VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 3/11/11)—Please keep the people of Japan and other affected areas in your prayers, after the most powerful earthquake to hit Japan in at least 100 years caused a tsunami along the coast. The quake struck at 2:46 pm local time and caused the U.S. National Weather Service to issue tsunami warnings for at least 50 countries and territories.

International Ministries has received word that all of the American Baptist missionaries in Japan are safe. Despite phone service being unavailable in many areas, word is coming in via Facebook and Twitter.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Japan as they begin the task of recovering and rebuilding from this disaster,” said Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA. “We pray for those who have lost family and friends and their source of income.”

Our Japanese partner churches and schools have been affected by the earthquake and resulting tsunami. One Great Hour of Sharing is accepting contributions for emergency relief and rebuilding efforts. Please visit the IM website for more information.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.