Safe Harbor International Relief, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, strives to be a voice in the body of Christ calling believers together to fulfill the Great Commission. We also exist to strengthen, encourage, and build up other brothers and sisters throughout the world who are living in fear, hopelessness, desperate need, or are suffering persecution for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

We seek to accomplish our mission through strategic ministry, relief, and development initiatives aimed at addressing the spiritual and physical needs of neglected populations.  We will come alongside those in need, regardless of religion, demonstrating the love of Christ in practical ways and sharing the hope of the gospel with the people we minister to.  Our initiatives are connected to the local church through key partnerships, and are aimed at supporting the ministry work of our local constituents.

For more information, please read our FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions.

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The Beginning of Safe Harbor
On January 17, 1994, the Northridge earthquake produced the strongest ground motions ever recorded in an urban setting in North America. Sections of major freeways collapsed, parking structures and office buildings crumbled, and apartment buildings were destroyed. As he watched the tragedy unfold on TV, Pastor Gary Kusunoki wondered how he could help. After prayer and a few phone calls, Pastor Gary and various church members responded by organizing a relief center, distributing food, water, diapers, and other essentials. Physical needs were met and spiritual care was provided as well. Prayer and grief counseling were ongoing at the relief center. Many people turned to Jesus Christ for support through the disaster. A new church was planted in the area as a direct result of the work of Pastor Gary and his group. Safe Harbor was born.

This was just the beginning. Later that year, in July of 1994, Safe Harbor ministered to victims of the war in Rwanda. Relief supplies were delivered to Japan after the Kobe earthquake in 1995. In 1996 a Safe Harbor team spent two weeks in the war torn country of Sudan, ministering to persecuted Christians, victims of an Islamic “holy war”. Since then, Safe Harbor has continued to minister in the war zones of Sudan.

Pastor Gary stepped down as CEO of Safe Harbor International Relief in September of 2008.

Currently Safe Harbor International Relief is led by the Chairman of the board Sanford Otsuji.