Hugh's News & Commentary

I was deeply saddened this morning, Friday, March 11, 2011, when I learned of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan, spawning a massive tsunami in Asia that made its way across the Pacific Rim.

I believe we have been blessed so that we can bless others. We do not yet know the full extent of the damage in Japan, but we know this: our brothers and sisters in Asia need our help.

The IPHC has ministries in Japan, Hawaii, and California, all of which have been affected by this disaster. People to People Ministries, our global humanitarian outreach, and Disaster Relief USA, our national aid service, have been working throughout the day to assess the need and launch initial relief efforts as needed.

We have confirmed that our IPHC missionaries to Japan are safe, as well as two Emmanuel College students who are in Asia as missionary interns. In addition, our work in Hawaii and our churches along the California coast have reported no damage. We thank God for his providence and protection.

I believe we have been blessed so that we can bless others. We do not yet know the full extent of the damage in Japan, but we know this: our brothers and sisters in Asia need our help.

In 2005, our U.S. churches responded with great generosity when a tsunami struck Indonesia. Last year, IPHC churches and members across the globe gave without hesitation to the Haiti relief effort. I believe that same spirit of generosity will again be seen as the IPHC responds to the need in Japan and other areas affected by this disaster.

We will continue to assess the situation and work with our leaders in Asia and the Pacific Rim to determine our relief strategy. Please visit the IPHC website for updates on the disaster as well as giving opportunities.

In a country that has been shaken to its core, we can be a firm foundation of love and support. I am confident that the IPHC will do its part to share the love of Christ with Japan.

[Editor's Note: The last Hugh's News I sent out was a personal e-mail to Hiro and Eryn Bamba who are missionaries in Saitama, Japan. I want to take this opportunity to publicly apologize to Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr. for publishing it. I take full responsibility for my own error.

This official statement from our Presiding Bishop is published on http://www.iphc.org/asia-pacific-disaster. You may access the news that comes out of his office and other news by the media of the IPHC. I have been given permission to publish it in Hugh's News.