Tsunami Relief Update

“Thank you so much for your love and concern.” says Jacob, our ministry partner in Sri Lanka, “You have enriched many lives, fed the hungry and clothed the naked...”

Our team has been working continuously to bring relief and help to the victims of the December 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka. Below is a report of some of the lives that have been touched:

Pothuvil

Pastor Gagendran used to run a pre-school near the seashore. When the Tsunami hit, the school was destroyed and they lost everything. Thanks to your help, today, Pastor Gagendran is again running the pre-school for 30 children, whose families were all affected by the Tsunami. A 30 by 15 foot school made of wood was built, and schoolbooks, bags, foodstuffs and a water tank were provided to re-establish the school.

Pastor Gagendran shared with us, “Most of the children are from Hindu families. Their parents are happy that the church is doing this for their children.”

What a testimony of God's love and care!

Selvarasa and his family are thankful for the goldsmith scale and equipment that were given to them. Selvarasa had worked hard all his life. Despite being deformed at birth (he was clubfooted), Selvarasa never gave up. He learned the trade of a goldsmith and was able to care for his wife and two children. They were not rich but they were a family. The Tsunami changed their lives. They lost everything. But today, with your help, Selvarasa is able to run a shop again, repairing silver and gold items to feed his family. As a result of this practical demonstration of God's love, Selvarasa's mother in law, who was a follower of the Sai Baba faith has come to Christ.

Sinnamugathuwaram

Brother Jeyaseelan lost his home and livelihood, his mother, mother in law and one child to the Tsunami. He lives in the coastal village of Sinnamugathuwaram, two hours south of the major town, Batticaloa. Over 180 died in this village, including many children and older women.

For a while, Brother Jeyaseelan and his family lived in fear and hopelessness, wondering how to restart their lives. But today Jeyaseelan is a happy man even though the family still lives in temporary shelter. The reason is he has been given carpentry tools so he can set up a trade again and rebuild his life. He can also help those who have lost their homes to rebuild as well.

Gifts for Pastors

Four pastors from the towns of Matra, Galle and the deep South of Sri Lanka lost all their training and teaching books that they had collected over many years to the Tsunami. The libraries that they had laboriously built over the years to assist them in their ministry were all gone in one day. They were so encouraged and excited when our team members provided commentaries, reference books and study Bibles for them.