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As we continue on in the season of Lent 2011, all of us in the baby boomer and Sandwich Generation are so saddened by the news coming continually from Japan in the wake of the horrific earthquake, aftershocks, and the tsunami that have so devastated that country! My heart and prayers go out to everyone impacted, including the many Sandwich Generation families living there – especially the tiny grandchildren and the elderly grandparents who are least able to cope during this type of crisis! I am sitting here with tears rolling down my face as I picture my senior mom or one of my grandbabies – what if they were in the midst of this and their parents or caregivers were lying dead beside them!
It is such a tragedy, but we can help – even though we may not live anywhere nearby. And what better time to do it than during a season that is noted for the tremendous sacrifice on the part of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Two of my favorite Christian ministries – World Vision and Samaritan's Purse – noted for their wonderful faith-based humanitarian work all around the world are already there, working night and day to help all that they can. And when we send our prayers, along with any monetary donations God may lead us to send to help with this, we are blessed to be able to join with them in helping others. Here are videos from each, starting with World Vision, with more information:
And here is one from Samaritans Purse:
On this Spiritual Sunday, if you would like to know more about how you can partner with World Vision or Samaritans Purse to help the victims of the Japan earthquake – tsunami disaster, just click on their names.
I would also encourage you to discuss this whole situation with your grandchildren. Times like these can be such fruitful opportunities to share with them the many ways we, as Christians, can help others, including other Sandwich Generation families, all around the world through missionary organizations like these. When my granddaughter and I were talking about it, she suggested a great passage of encouraging Bible verses for this topic:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory…Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 5:31, 37-40 (NIV)
Sharing these thoughts and actions are a great way to teach our grandkids important lessons that will last for an eternity. And what a wonderful gift for Lent AND Easter that is to them, and to our Holy God! Perfect for this Pause in Lent.
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Hi Kaye!
We have been watching the student news at school and the kids are very quiet, very sober as they look at the photos. Great post.
Thank you Pom Pom, and thank you sharing about your school. It’s definitely impacting so many of all ages. LOTS of prayers going up – and a great way to teach young ones about praying. 🙂
I was encouraged by news today that two more Japanese were rescued after living 9 days in their devastated house. God is faithful. May we continue to pray.
I do agree, the younger generation must realise that this can happen anywhere, anytime.
Oh Lisa, wonderful news! World Vision’s blog site shared some encouraging news about families being reunited as well! Praise God! 🙂
Amen, Elizabeth, AMEN!
Great post full of much wisdom and good advice. You have a tender heart and your words will encourage others to think,pray and reach out in whatever ways they can. Thank you for posting.
Found your post from a pingback from our blog. Thanks, Kaye, for your support to World Vision and for your willingness to use your site to encourage others to get involved with relief efforts in Japan. You have blessed me this afternoon as I read through you post. May we continue to give praise to God for survivors and ask for his mercy and grace for all those affected. Many blessings to you, -Lindsey [@LindseyTalerico, @WorldVisionUSA]
PS: We have some extra resources for bloggers like yourself helping to utilize their blogs to support relief efforts. I’d love to chat with you more about this and some other neat opportunities we have coming up. Please email me 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I agree it is so important to encourage our children to be aware of what is happening and to care enough to act.
Thank you, Clif. I appreciate that. 🙂
Very true, Carolyn. 🙂
Thanks YOU, Lindsey. That was so encouraging! 🙂
World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse are both such wonderful organizations. I’m grateful they are always there when tragedy strikes. We need to always remember that when we help someone in need it is like helping the Lord himself. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Amen, Charlotte! AMEN! The Sandwich Generation issues of life may keep me anchored here, but by donating to them, we can partner with them. What a joy-filled way to serve our awesome God! 🙂