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Israeli Doctors to Aid Stricken Japan

March 15, 2011

he world has watched as the people of Japan have been devastated by a 9.0 earthquake, followed by a tsunami and then the threat of nuclear meltdown from the Fukushima power plant. We have watched in horror at the devastation and destruction. Our hearts have been crying out for the Japanese people in their time of suffering.

I have been on the phone with Atsumi Takada, our Japan national director, and heard firsthand the extreme difficulties being faced. She told me that most of the Christians we know are safe, but not all; some Christians are among the missing. Pastors and churches are reaching out to the injured and evacuated in the midst of great difficulties, including fuel and food shortages, power outages, and freezing temperatures. A Japanese volunteer sat in my living room two days ago bringing tears to our eyes as he talked about his heart for his people.

Today, the Israeli Medical Corp called and asked for our help as they reach out to help Japan. They are flying a planeload of medical workers and supplies to assist in the stricken area. The cost to mobilize this level of relief team is high, so we feel it is a God-sent opportunity for us to reach out in love to help the Japanese people by partnering with the Israelis. Already they have sent a planeload of supplies including Geiger counters to assist in evaluating the levels of radiation being released into the atmosphere.

Just over a year ago, we were blessed to help send an Israeli field hospital to Haiti. Many lives were saved through their efforts financed in part by the contributions of the Christian partners of Bridges for Peace. In Genesis 12:3, God told Abraham, “…in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”  Today, we see that this Scripture is literally being fulfilled as the little nation of Israel so quickly responds to crises wherever they occur. This time, the nation in need is Japan, on the other side of the world.

Israel is sending skilled professionals. I have met some of these doctors, and I have seen that they are genuinely motivated by an earnest desire to save lives. I have seen tears in their eyes as they talked about the people who were stricken in Haiti. They will face difficulties, food shortages being one of the problems facing the stricken area, but they go with a willing heart to be a blessing. One of the sad things about Israel’s war-torn history is that she has had to become an expert in dealing with trauma and tragedy, so Japan will be receiving some of the most highly trained professionals in the world. Israel contacted Japan immediately offering to help, but it has taken time for Japan to analyze what assistance they need.

The Help Japan Project

Many of you have been asking how you can help Japan. One way is to be part of sending this dedicated medical team from Israel. Your contribution to the Help Japan Project will bring healing to the wounded and show the world that Israel is a nation with a heart for people.

There is a possibility that my husband Tom and I will be flying to Japan on a subsequent flight with the Medical Corp, joining Israel’s surgeon general. We were initially invited to join the flight going this Wednesday, but at the last minute, every seat was filled with medical personnel. If we have the opportunity, we will go because it is our heart’s desire to minister to the dear people of Japan in this time of need.

Japanese Christians have been a blessing to Israel. In fact, over 20% of our budget comes from Japan’s Christians. God told Abraham that He would “bless those who bless you” (Genesis 12:3). The believers in Japan have prayed for Israel for over 80 years and contributed millions of dollars to help Jewish people come home from the Diaspora and provide for their needs in their new homeland. God will honor His Word and now bless the people of Japan through the people of Israel.

If you want to help cover the costs of this operation, please visit the link below and make your donation or send your contribution to your national office labeled “Help Japan Project.”

Blessings from Jerusalem,

Rebecca J. Brimmer
International President and CEO