One week ago, tonight, a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami slammed into Japan.  At the time we all knew the devastation would be massive but I don't think that any of us knew just how bad it has, and still could, become.

My family and I are watching the reports come in about the nuclear reactors, the missing people, and the pain of a nation; while also being moved by reports of the relief workers and all of the heroes who are working and putting themselves in harms way.  These volunteers and relief organizations are already on the ground.  Working. Building.  Rebuilding.  Praying.

Like so many of you we are asking the questions:  "Where is the greatest need and how can we meet help meet it?"

We've asked that question to our friends at Samaritan's Purse, they are some of the "first-responders" when a disaster strikes.  And there are quite simply 2 answers that they gave us:

• Prayer: 
• People are suffering with the loss of family members and all of their worldly possessions.  Where there was once plenty of clean water, food, and shelter - there is now none. Please pray for peace for these people and that they be able to reach the places where services are being restored and that they will be safe as they begin what will be a very long recovery.
  
• Relief workers are putting themselves in harms way to be there and serve people and the communities in need. They have left their own families to give so much.  Please pray for these workers that they be blessed by their selfless service and be kept safe as they serve.

• Financial Giving:
• While so many of us wish we could just jump on an airplane and go serve with our hands & feet, the relief organizations are busy working to set-up safe places where service can take place - that is simply not an option and in many cases not safe or helpful during times immediately following a disaster of this scope.  
• All of the infrastructure to serve and resources needed to make their way to Japan costs money.  While organizations like Samaritan's Purse continue to serve rebuilding efforts in Haiti (please continue to remember them in prayer), their resources can get spread thin as they serve such great needs.
  
• Please think about giving something extra.  Skip a cup of coffee today, maybe eat one less meal out, and take that money and give it to Samaritan's Purse (you can designate it for Japan Relief here).  If you can give more great, but just give what you can; even if all you can give is your prayers take some time daily and do that.
• Learn more about what Samaritan's Purse is doing on the ground.
• Click here to give now.

The Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, and so many other wonderful organizations are all working hard to respond please make sure that you lift them up in prayer!

Thank you for taking the time to read this message and we truly appreciate you supporting the people of Japan in this time of such significant need.

See you all on the road soon!

Blessings to you,

Michael W. Smith