Tsunami Relief Efforts

The Buddemeier's have learned that their daughter, who was on the beach in Phuket, Thailand when the tsunami hit, is safely aboard a boat with a 6-day supply of food and water. Central has heard from some pastors in the countries affected and from several relief agencies. The first directive is to solicit prayer for all those directly affected by the disaster. The physical situation is beyond overwhelming. It is clear that it will be years to "normal" in the south Asian countries involved.

PRAY:

• God will use this huge trial to give Christians a chance to shine before their families and friends by making them a comfort and a testimony.
• The Lord would provide the basic needs of those who have suffered loss.
• Local churches with no experience would know how to respond.

The next expressed need is for financial support of relief work in progress. Central has established an account for contributions you may wish to give. Checks should be made out to Central Presbyterian Church, marked for "Disaster Relief." Funds received will be channeled through reliable institutions and individuals who will be acting on behalf of God's family around the world. Please feel free to advise where your gift might be directed. Below are listed relief efforts already in progress.

In Phuket, Pastor Allin, a Christian leader among the 10,000 Urak Lawoi people, was used by the Lord to help save lives on December 26th. He was preaching in an island church when his daughter called to alert him that water was rising fast. He rushed to warn the people of the village and help them escape. Waves washed away the entire village. The Rulisons, missionaries in Thailand with Gospel Recordings, have agreed to place any funds received into the hands of trustworthy Christian workers, such as Allin, who know how to use them wisely.

A report from Christian Aid Mission relates that indigenous missionary teams were delivering loads of emergency relief to victims in the coastal areas of seven countries within hours of the devastating undersea earthquake. There was no waiting for foreign assistance. The India Director for Christian Aid expected 62 national ministries to be involved. In Thailand and Indonesia there are 32 ministries supported by Christian Aid already sending volunteers. Native missionaries need immediate help to purchase blankets, tents, bottled water, food and medicine. Long term, of course, the need will be to restore water systems, replace homes and churches.

International Bible Society launched disaster relief on Dec. 27 by preparing Scripture materials to reach those touched by the disaster. The key piece is a booklet, When Your Whole World Changes. The art work and content are adapted for use in south Asian countries. Emergency printing in appropriate languages is underway. The booklets will be distributed in connection with the humanitarian work of agencies, such as World Vision, Food for the Hungry and local churches. Where government agencies permit it, this Scripture material will be available in hospitals and other civic facilities where relief aid is given. The current estimated need is for 250,000 scripture pieces.

World Relief has contacts in many of the affected countries and will be partnering with evangelicals in supplying help. "We empower local churches to do what their hearts cry out to do - help their families, church members and neighbors." There are people in key locations to carry out initial assessment and develop plans of response. Mark Smith, WR's Disaster Response Director, has carried cash with him for immediate action. He says, "We are proceeding with cautious optimism that the US church will want to help."

My heart is in anguish within me;
   The terrors of death assail me.
Fear and trembling have beset me;
   Horror has overwhelmed me.
Listen to my prayer, O God,
    Do not ignore my plea:
   Hear me and answer me.
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,
   And he hears my voice.
Verses from Psalm 55

Note: See also Tsunami Relief.