Japan is still recovering from the massive earthquake and tsunami on 11 March last year that left nearly 30,000 people dead or missing. Here is an update from the Revd Kazuhiro David Hayashi, in the Diocese of Kobe, part of Nippon Sei Ko Kai (NSKK, the Anglican Church of Japan):

NSKK earthquake relief centres have been set up at the provincial office in Tokyo, in Tohoku Diocese, where most damage was suffered, and in other dioceses. We are working together to aid recovery and to support those in distress. This is not solely an Anglican initiative, but also includes other Christian denominations, as well as other faiths and supporters.

We need your continuing prayers. There are still terrible conditions in many areas, with heaps of rubble and desolate landscapes.

In Sendai, Fukushima, the most immediate problem is radiation from the nuclear plant that was damaged in the disaster. There are various rumours regarding the extent of the danger of the radiation that cause great concern.

Yet we are able to progress day by day because we know our brothers and sisters throughout the Communion are praying for the victims and our relief activities. Prayer has the power of life. The Holy Communion gives us strength as we continue to worship the Lord.

The Most Revd John Kato, Bishop of Tohoku, said we must work together with creative power – and he has called upon us to draw inspiration from Christ, who suffered yet rose from the dead. We believe we can also rise up!

Sunday 5

Third Sunday before Lent: This week we pray for the wide-ranging ministry of the Church of Bangladesh.

Praise be to you, God of life,
For the witness of your church in Bangladesh.
We give you thanks for their courage and compassion.
May we learn from them to live our lives
In joyful service to all your peoples.

Monday 6

Pray for Dhaka, one of the world’s mega-cities. Pray for young people living in isolation, families living hand to mouth, and children living on the streets.

Tuesday 7

Pray for wisdom for the Rt Revd Paul Sarker, Bishop of Dhaka and Moderator of the Church of Bangladesh, and for the Rt Revd Samuel Mankhin, Bishop of Kushtia.

Wednesday 8

Pray for all who lead the church, including those studying at St Andrew’s Theological College. Pray for women’s and youth fellowships, Sunday schools, and all who assist with pastoral ministry.

Thursday 9

Pray for projects run by the Church of Bangladesh Social Development Programmes (CBSDP), including care for the elderly, agricultural initiatives, schools, a climate change response programme, and a safe water project.

Friday 10

Give thanks for USPG Mission Companions David and Sarah Hall and James and Linda Pender, who are based with CBSDP.

Saturday 11

Remember all health initiatives of the church. Give thanks for the work of Sister Gillian Rose at the USPG-supported Bollobhpur Hospital.