By J. Murphy Terry
There is a Midwest saying or idiom: “Fisherman's luck, wet butt and hungry gut.”
Many of my friends are sportsmen, hunters and fishermen. They are serious about their interests. In fact, they are not pleasant to be around if their plans are foiled by bad weather or adverse circumstances. However, none of my friends are dependent upon the kill or catch for their livelihood for food supply.
Imagine the fishing villages of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in India following the devastation of the tsunami. Many, if not most, of the fishermen lost their boats and nets. Many of the families lost the fisherman-or breadwinner-in the family. Tremendous loss of life, loss of home and possessions, loss of boats and nets, loss of hope characterizes these fishing villages.
Fishermen wander the beach alone, still in shock, unable to fathom their losses, yet longing to return to the sea. Others gather in small groups, sitting in the lava sand either in silence or sharing stories with one another, hoping to find comfort only time can bring. Do not be mistaken-these are not lazy men but men who are used to working hard, long hours to provide for their families from the produce of the sea.
Imagine again a fisherman receiving a gift of boat and nets from Virginia Baptists, enabling him to resume his life and livelihood in the familiar setting of his village and sea. This is more than a possibility; it can be a reality with a gift of $1,000 designated “Boat and Nets, India.” Think of it! For just $1,000, hope can be given to a fisherman who can again provide for this family by his hard work and knowledge of the sea.
You will realize when you read this that this is an achievable project for a Sunday school class, a men's or women's group, or a small church. That $1,000 will do so much to bring hope to this family. From my reading of 1 Kings 19:9b-13, I am convinced that our favorable response to this tragedy is God's “gentle whisper,” bringing comfort and healing.
Special to the Herald
Murphy Terry is director of missions for the Goshen Baptist Association and was part of a Virginia Baptist assessment team that traveled to India earlier this year.