natural disasters. We have created a structure of support and outreach through UMCOR, and through our missionaries and local churches – a structure that has already released ministry action. Today or tomorrow somebody's mother will find a listening ear, somebody's child will be fed, somebody's brother will pray with a stranger through the work of our United Methodist Church. If you would like to share, UMCOR has established an Advance. It is Pacific Emergency Advance#3021317. 
 
Oh, God, we could never have done these things alone as individual people of faith or as distinct churches, but through your grace, together we are a blessing in powerful ways. We are there, in a touch, in a cup of cold water, in our prayers.
 
Brothers and sisters, how blessed it is to be a part of the "us" we are together. Please join me in prayer in these next days for all the pain we are witnessing. May God's healing presence lift us all into extraordinary acts of courage and grace with one another. May the love in our hearts reach around the world in wave upon wave of care and ministry in Christ's name.
 
 
In humble service,
 
 
Warner H. Brown, Jr.
 
Linda Caldwell
 
Ted Virts
 
Renae Extrum-Fernandez
 
Jerry Smith
 
Kristie Olah
 
Mariellen Yoshino
 
Burt Yin
 
Gayle Shearman
 
Diane Knudsen
 
Paul Extrum-Fernandez

By: Warner H. Brown, Jr. On 3/11/2011
Topics: Letter

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