The earthquake off the coast of Japan in March 2011, triggered a massive tsunami that ravaged their coastline destroying homes, businesses and wiping out many communities. Samaritan’s Purse responded quickly and sent 93 tons of relief supplies. 
You might remember the videos and photos from Sendai, Japan, from that terrible day. Terrifying images of destruction and a town being ripped apart. It is hard to imagine how a community could ever come back.
Over the course of the past year and a half, thousands of SP volunteers from the US and around the world, have given of themselves to help rebuild Japan’s communities through mud-outs, reconstruction, distributions and other events. “When you volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, you will never be the same person. God has taught me on this deployment what it truly means to follow Christ’s example,” said Becky Sanders working as a carpenter to help rebuild homes.
Samaritan’s Purse is also committed to encouraging and strengthening the local churches, and over the course of this last year has built up a rich partnership with those in Japan. This November the local churches began working with Operation Christmas Child to prepare and send shoeboxes to needy children around the world for the very first time!!! And a new branch has opened: Operation Christmas Child Japan
And where is their headquarters and processing center?? None other than the city of Sendai! See the joy on the faces of the volunteers as they hold their first packing party (on the left) and their first processing week (on the right)!!! They have lost so much, and yet are giving freely and with great delight. How exciting to have them be a part of Operation Christmas Child sending out its 100 Million Shoebox this year!
We love packing shoeboxes– once you pack one you can’t stop! I am sure they will continue as a vibrant and active sending country. To God be all the glory.
For more information, pictures and stories about Samaritan’s Purse response to the Japanese Tsumami:
Finding Shelter Under the Cross
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JoAnn’s also has $1.00 items you can purchase for your shoeboxes – soxs, toys, games. I used my coupons for towels – 3 microfiber towels size 10″x10″ for $2.50 with the 50% off coupon that makes the 3 towels $1.25 or $0.42 each. The towels colors are pink, orange, and green. Go Shop Save Give
Thanks so much for sharing this story Mary. Only God can bring something so wonderful from something so terrible. To Him be the glory.