January 02, 2005
Asia Tsunami Disaster Relief
One of the wonderful things about being American is counting on the generosity of our country. The first thing I thought of when this horrific event occurred was that our country both publicly through the government and privately through individuals was going to be the leader in bring aide to these people. This is one of the great many reasons we are used for as a positive change in the world.
These events remind us of how fragile life is and how easily it can end. Are you ready to meet your creator? Prepare your heart now and you will always be ready.
Who will you give to?
Mission to the World
The stories are shocking and surreal. Babies ripped from parents’ arms. Snorkelers raked across coral reefs. Children and elderly not strong enough to hold on. Sunbathers swept to sea. Entire families buried beneath furious waters. And the sheer sorrow of the survivors, many wishing they had died
Thanks to those of you who have inquired about the PCA's response to the unimaginable disaster in Asia. Response to this tragedy is being called the largest disaster relief response in the history of the world. PCA churches and members have always been faithful to help in such times, and Mission to the World is now facilitating a response to aid Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
You can help in three ways:
1. Pray
2. Give
3. Go
World Vision
World Vision teams are providing immediate relief in many of the worst affected areas of Asia, distributing survival packs of food, bottled water, medicine, sleeping mats, clothing, and household items to tens of thousands of people in the wake of massive tsunamis that swept the coasts of at least 10 countries on Dec. 26.
World Relief
An Indian man cries as he holds the hand of his eight-year-old son who was killed when a tsunami hit in Cuddalore, India on Sunday.
Giant tidal waves triggered by an undersea earthquake killed more than 125,0000 around Asia.
Millions of people are homeless, and the disaster zone is now threatened with outbreaks of disease. The destruction is indescribable.
World Relief will be providing support to indigenous partners, focusing on India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
In Sri Lanka, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance has 400 volunteers working 3 shifts putting together emergency distribution packages for families containing rice, sugar,tea leaves, water, plastic sheeting, blankets and clothes, soap, toothpaste, etc.
UPDATE 1.4.05:
USA Freedom Corps
President George W. Bush - Statement from December 29, 2004
This morning, I spoke with the leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia, and expressed my condolences and our country's condolences. I told them of our support; I praised their steadfast leadership during these difficult times. We're grateful to the American and international organizations that are working courageously to save lives and to provide assistance, and I assured those leaders this is only the beginning of our help.