(Thursday, 02 June, 4:25 p.m. EDT-US, 16:25) It is still difficult to fully grasp the extent of the destruction wrought by the worst earthquake in Japan‘s history and the resulting tsunami. Over 26,000 people were killed, and about 130,000 people remain in more than 2,000 temporary shelters. Tens of thousands of buildings were destroyed or damaged and entire regions were devastated. Experts put the total cost of the destruction at over $300 billion. Cleanup could take up to five years.

Liebenzell Mission International is cooperating our with national partner organizations in Japan to assist in relief efforts. The Japan Evangelical Church Association (JECA), the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA), and the Japanese Evangelical Alliance (JEA) will participate in the rebuilding effort. These organizations are working with CRASH Japan (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope), a network supporting Christians to do relief work in Japan. In addition, short-term mission teams will go to Japan and aid in cleanup and relief efforts at shelters. All funds will be forwarded to the Liebenzell relief efforts in Japan.

In 2004, Liebenzell Mission Ecuador purchased a small AM radio station in the northern city of Ibarra. Today “Radio Punto” broadcasts the gospel message in Spanish and Quechua to more than a quarter of a million people. Improvements to the station include  a new tower on a hill overlooking the city, three studio rooms located in the Puente de Amor Church in Ibarra, and a new mixing board, computer, and recording equipment.

The station is facing some challenges in the months ahead. The Quechua language program is beamed in from another studio location; recently, it’s been disrupted by some sort of interference, and technicians haven’t yet identified the cause or a remedy. The station also needs another announcer/technician as is searching for a believer with some aptitude, if not experience. Pastor Diego Galarza continues to help with programming and Bible teaching programs.

The station would be able to increase broadcast hours and efficiency with an automated programming system. Station manager Ned Farnsworth estimates the cost of a suitable system at around $4,000.

Finally, Radio Punto is pressing ahead with plans to add an FM station. This would allow greater coverage and expanded programming in both languages. The station needs to submit a professionally prepared study along with it’s license application; this study will cost around $1,000.

In spite of the challenges, the staff is encouraged by the positive feedback they receive. “The radio station is doing okay,” wrote Farnsworth recently. “We appreciate your prayers and support.”

With the help of a former World Cup soccer star from Argentina, the Hongodai Christ Church in Yokohama, Japan, started the Esperanza Soccer School in 2003. Nearly 300 youth, aged 4 to 15, learn soccer skills along with the Gospel. Since its founding, the school has brought over 1,800 students plus their families into the Hongodai Church for worship. Three years ago, the rented soccer field became available for purchase; meanwhile, the city told the church it needed to relocate to make room for a new highway. Project Yokohama will provide a permanent home for the soccer school and the church at one location.

This is the first phase of an ambitious project to construct three new classroom buildings at the Ministry of Mercy (MoM) in Nigeria. Over 300 orphans and unwanted children are raised in a Christian atmosphere. Many have been abandoned because of chronic illnesses, physical or mental handicaps, and poverty. Children are educated through grade six on the compound. After a long layoff, work has resumed on the building's interior including plastering the walls, tile floors, electrical and plumbing work, and finishing the ceiling.

Student tuition covers only a portion of the operating costs for Pacific Islands University in Guam. With the goal of training servant leaders to reach the islands for Christ and build strong disciples throughout the Pacific Rim, PIU plays a vital role in the region’s future. This fund assists PIU with support for operating expenses and capital improvements.