Japan-based LCMS chaplain and family safe; to assist in relief
Wed, Mar 16, 2011
LCMS Chaplain Jason Dart of the United States Navy stationed in Japan, confirmed on Saturday, March 12 that he and his family were safe.
Currently, Chaplain Dart and his family are the only LCMS military chaplain and family serving in Japan. Assigned with the USS Essex, the Dart family is stationed at the Navy base U.S. Fleet Activities in Sasebo, Japan.
In an e-mail to Chaplain Eric Erkkinen, assistant director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, Chaplain Dart wrote, “We are home ported in Sasebo, Japan, on the island of Kyushu. Our families at home received a tsunami alert last evening, but any effects have apparently been mild there. We’re [the ship] currently deployed away from there, but are getting updates as they are available. If anything changes significantly, I’ll pass that on.”
In a “Message from the Commander Officer” of the USS Essex posted on the USS Essex website, the commanding officer states, “The officers and the crew of USS Essex (LHD 2) are safe and doing well.
“We stand ready to answer the call to help our host nation in the wake of the tragic earthquakes and tsunami that hit Japan. As a result of this disaster, Essex was tasked to terminate its port visit to Malaysia, so that it can be in a position to assist the Government of Japan in its relief efforts. We are hopeful that we can help our Japanese friends in their time of need. The Essex team is well prepared to assist in this sort of disaster, and I can tell you we stand ready. I personally appreciate all of the continued support from our spouses, families, and friends of those who serve onboard Essex and those across the globe.”
The LCMS established Ministry to the Armed Forces to support military personnel as they provide for our nation’s defense, through: providing military chaplains to serve on the field; providing chaplains for veteran’s hospitals; maintaining records of pastoral acts; working with pastors and civilian congregations to provide for the spiritual welfare of their members in uniform through the Operation Barnabas program; and providing spiritual resources to LCMS members serving in the armed forces through a ‘Ministry-by-Mail Program.’
In crisis situations like the one facing Japan, frequently our U.S. military is called upon to assist in providing emergency relief. “Our chaplains are trained in providing counseling and pastoral care to hurting victims,” explains Chaplain Erkkinen. “With so many losing family members, homes, and livelihoods we know the need will be great.”
Today, LCMS World Mission’s Ministry to the Armed Forces endorses and supports 215 chaplains, including: 71 active duty military chaplains, 88 chaplains serving Reserve and National Guard units (17 of which are mobilized and serving in the United States, Iraq, and Afghanistan), 25 Veterans Administration chaplains, 26 Civil Air Patrol chaplains, and four chaplains for Federal Bureau of Prison ministry.
- Learn more about LCMS World Mission’s Ministry to the Armed Forces
- Help our LCMS chaplains
- View a map of LCMS missionaries and Lutheran partners in Japan
Tags: Armed Forces, chaplain, japan
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