March 19, 2011 News Release from National: LWML Disaster Support Opportunities for Japan. “Women of the Lutheran Women‟s Missionary League (LWML) want to respond to the needs created by the recent disasters in Japan,” said LWML President Janice Wendorf. “Lutheran Women in Mission from across the nation are looking for opportunities to support and to 'do something' for the Japanese people.” Some of these immediate disaster support opportunities include:
- Orphan Grain Train is ready to begin shipping humanitarian aid into Japan as soon as security measures are in place in that country. For “hands on projects” go to www.ogt.org and click on Special Projects. There are instructions for making and shipping Mercy Kits to their warehouse to be used as needed in Japan as well as in other countries. Donations to help with the cost of shipping the relief supplies to Japan are also welcome. Click Donate Now on the home page, or mail your donation to: Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-1466.
- Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Quilts and Kits provide essential items that families need to survive in the days and weeks following a disaster. A generous and quick response will ensure that LWR has the quilts and kits needed for Japan. For more on assembling these quilts and kits, get started by visiting www.lwr.org/beinvolved. Be sure to check their “Ingathering Map” to find an LWR drop-off location near you this spring. Visit the LWR website for further information on how to support the people of Japan with cash gifts to meet immediate and urgent needs.
- The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod President Harrison has announced that the LCMS is sending $200,000 to two Japanese Lutheran church bodies and encourages prayer and financial support for those suffering in Japan. The Japan Earthquake Relief "help page” — located online at www.lcms.org/help — offers a variety of information and resources. If you wish to donate to the LCMS relief effort you may follow the instructions on the home page of the LCMS website.