EMM’s response to tsunami
Eastern Mennonite Missions is working with partners in Asia to help areas devastated by the Asian earthquake and resulting tsunami. EMM has two long-term workers and a short-term team of seven in India, six workers in Thailand, and extensive connections with churches in Indonesia. There are no reports of damage to neighborhoods in which our workers live, though surrounding communities have been hit. Indonesia has been hit the hardest; as of this writing, 94,000 are confirmed dead, with numbers continuing to rise.
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A church leader in Indonesia reports by e-mail:
Greetings in the lovely name of Jesus,
My country, Indonesia, is now experiencing an unprecedented disaster in the form of earthquake and tsunami. It is the worst disaster in the history of Indonesia. This disaster hit Aceh province in the north of Sumatra Island on December 26. The government of Indonesia has declared this as a national disaster. Thousands of citizens across Indonesia are responding to this disaster by sending various help to Aceh.
Our concern is our pastor and his wife who reside in an area in Southern Aceh that was also hit by this disaster. This area is now totally isolated. So far they cannot be reached by any means of transportation, except by helicopters. We have not yet heard any news from this pastor and his wife. Please pray for them.
Yours in Christ,
T. H.
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Indonesia has experienced a significant rise in sectarian violence the past decade due to the presence of militant Islamic groups that have targeted churches and Christians. Please pray that the spirit of violence will be broken in this land, that the peace of Christ may live in their hearts, and that their suffering will be alleviated.
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J.V., a national worker assisting relief efforts in the Indian state of Kerala, reports "significant devastation... hundreds and hundreds of houses fell down by the waves... sea walls also fell down. Many people and children died. People are starving, they need food, clothes, and medicine. We saw people drinking coconut water only, there is no other food. The waves destroyed everything here."
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EMM has approved an initial $20,000 to assist our Asian brothers and sisters in relief efforts. EMM would appreciate cash donations for this fund, though we are not prepared to accept material aid. To donate, please send your check to: Eastern Mennonite Missions, P.O. Box 458, Salunga, Pa. 17538, designated "Asia earthquake." You may also donate online. Unless special arrangements are made, all online donations during the month of January will automatically be designated for the Asia earthquake relief efforts.
We will keep you posted as we receive more information, and as our plans for assistance evolve. You may call 717 898-2251 for more information. We ask you to continue in prayer for these devastated areas.
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