Update on CBF’s Response in Japan
CBF is sending an immediate $5000 to assist the Japan Baptist Convention in its initial response efforts. All donations for the disaster will be divided equally between the Convention and Asia Baptist Pacific Aid, the Asian arm of Baptist World Aid. This will ensure that the funding is utilized in a way that is helpful to relief efforts on the ground.
At some point in the near future, the Japan Baptist Convention will advise us on any particular short-term needs that they may have. We will keep you informed about these needs in case there are specific ways in which you can help. For now, the picture on the ground in northeastern Japan is too difficult and challenging to handle short-term personnel.
Update on BWAid Response in Japan
Baptist World Aid (BWAid), the relief and development arm of the Baptist World Alliance is responding to the various needs following Japan’s catastrophe. BWAid’s Rescue 24 team arrived in Japan from Hungary and the USA on Saturday 12th March, and linked up with Baptist groups in Japan. Rescue 24 was able to travel north to the disaster zone, assessing needs with Japanese leaders. They were able to provide noodles to those seeking shelter in a local school. Plans were drawn up to provide relief through Japanese Baptists, and these will be shared by other Baptist groups from around the world who are ready, willing and able to serve in Japan.
Summary of Southern Baptist Response to Date:
A quick assessment team was put together utilizing personnel on-ground/close to Japan. This team consisted of a BGR-affiliated person (disaster relief specialist) and IMB leadership. They were in Japan within 48 hours meeting with IMB personnel and Japan Baptist partners. Due to the chaos associated with the event and especially the radiation concerns, this team was limited in the scope of what they could do outside of beginning to organize response channels through Japanese partners/organizations.
An assessment team with a mandate of initiating responses was formed and is now on ground in Japan. The goals of this team are:
· Further/continual assessment and reassessment. We already know the threat of radiation is much worse than when this report was written.
· Daily situation reports (sit reps) of accomplishments/challenges and opportunities.
· Establish a command center base (probably Tokyo Baptist Church)
· Establish a command center structure. We can fill the needed slots, in priority, with a) Japanese/English speakers from on-ground, b) volunteers from the outside – USA, Singapore, etc.
· Establishment of viable partners and linkages. Definitely Tokyo Baptist Church, Japan Baptist Convention, CRASH and others.
· Make initial contact with like-minded NGO partners such as Samaritan’s Purse, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, etc.
· Initiate a few, strategic projects through partners listed above
· Possibly initiate larger connection with UN, Japan Government, etc. (optional at this point – maybe not a priority)
· Establish an overall, coordinated plan that focuses on mobilizing Southern Baptists but also incorporates a balance of opportunities with IMB personnel on ground (without overwhelming them)
· Establishment of financial channels and protocols. We should have plenty of funds available in country but let’s make sure and secure those as well as the channels to utilize the funds.
· Disaster Relief volunteers from Oklahoma are ready to go and help in Japan if we are needed. Only those who have been through our Disaster Relief training will be sent to Japan. The team will be chosen according to their experience and expertise in relation to the specific tasks we are asked to perform
· The BGCO is accepting monetary donations. 100% of every donated dollar will go to assist in Japan. Checks should be made out to the BGCO, with a note that it is designated for Japan, and mailed to Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. To donate online go to www.bgco.org/donate.
· Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief does not distribute supplies (clothing, food, blankets or other items). The cost of shipping is prohibitive and we are not organized to provide this type of assistance. Feed the Children is collecting supplies, and we recommend contacting them if you have items to donate. Call John Rickets at 800/627-4556 ext. 4234.
Update on CBF’s Response in Japan
CBF is sending an immediate $5000 to assist the Japan Baptist Convention in its initial response efforts. All donations for the disaster will be divided equally between the Convention and Asia Baptist Pacific Aid, the Asian arm of Baptist World Aid. This will ensure that the funding is utilized in a way that is helpful to relief efforts on the ground.
At some point in the near future, the Japan Baptist Convention will advise us on any particular short-term needs that they may have. We will keep you informed about these needs in case there are specific ways in which you can help. For now, the picture on the ground in northeastern Japan is too difficult and challenging to handle short-term personnel.
Update on BWAid Response in Japan
Baptist World Aid (BWAid), the relief and development arm of the Baptist World Alliance is responding to the various needs following Japan’s catastrophe. BWAid’s Rescue 24 team arrived in Japan from Hungary and the USA on Saturday 12th March, and linked up with Baptist groups in Japan. Rescue 24 was able to travel north to the disaster zone, assessing needs with Japanese leaders. They were able to provide noodles to those seeking shelter in a local school. Plans were drawn up to provide relief through Japanese Baptists, and these will be shared by other Baptist groups from around the world who are ready, willing and able to serve in Japan.
Summary of Southern Baptist Response to Date:
A quick assessment team was put together utilizing personnel on-ground/close to Japan. This team consisted of a BGR-affiliated person (disaster relief specialist) and IMB leadership. They were in Japan within 48 hours meeting with IMB personnel and Japan Baptist partners. Due to the chaos associated with the event and especially the radiation concerns, this team was limited in the scope of what they could do outside of beginning to organize response channels through Japanese partners/organizations.
An assessment team with a mandate of initiating responses was formed and is now on ground in Japan. The goals of this team are:
· Further/continual assessment and reassessment. We already know the threat of radiation is much worse than when this report was written.
· Daily situation reports (sit reps) of accomplishments/challenges and opportunities.
· Establish a command center base (probably Tokyo Baptist Church)
· Establish a command center structure. We can fill the needed slots, in priority, with a) Japanese/English speakers from on-ground, b) volunteers from the outside – USA, Singapore, etc.
· Establishment of viable partners and linkages. Definitely Tokyo Baptist Church, Japan Baptist Convention, CRASH and others.
· Make initial contact with like-minded NGO partners such as Samaritan’s Purse, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, etc.
· Initiate a few, strategic projects through partners listed above
· Possibly initiate larger connection with UN, Japan Government, etc. (optional at this point – maybe not a priority)
· Establish an overall, coordinated plan that focuses on mobilizing Southern Baptists but also incorporates a balance of opportunities with IMB personnel on ground (without overwhelming them)
· Establishment of financial channels and protocols. We should have plenty of funds available in country but let’s make sure and secure those as well as the channels to utilize the funds.
· Disaster Relief volunteers from Oklahoma are ready to go and help in Japan if we are needed. Only those who have been through our Disaster Relief training will be sent to Japan. The team will be chosen according to their experience and expertise in relation to the specific tasks we are asked to perform
· The BGCO is accepting monetary donations. 100% of every donated dollar will go to assist in Japan. Checks should be made out to the BGCO, with a note that it is designated for Japan, and mailed to Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. To donate online go to www.bgco.org/donate.
· Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief does not distribute supplies (clothing, food, blankets or other items). The cost of shipping is prohibitive and we are not organized to provide this type of assistance. Feed the Children is collecting supplies, and we recommend contacting them if you have items to donate. Call John Rickets at 800/627-4556 ext. 4234.