Tsunami Report - February 2005

The last two and one half weeks of January we spent in Indonesia and Sri Lanka evaluating, encouraging and training brethren how to respond as we responded to the greatest disaster of our time.

Such devastation is impossible to describe. Such sudden loss of life one cannot fathom. The suffering of the bereaved we can only imagine when not only spouses, children and other relatives were lost but with one stroke of the wave so was all of ones' property. Hundreds of thousands were left with only the clothes on their back; no family, no friends or property remained. We cried, prayed and worked with them in whatever ways we were able. We promised many that you would rise to their physical needs and that the Lord would comfort them if they would turn to Him.

Christians in both countries are responding. Going to the disaster areas they were busily distributing food, clothing, pots and pans and comforting people as they went. They are continuing this First Line response as they evaluate and make plans to help in the rebuilding of lives, homes, fishing boats and crops.

Both governments tell us that the medical needs have been met. Medical teams we talked to confirmed that the emergency medical needs had been taken care of and the patients they were now seeing had the everyday health care needs that are ever present in underdeveloped countries but have no relation to the Tsunami. The good news is that epidemic outbreaks have been controlled through the quick response with pure water and food supplies. American and European Governments are to be commended for their leading roles in this area.

In Indonesia Christians are working in the clean up and organizing to help rebuild houses for those who suffered loss. Due to your quick response we were able to furnish $55,000 to help them in this response.

In Sri Lanka one group of Christians identified 25 families, the majority of which are widows with children and they are furnishing food, pots and pans, clothes, lanterns, and preparing to rebuild nineteen of their homes. Your quick response let us furnish them $61,000 to begin this work.

Both groups are compiling “Needs Lists” and proposals which they are sharing with us and we are working with them and partnering with other brotherhood efforts to carry out a rebuilding assistance project in Indonesia and further help for the Widows families in Sri Lanka.

In Indonesia they are already working on planting new congregations. Even in Sri Lanka, with all it’s governmental restrictions, Christians are working in this direction as well.

We will keep you posted as things develop in this wonderful cooperative effort of brethren from around the world to help those who need it most. European Christians from six countries are partnering with us in addition to those in America, making this truly an International brotherhood effort. I’m sure the Lord is pleased to see His children working together.

William E. "Bill" McDonough, Director
Partners In Progress
Phnom Penh, Cambodia