Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church Sends Donation for Hurricane Katrina Support

Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church (JELC) sent a letter and donation to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) to express their sympathy and prayer for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The amount of the contribution has been reported to be about $4,500.

"Although the amount is small compared to the size of this disaster, please see it as an extension of our caring, thoughts and prayers for you, our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ," stated the letter from JELC President Masatoshi Yamanouchi, whose denomination comprises of 130 churches in Japan.

"It is with great sorrow and pain that we watch the news unfold about the unprecedented disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina. Please know that we hold the people affected by this disaster firmly in our prayers."

The letter was sent to Mark Hanson, the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA; Raphael Malpica; the Executive Director of Division for Global Mission; and Barbara Lund, DGM Continental Desk Director for Asia.

The denominations maintain strong partnership with each other by exchanging youth for summer programs and other international opportunities.