New Salem Baptist Church pastor Alan Rogers asks people to donate to the people of Japan affected by the tsunami through Baptist Global Response, a mission organization that has people on the ground helping in Japan.
Photo by Katie WardNew Salem Baptist Church pastor Alan Rogers encourages North Hamilton residents to reach out to Japan.
NSBC website www.newsalembaptist.net provides a link midway down the page to click on to donate funds to Baptist Global Response in Japan. Donations will provide relief through BGR missionaries to Japanese people affected by the tsunami.
"Baptist Global Response asks people to give so they can provide blankets, water and food to the people of Japan," said Rogers. "I would like to tell people to take the opportunity to help people on the other side of the world in dire need right now. The tragedy is so immense because train lines, roads, grocery stores and water lines were all disrupted. People displaced need food and water."
He said U.S. citizens have already given more than $200,000 to help Japan through Baptist Global Response. He said BGR operates one of the largest natural disaster relief teams anywhere.
"Some Baptist volunteers from South Carolina and Arkansas went to Japan," said Rogers, adding that some Southern Baptist missionaries stay stationed in Japan year-round. "Southern Baptists have had a presence in Japan for years."
According to the International Mission Board, Tokyo Baptist Church is providing a point of contact for BGR missionaries. Japan Baptist church members are also helping with relief efforts.
Rogers said the people of Japan are community-oriented and look out for each other in general.
"Ten thousand people were wiped out near the coast of Japan when the tsunami hit," he said. "It could take a long time to recover. The Japanese government says it's the biggest disaster since World War II."
He said the Japanese government estimates that it could take five years and more than $300 billion to rebuild.
• To learn more about Baptist Global Response visit here. To learn more about New Salem Baptist Church, at 9806 Daisy Dallas Road in Soddy-Daisy, call the church at 842-3078.