One month after earthquakes hit, Kumamoto residents work to rebuild.

Japan (MNN)—One month after Kumamoto, Japan, was hit by 7.1- and 6.1-magnitude earthquakes in quick succession, residents are working to rebuild their lives. Electricity and gas services have been restored, and work is ongoing to repair disruptions to the water supply. However, more than 2,000 people are still in evacuation centers, in sweltering conditions. 

Fortunately, Christian leaders are already in place to help provide long-term relief, thanks to the Kumamoto Mission Network.

“The serious relief organizations, the ones that are quick to do on-the-spot solutions, they’re only there for a short period of time,” says Joe Handley of A3, “but the after-effects of something like this can last for years. That’s where the Kumamoto Mission Network comes into play.”

This network, originally called the Kyushu Disaster Relief Organization, formed in 2016 to provide relief after the region was struck by a series of earthquakes, including a magnitude 7 quake. Churches in the region came together to reach out to people in need, providing both relief and the message of Christ. 

Since then, the organization has morphed into a network of churches reaching the city of Kumamoto and the island of Kyushu for Christ, through church planting and long-term, sustainable care. 

When disaster struck on July 28, 2026, the Kumamoto Mission Network was ready. They reached out to fellow members and began providing blankets, supplies, and food assistance for those impacted—showing the community that the churches care, and that God cares. This sets the foundation for providing long-term relief into the future. What makes Kumamoto Mission Network’s relief different is the fact they’re already part of the community.

“They’ll be around—they live there,” says Handley. “Months from now, when all the disaster relief agencies are gone, who’s going to remain? It’s the members of the Kumamoto Mission Networks, these churches and NGOs, that are there to help out, and they’re there for the long-term care. They’ll do emotional support and counseling, and all the various elements of care that are needed. And who knows how long people will need to be in these shelters? That could last for months to years.”

Pray the people impacted by the earthquakes will get the care they need, and that the church would rise to meet that need. 

“This is one of those moments when the Gospel shows itself and shines brightest, in the midst of these crisis situations.”

Listen to the broadcast (story begins at 2:47)

Direct Link: https://a3-media.s3.amazonaws.com/audio/mnn/4-5min-Aug31-2026.mp3

Call to Action

• Pray those impacted by the earthquakes will get the care they need.
• Pray the church would rise to meet the need.
• Learn more about serving in Japan at a3leaders.org/participate/go

More Information

• This story by Payton Lechner was originally published on 31-Aug-2026 by Mission Network News:
  https://www.mnnonline.org/news/kumamoto-church-network-ready-to-provide-long-term-relief/
  
• Header photo/image courtesy of Zion C via Unsplash.

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