ATLANTA (ABP) — On Dec. 26, 2004, in an instant, a roaring wave and a rush of water changed life for coastal residents of South Asia. For some, the water took everything — personal belongings, houses, cities, friends and family. More than 225,000 people lost their lives, and those who survived were left with a profound sense of suffering and loss.
An ocean away, Baptists saw the destruction and responded. Churches took up special offerings. Children gave from their allowances. Others found unique ways to raise relief funds.
All in all, more than $2.56 million was contributed to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's Asian response fund, which is aiding in tsunami relief and development projects in South Asia. As of Dec. 6, more than $885,600 had been distributed to help in restoration, rebuilding and development, which will continue for another two years.
Here is an update of the work so far:
— In Sri Lanka, the Fellowship is partnering to build a new 77-house village that will house “squatter” families, who lived on borrowed land within 100 meters of the Indian Ocean. When buffer zones were established for post-tsunami construction, these families lost their land. Nearly 50 houses are in some stage of construction. The new village will include a community center with specialized programming, such as day care and skills training.
— The tsunami flooded many wells and destroyed other means of obtaining clean water. Through drilling new wells and constructing water towers, clean water is being made available to communities. Repairs have been made to other water systems damaged by the tsunami. In one area where only 17 percent of water-storage tanks were functional, repairs have restored the system to serve approximately 3,000 people. The Fellowship has also provided water purification tablets in India and larger purification systems capable of cleaning 600 gallons of water per hour. A new affordable well-drilling technology and method has been introduced by CBF and its partners in Sri Lanka, with the intention of using this in other areas.
— More than 45 schools throughout the tsunami areas have been helped through rebuilding or supplies such as books, clothing and shoes.
— Alternative-energy sources have been developed using solar power and wind power. Some solar power systems are pumping clean water to communities. In another area, a windmill is generating energy for lighting.
— “Livelihood kits” specific to occupations have been provided to get carpenters, fishermen, farmers and mechanics back in business, thus providing an income for their families. The kits “help us to stand back up and not become a generation dependent on handouts,” said one local resident.. These tools are essential … to rebuild our future.” More than 1,300 kits were distributed this fall. The Fellowship has also helped repair or purchase fishing boats to enable fishermen to return to their livelihood. In India, plans include buying push carts for women who sell fish in villages and bicycles that will provide better transportation for fishermen.
— The Fellowship continues to partner with local churches and international groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Mercy Foundation and other relief organizations for new housing projects in all countries affected by the tsunami destruction.
— The rainy season brings further complications, particularly to those living in tents at camps. Some tents continually sit in puddles of water. The Fellowship helped provide wooden floors, which give temporary relief.
— In India, where many churches were damaged or destroyed by the tsunami, the Fellowship is funding new church buildings.
Volunteers helped with construction projects and served in medical clinics that treated thousands of tsunami survivors. The Fellowship's priorities for relief funds and volunteers include construction of education centers, development of water-treatment systems, economic development through micro-enterprise, home construction or rehabilitation, and medical and dental clinics.
“Because of the outpouring of love and concern from CBF partners and friends, shattered lives are being restored, new hope is being engendered, and those who felt they had no future are slowly embracing courage to face another day,” said Jack Snell, interim CBF global missions coordinator. “We are deeply grateful to all whose on-going support through the Offering for Global Missions enables our personnel to be on the field, and whose generosity has provided resources so we can respond to these devastating needs.”
Needs in the region are still great. Most of the displaced tsunami survivors are still living in tents or other temporary shelters. Rebuilding is a slow process, but the Fellowship has committed to meet long-term needs. The Fellowship will maintain its presence through its partners and field personnel in tsunami-affected areas.
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— Carla Wynn is a newswriter for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.