30 December 2004
Dear Colleague
I am sure, like me, you feel overwhelmed at the mounting death-toll and social devastation caused by the Earthquake Tsunami that struck the people living on the rim of the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day. All of us are wondering what we can do in the face of such catastrophe.
On Tuesday 28 December, I met with our Clerk, Overseas Secretary, Information Officer, representatives of World Development, Tearfund and Christian Aid to formulate our response as a Church.
Already Tearfund and Christian Aid, our partners in relief and development, had been in contact with 95 groups in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India to assess their immediate needs. These are for shelter, medicine, sanitation equipment, clean water supplies and spiritual and emotional support in the face of personal loss and trauma. Tearfund and Christian Aid have sent £350,000 to target these needs.
With the full horror of the situation still to emerge both organisations were preparing to send more short term aid. Once the initial disaster relief is completed they will turn their attention to long term assistance to rebuild infrastructure, health centres and schools, re-establish crop production and help people get back to work and face the future with hope.
However, amid all the devastation there was some encouraging news. Both Tearfund and Christian Aid reported that 100s of lives were saved as people took refuge in cyclone shelters designed and built by projects supported through our World Development Appeals.
OUR RESPONSE
At times like this people wonder what they can do to help even at such a distance geographically from the disaster areas. As you seek to give leadership, direction and understanding to your congregations here are some ideas that we recommend.
A DAY OF PRAYER AND DONATION
As Moderator I am calling on all our congregations throughout Ireland to set aside a special time, appropriate to local circumstances, between Sunday 9 January and Sunday 16 January, to provide their members and local communities with an opportunity to pray, reflect and contribute financially.
ITEMS FOR PRAYER
Remember before God:
- the families, friends and communities of the bereaved and injured
- all engaged directly in emergency and relief work
- the leaders of the countries directly effected
- governments agencies working alongside the United Nations in mobilising international aid
- aid agencies channelling resources through their regional partners
- all waiting anxiously for news of friends and relatives
- Church leaders, ministers and members providing emotional support and spiritual comfort for those crushed by the catastrophe
FINANCIAL RESPONSE
The generosity of our people in situations like this is well documented as the Darfur and World Development Appeals demonstrate. I have no doubt that they are eager to respond once again.
In anticipation of this we have released today on behalf of our Church £100,000. We have send £50,000 each to Tearfund and Christian Aid as an immediate response.
As you know we work in partnership with Churches in India and Indonesia, and have links with other Churches in the World Alliance of Reformed Churches that have been shaken by this disaster. While we await information of their needs some of any donations received through Church House will be forwarded to them as well as Tearfund and Christian Aid.
Consequently there are a number of ways your congregation may wish to channel its contribution directly:
- to the Financial Secretary in Church House. Individuals should give to their congregations under Gift Aid and congregational treasurers send a total amount cheques payable to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and marked 'Earthquake Tsunami'
- to the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal which involves both Tearfund and Christina Aid along with eight other agencies
- to Tearfund and Christian Aid individually
Over the next few weeks the situation will become clearer and I am sure there will be other initiatives we will need to consider.
Through Prayerline, by e-mail and letter we will keep you informed of our developing response. Keep us in your prayers and forward to us any suggestions that you think might help.
Yours in Christ
Ken Newell
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RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Tearfund
DEC Fund
Save The Childen
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