Grace Vineyard Christian Fellowship

We have all been horrified by the images, video, and stories we have witnessed coming out of Japan. 

Many have mentioned their desire to go and help these people who have lost everything to survive and rebuild their lives.  At the same time, simply flying there would probably cause more difficulty than it would relief.  And people aren't sure where to donate money or resources.

In the Vineyard, we have an organization that helps in disasters like this.  It is the arm of the Vineyards attempt to be God's hands and feet in the world amidst circumstances that are painful and hard.  This ministry is appropriately named Mercy Response.

We called Mercy Response this week to ask what avenues of help they are working on in Japan.  Mercy Response has been very active in rebuilding from Katrina, which is still a massive task, and they are unable to help in every crisis, especially one on the other side of the world. 

Because the problem in Japan is so big, and so far from us, the task of providing aid will mostly fall to those organizations that are large enough to provide large amounts of aid, and transport that aid effectively.  These are tasks that Mercy Response is not equipped to handle at this time.  They made a few suggestions about places Vineyard churches could donate to.  We are looking into these options for funneling our donations.

Our staff also realized that the Vineyard does have churches in Japan.  There are actually four Vineyard churches in Japan.  We were able to contact a representative from the Pearl Vineyard.  Andrea was quick to respond.  She assured us that all the Vineyards in Japan are in communication with each other, and have reported that all of their members have survived.  She is unsure of what needs there are in these churches, but she pledges to keep in contact with us as things progress. 

We will keep our body informed as more information becomes available.