This was a letter The North Oaks Church received from a former member in regards to adding Japan.  With this personal connection, we will be sending the funds raised at North Oaks to the Ochanamizu church:

Elders,

As you are aware from the news, Japan has been devastated with the earthquake and tsunami affecting many areas of Japan. At this present time, 9:13pm, there are over 1,000 deaths with more reported missing and is expected to rise. Please be in prayer for the people of Japan. God's Word is being taught there and the Love of Jesus shines in moments of darkness such as these.

I have spoken with my father and we have been communicating via email on the situation there. At this present time, the Ochanamizu church in Tokyo is not affected because they JUST finish building the new church building and it is designed for earthquakes and is far enough away from the epicenter. There is now an exodus of people traveling to Tokyo to escape and they will need help. The orphanage in Ibaraki is much closer to the situation and that prefecture is impacted. This orphanage was started 50 years ago by Suzuki-san and my grandfather and has taught hundreds about Jesus while providing an education for them. One of the current elders at Ochanamizu was an orphan himself and is married with several children -- all serving and are workers for the Lord.

I have spoken with Yuki-san (the son of Obata-san who was the first minister my parents taught Jesus to. Yuki is currently in Pasadena, CA getting his PHD in theology. He was also the minister in Mito Japan and will return after his studies are completed in the US) regarding news of the area. As a church body united in Christ, we need to rise to the call to aid. If the elders see fit to have a special collection/support from members who feel compelled to give to the efforts for Japan. The Ochanamizu church would be the liaison for the depository of funds with disbursements as appropriate. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Brotherly,

Tuan Dam

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You may also donate to a number of other organizations by clicking on the links below. 

HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL : Healing Hands International, founded in 1933, ships to over 70 different countries in need. HHI serve to save lives and relieve suffering through the distribution of humanitarian aid in order to bring hope to all people. Click here to read the HHI plan for the donations in Japan. They continue to provide information and awareness of worldwide medical and humanitarian needs, thus providing a broader opportunity for contributors and volunteers. Donate here.

AMERICAN RED CROSS: The American Red Cross is currently supporting and advising the Japanese Red Cross, which continues to assist the government in its response.  You can help people affected by disasters, like floods, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as countless other crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donate here.

SAVE THE CHILDREN:  Save the Children, which has worked in Japan since 1986, has an immediate goal of $5 million to launch longer-term recovery for children affected by Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Save the Children has opened the first child-friendly space in Japan, with protective environments where children can gather to play and share their experiences under the supervision of trained, caring adults. Donate here.