A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan early this morning, triggering a tsunami that is sweeping across the Pacific Ocean.
Numerous Grace Brethren people are located in Japan, the Philippines, and in Hawaii. Prayer is requested for them.
Below is a message from Grace Brethren International Missions’ staffer, Ted Ruiz, sent early today to the International Missions Center in Winona Lake, Ind.:
Just a few hours ago (~11pm EST Thurs), a VERY major earthquake hit just off the coast of Japan.
Tsumani waves of varying heights are spreading throughout the Pacific….even as far as CA!
It is said that the waves will hit the Philippines at 10:00pm Friday (Fri, 9:00am EST)….2 hours from now.
I believe that we are fine since we are on the West side of the Philippines.
However, some of our ministries are on the East or North side and near the water.
Waves are projected to be about 1 meter high.
Please pray for their safety….
1)–Rey & Alma Paz & Nagbacalan, Batac believers (ilocos norte—in the North).
2)–Cris & Marites Estaras & Pamplona GBC (Camarines Sur, Bicol—in the East)
3)–Digo Ala & Bagong Liwanag (“New Light”) GBC (San Miguel Is, Tabaco City, Albay, Bicol—in the East)
This news also came from Ralph Justiniano and has been posted on the Grace Brethren International Missions’ site, gbim.org.
Thanks so much for your concern and prayer for our family. You’ve probably heard the news already, but we had a major earthquake of 8.9 magnitude just off the northeast coast of Japan, and a 30ft. tsunami tidal wave that hit that coast. Thanks to the Lord’s protection, our family is all fine. We had things scattered all over the house but no one was hurt and miraculously nothing that fell down was even broken. Our phone is not working and the gas no longer works for our heaters, but thankfully we have some kerosene heaters that are able to keep everyone warm.
Please pray for the many suffering from deaths in their families and major damage from the Tsunami. There is some damage from the quake and fires around Tokyo, but not nearly as major as the Northeast section.
Also from Blaine Horst at Grace Brethren International Missions:
Junkers and Northstar are much further from the epicenter so they should be fine as well. We are getting more news up on the web. There have been tsunami warnings around the Pacific, but it is only expected to be 3 feet high in the Philippines and possibly 4 feet on the west coast of the US. Our missionaries and NMPs are not in areas where they should be in any danger.