LCMS World Mission Blog

From left to right: VYM Director Rev. Shinri Emoto of the Japan Lutheran Church, GEO missionary Justin Kumfer, GEO missionary Jenae Siebarth, GEO missionary Matthew Hass, GEO missionary Kim Sherwin, GEO missionary Peter Pfaff, Japan Lutheran Church representative Yukie Shimomasu, career missionary Rev. Jonathan Blanke and career missionary Matthew Wasmund

On March 11, an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Japan. It triggered a 30-foot tsunami and was followed by at least 50 aftershocks, many with a magnitude of 6.0. The total death toll is unknown at this time, but is steadily climbing.

All LCMS missionaries currently serving in Japan have been confirmed safe. LCMS missionaries in Japan include career missionaries Rev. John and Juli Blanke and GEO missionaries Matthew Hass, Justin Kumfer, Peter Pfaff, Kim Sherwin and Jenae Siebarth. (GEO missionaries are globally engaged in outreach and serve for terms of 1-2 years in locations around the world.)

Career missionary Matthew Wasmund, who is based out of South Korea, supervises the GEO missionaries serving in Japan and coordinates ministry efforts with the Japan Lutheran Church. He writes, “As you know, a catastrophic earthquake followed by tsunami waves struck the east coast of Japan this afternoon. We have been in contact with all of the LCMS World Mission missionaries who serve there, as well as with our partner/[sister] church body, the Japan Lutheran Church. Praise God they are all safe and unharmed. Join us as we pray for recovery for the Japanese people and for opportunities to share in word and deed the power of our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Join LCMS World Mission in giving thanks for the safety of missionaries and Japanese Lutheran leaders. Please pray for the people of Japan who have lost family and friends and who are suffering in the wake of extreme loss. Also, pray for the pastors and members of the Japan Lutheran Church—that God would use them as lights of Christ’s love in this time of sorrow and uncertainty.

• Download prayer cards for missionaries serving in Japan.
• Learn more about LCMS mission work in Japan.
• Map of Japan Earthquake