NORCROSS, Ga. — A Japanese Baptist church in Norcross held a special prayer service on Sunday in the wake of what is being called the worst crisis in Japan since World War II.
Channel 2 Action News reporter Mike Petchenik spoke to the pastor of the church and a man whose brother lives in a city hit hard by the tsunami.
Dozens of people came out to send their prayers and well-wishes to friends and family overseas.
A special prayer request from the Japanese Baptist Convention was recited at a Norcross church thousands of miles from the quake's epicenter.
"It was very terrible, the big earthquake in Japan. Also, very serious damage by the tsunami," said Pastor Hiro Sakamaki.
Sakamaki is from Tokyo and his family still lives in Japan.
"We will have a special prayer time and pray for Japan and also the people in Japan who suffered," said Sakamaki.
Congregant Sambi Takahashi's brother lives in the port city of Sendai, about 200 miles from Tokyo. It was pummeled by the tsunami's waves.
He said he's only heard third-hand that his brother is OK.
"(I'm) praying for everybody in Japan. I know there were a lot of people killed," said Takahashi.
The congregation took up donations to the send to the Baptist Convention in Japan.
Sakamaki said he is talking to his members about forming a group to go to Japan to give aid.
Earthquake, Tsunami Donation Information
Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. Gifts to the American Red Cross will support the disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.
On the rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific crisis, contributions are used to prepare for and service victims of other crises.
People can make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999. Their donation will go to support relief efforts for the Earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.
WSBTV
