Released 19 March 2011
Media Contact:
Faithe Colas
Community Relations Director
414-302-4300 x2248
414-531-6363
www.SAmilwaukee.org
Source: Captain
Christopher Marques, The Salvation Army Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan
Visit his blog where he
chronicles his life in Japan
at http://chrisinjapan.blogspot.com/.
Wauwatosa, WI (March 19th, 2011) Captain Christopher Marques is a young Salvation Army
Officer (minister) appointed to Ishpeming in the Wisconsin & Upper Michigan
Division, fluent in Japanese was transferred to Tokyo six weeks ago. His normal
work is with the young people in Japan. Following are some excerpts
from a message we received from Captain Marques.
…Thank you for your
prayers. They are perhaps the greatest gift we can use right about now. As you
know, the country is still being shaken by aftershocks; even today we just felt
a larger one after lunch. But so far they have not been near the level we saw
on Friday I am starting to get used to the ground shaking a little bit on and
off, but still am surprised by some of the frequent medium-sized incidents.
There is still a problem
with the reactors that are critical and leaking in the Fukushima
area (in-between Tokyo and the tsunami-hit area
of Sendai). The
immediate area surrounding the plant has, of course, been evacuated from a 30
kilometer radius.
For now, those near the
affected area who have not been evacuated or staying in temporary shelters have
been advised to stay indoors. In the rest of the country we aren't moving much
since gas/petrol is hard to find…the fuel lines are still stretching for blocks
for anyone trying to get their car filled up.
The power supply is
being cut in various areas to save the whole electrical system from crashing.
With subways and trains running reduced schedules, and cars being used less-
many are either using bicycles, walking or staying home.
The stores are
struggling to keep shelves full and some things are simply impossible to
find—even for us trying to get food for the relief victims. Today was not quite
as crowded or busy in the grocery/convenience stores.
Most of us here have
thankfully been able to go to work each day and help manage the relief effort
from our Tokyo
office.
My boss has left to help
support the first relief teams that are further north. He has training and
experience with disaster situations, so he was a natural choice along with the
rest of the group. However, he is very close to the reactor area helping with
victims and I pray for his safe return.
Today, during our daily
morning devotions, we sang Count Your
Blessings, and that song really came alive as we thanked God for our lives,
His protection, our basic needs being met at this time and just having shelter,
clothing and access to some kind of food each day.
We appreciate your
continued prayer support for the people here during this difficult time. May
God bless you all back home and keep you hearts firmly connected to Him.
God Bless You,
Chris
The Salvation
Army has had a presence in Japan
since 1895 and is also mobilizing a significant international response to
manage both immediate and long-term needs.
· Two experienced International Emergency
Services workers have flown to Tokyo from
International Headquarters in London
to assist their Japanese colleagues.
· The Salvation Army's Korea
Territory has arranged for the K-Water
Corporation to provide 100,000 bottles of water to be sent to Japan – 30,000
bottles by the end of the week, followed by the rest within a short time; the
Korea Disaster Relief Association will also be sending 5,000 first-aid kits.
There are four
ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army's disaster relief
efforts in Japan:
Monetary
donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized.
These
funds offer the greatest flexibility and enable local disaster responders to
purchase exactly what is needed as close to the disaster zone as possible.
- Text the words “JAPAN”
or “QUAKE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
- By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
- On-line at:
https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org
- By mail: Send your check, marked “Japan earthquake relief” to
The Salvation Army Milwaukee
County
11315 W. Watertown Plank Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
· At this time, The Salvation Army is not
accepting donations of goods or household items (gifts-in-kind) from the
general public for disaster relief operations in Japan.
· The Salvation Army is extremely grateful
for the generosity that has already poured in to help us meet both immediate
and long-term needs.
About The
Salvation Army:
The Salvation
Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been
supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly
30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year
through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food
for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled,
outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and
opportunities for underprivileged children. Approximately 84 cents of every
dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities
nationwide. For more information, go to www.SAmilwaukee.org.