Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

Matthew 25: Ministries' first shipment, consisting of 50,000 meals, safely arrived in Tokyo today. After gaining clearance through customs tonight, the much-needed food will reach victims near Sendai by tomorrow morning. This first successful shipment of aid to those suffering in Japan is only the beginning of continued relief efforts to be made by Matthew 25: Ministries and all of our supporters.

Even as the damage of the earthquake and tsunami drops from the headlines, the victims of this disaster will remain in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to provide aid as long as our partners request it and the need persists.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

Matthew 25: Ministries has begun sending aid to Japan.

50,000 meals from our Prasco Food Processing Center were sent by air with planned arrival in Tokyo before the end of the week. An additional truckload of aid left our Blue Ash facility today, which includes 200,000 servings of food from the Food Processing Center, as well as water and blankets. Matthew 25 will continue sending aid for months to come as long as our partners request it.

Matthew 25: Ministries’ Vice-president and Disaster Relief Coordinator Tim Mettey commented, “This is a long term effort for us. People often think that if it’s out of the news, things are back to normal. But our experience tells us that disasters of this magnitude, however industrialized or wealthy the country is, will need our help for some time to come.”

Inside Fukushima Plant

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Digital Globe   
  
See more photos of the Fukushima Daiichi Plant. 

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

While improvements in the status of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant have been reported, the situation is still very serious. The release of radioactive material and fears of contamination have caused many living in surrounding areas to flee to nearby makeshift shelters. Roughly 2,131 evacuation centers have been set up in cities along Japan's eastern coastline in local community centers, school gymnasiums and arenas.

Photo Credit: AFP
 

Read more about the conditions of refugee centers in Japan.
 

We will reach refugees such as this through partner community groups and churches in the affected areas.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Hopes for Haiti

While we are continuing our efforts to help those affected by the recent disaster in Japan, I would like to take a moment to share my hopes for the future of Haiti. Yesterday, Haiti held its presidential runoff. Today, counting is underway and the world awaits the final election results.

I pray that the elections conclude without violence. I pray that the newly-elected leader will begin rebuilding the hopes, lives and landscape of a country that still lay in ruin as a result of the devastating earthquake that hit January 12, 2010.

Photo Credit: Google/GeoEye/DIgital Globe via The New York Times  

Tool for a visualization of the immediate and long-term effects of the earthquake in Haiti.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

As the death toll rises to nearly 7,000, today marks the one-week anniversary of the disastrous earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan's northeastern coast.

Japan in review, one week after the earthquake and tsunami.

We are continuing to build our plan of action, and this weekend will allow us to establish the best routes for getting disaster relief to the people who need it. More information regarding the disaster and our response will be available on Monday.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

In Japan, the earthquake, tsunami and current nuclear crisis have presented an enormous challenge to relief efforts. Our partners are in place and have already started to send us requests for aid, but the conflicting reports about the nuclear reactors have made it difficult to establish our bases of operation.

While we prepare to ship relief supplies, we face the challenge of reaching the people in the North, where the greatest devastation occurred. Our supplies will get to the refugees who have fled the area, and hopefully, as the nuclear situation settles down, we will reach the people who are still living in the disaster zone.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

As Japan races to contain the nuclear crisis, Matthew 25: Ministries is continually collecting aid to be sent once these circumstances stabilize. We will mobilize our disaster relief shipments as soon as we receive confirmation that the situation is under control.

Read more about the current nuclear threat on Japan.

Matthew 25: Ministries is accepting the following items for disaster relief:

1. Financial donations
2. Nonperishable food
3. Personal care products (Especially Diapers)
4. Cleaning products (No Bleach)
5. First Aid Supplies
6. Paper Products

Matthew 25: Ministries is open for product donations Monday through Friday 9-4 and Saturday 9-2. For a more complete list of products we accept, please visit the list of Supplies We Ship. 

The collection and distribution of disaster relief will be an ongoing effort  as we continue to work with our partners in the affected areas to confirm the most urgent needs of the victims.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

We are prepared to send aid yet are still waiting for the conditions of the nuclear crisis to stabilize. This unpredictable environment has put most all relief efforts on hold. Please continue to keep those affected by this escalating disaster in your thoughts and prayers.

Read more about the nuclear crisis.

Comment from Matthew 25: Ministries’ Vice-president Tim Mettey:

“The magnitude of this disaster is almost inconceivable. Imagine the destruction of an earthquake stronger than the one in Haiti followed by the power of a tsunami as deadly as the one that struck southeast Asia complicated by a potential nuclear disaster. Japan is an advanced, technologically modern country – but no country or government, however well prepared, is prepared for this. Matthew 25: Ministries is working with our partners to alleviate as much of the resulting suffering as we can.”

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

It may be difficult to comprehend just how much damage the earthquake and tsunami have caused Japan without seeing the devastation. The link below shows aerial photos of how these disasters have forever changed the landscape and countless lives in Japan.

See aerial photos of the destruction.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

Matthew 25: Ministries is still assessing the damage of this disaster and the needs of the victims. We are prepared to launch disaster relief efforts immediately if our local and regional partners request it. Once the circumstances surrounding the affected nuclear power plants have stabilized, our partners will be better able to confirm all needs and summon our assistance.

Read more about the current state of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Below is news coverage of the concerns regarding the state of the nuclear power plant.

Video Credit: CNN

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

Japan is taking precautions against radiation poisoning following the explosion at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The blast was inevitable after four nuclear reactors failed to keep the cooling system running. 

Read more about the nuclear power plant explosion.

The official death toll in Japan stands at 574, though the count is feared to reach over 10,000 as many are believed to be buried under the debris and rubble of the earthquake and tsunami. Many remain unaccounted for as the affected areas are not able to be reached by rescue teams.

Read more about Japan in the aftermath of disaster.

Below is footage showing how the massive earthquake and tsunami has devastated Japan.

Video Credit: NHK via AlJazeeraEnglish (Youtube)


Video Credit: SkyNews

Below is an animated model developed by the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research predicting the path of the tsunami waves generated by the 8.9 earthquake in Japan.

Video Credit: NOAA Center for Tsunami Research

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

A new day will soon dawn on Japan's eastern coast, shedding light on the devastation caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. As daylight breaks, the country will be able to better assess the damages and needs of those in the affected areas.

Diaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

First responders, USAID, leave for Japan in an effort to assist those affected by the deadly earthquake and tsunami duo.

Read more about USAID's response.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Diaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

A failure in the cooling system has caused a state of emergency to be declared at a Japanese nuclear power plant as the possibility of radioactive fallout has materialized. The cooling system failed after the nuclear reactor lost power due to the earthquake and automatically shut down.

Read more about the Japanese Nuclear Reactor.

Earlier reports indicated that the death toll in Japan was believed to be in the lower hundreds. More deaths have since been confirmed, with the number continuing to grow as the full scope of the damage is realized.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

West Coast prepares for tsunami. The first wave is estimated to reach them at 11:16 am EST (San Francisco).

Diaster Update: Earthquake and Tsunami

Matthew 25: Ministries is currently in Assessment Mode following news of an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hitting off the eastern coast of Japan. The massive quake was accompanied by powerful aftershocks and triggered tsunami waves in Japan and Hawaii. Tsunami warnings are in effect for the entire Pacific, including the U.S. West Coast.

Read more about the earthquake and tsunami effects on Japan and Hawaii.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Update: Chinese Earthquake

The Chinese earthquake, centered in Yinjiang, killed 24 and destroyed over 1,000 buildings.

Read more about the earthquake in China.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Disaster Perspective

When other's talk of disasters, they think of...

When we talk of disasters, we think of...

These faces are the reason why we and everyone involved with Matthew 25: Ministries do this work. So the next time you hear of a disaster, think of these faces.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Corporate Philanthropy

Through a charitable partnership with Matthew 25: Ministries, your corporation can save money, generate a positive corporate image and change the lives of the poorest of the poor. Hundreds of businesses help Matthew 25: Ministries reach the poor daily by:

· Donating off-spec or slightly damaged goods once destined for a landfill

· Encouraging their employees to volunteer at our Blue Ash facilities

· Sponsoring or participating in events such as the Arington Foundation Golf Outing and the Fighting Hunger 5k. 

Please visit our website or call 513-793-6256 to see how your company can get involved.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Haiti Relief Update

Haiti Relief Update: So far this year we have sent 1,200,000 servings of federally-regulated food to Haiti from our Prasco Food Processing Center. These meals will help combat the horrible conditions that still remain in Haiti. The ability to manufacture and package the food in-house at our Blue Ash facilities allows Matthew 25: Ministries to respond to disasters more quickly and efficiently. 

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Global Village

Each day as I walk through the Global Village here at Matthew 25: Ministries, I am reminded of the poverty that so many people face around the world. Our Global Village is primarily a visual representation of how the poor live in other countries, but most visitors would be stunned to discover that it also represents many areas in the USA, even areas in our own communities. Though these people may not be living in a makeshift hut or shack, their conditions are just as miserable. While Matthew 25: Ministries strives to help as many people as we can, we cannot do it alone. We need you...

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Spring Cleaning

"Why would anyone want this?" The item in question was a pair of jeans that were clearly out-of-style. For those we serve, style is not of importance. Most of the time, the clothing they receive from Matthew 25: Ministries is often the first piece of new or gently used apparel they have ever been given. During your spring cleaning when you find yourself casting aside last year’s fashions thinking "Who would wear this?", or when you’re just making space in your closet, please think of Matthew 25: Ministries and those who desperately need the thing you no longer have use for.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.

Ugly Houses

Last night I was explaining the importance of helping those in need to my 5 year old daughter. In a very sincere, concerned voice she turned to me and said, "Daddy, we need to help them get out of ugly houses and find them pretty ones." Children have the amazing ability to view the world in its simplest form, and most of the time when you reflect on what they've said, you are stunned by the truth in their observations. The circumstances of the poor around the world are, in fact, ugly, and our help in caring for the poor is always needed. We must care for those who cannot help themselves and— in the words of a wise 5 year old— help get them out of ugly houses.

Any and all links to outside sources and materials are intended for reference only. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Matthew 25: Ministries and its affiliates.