TSUNAMI RELIEF EFFORTS – SRI LANKA
We wanted to share with you this recent report from Jack Minton, CEO/President of Hope Force International, who has been in the nation of Sri Lanka conducting site assessments:
"Today we visited Man…. one of the hardest hit areas in the country, where approximately 5,000 people were washed out to sea. It was a very somber moment. The waves crashed in [as far as] one kilometer, destroying almost everything in its path, and taking the lives of many…. Seeing all this today was necessary, but difficult. I remember seeing a little sandal on the shore and couldn't help but wonder about the plight of its owner. Then my mind ran to our own Connor and Hailey, probably near the same age as the boy or girl who once wore that little sandal; I can't even imagine what it must have been like."
Jack went on to describe Pastor Sam Rajasuriar, the indigenous leader of our partner agency, Humedica, Sri Lanka, whom we have had the privilege of working with over these past several weeks. Pastor Sam attended Bible College in the United States several years ago, and returned to serve the people of his nation. "He is doing an incredible work here, ranging from medical clinics, feeding programs, providing a cow for widows so they can sell the milk to help feed their children, providing oversight to other churches (NO SMALL FEAT INDEED!), coordinating the production and delivery of 1,000 boats, etc.
He stayed here during the civil war, when he could have left. He's seen his friend and pastor murdered, he's been threatened -- yet he's still here. He loves his people and works incredibly hard on their behalf, in the midst of a heavily Hindu / Buddhist dominated area in which there are very few believers. He is convinced that showing the love of God in this way has had an amazing impact, and that it is these acts of kindness that have given favor, opened doors, and probably served to spare his life.
Yesterday, Dennis [Flom] and I had an opportunity to travel to Point Pedro, which is in the far northeastern tip of Sri Lanka -- an area hit by the tsunami. By now, six-weeks later, much of the debris has been cleaned up, but the lives of the survivors were still in great disarray. As we drove into the area, we came across a relocation facility where families and others were living in tents that had been provided. We then came to a site were Pastor Sam has established a center for gathering information on families affected by the tsunami. His plan is to create a follow up program to assist in the long-term recovery requirements of the tsunami survivors. It was here that we noticed the fact that people in the area were so warm and hospitable, greeting us with smiles, and children gathering around and showing interest. They were being typical kids – laughing, having fun, acting silly around our cameras -- warm and outgoing, showing great resilience in the face of great suffering. We were very moved…. When you travel the coast, you see boats shattered and the debris everywhere. The need to get back to work to provide for their families is great." Jack finished this email by stating that Pastor Sam is in the process of identifying the fishermen who will be receiving the boats, nets, and motors that our donors have so generously given to, and this should be accomplished by the end of this month.
One other exciting report is that Jack met with the doctor who is the head of the Orthopedic Surgeons' Association for the nation of Sri Lanka. This doctor is now working with Dr. Tim Browne -- an orthopedic surgeon here in the U.S., and a close colleague working with Hope Force International -- to bring together the necessary elements for a collaborative orthopedic effort. As you can imagine, many people were hurt badly in the raging waters of the tsunami, and need ongoing orthopedic intervention. We are also grateful to Smith and Nephew orthopedic suppliers for their generous offer to send more than $4 million dollars worth of orthopedic supplies to aid in HFI's efforts to minister to the tsunami survivors.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. Please continue to pray that the myriad of details necessary for ongoing ministry will be accomplished, and that God will direct the paths of everyone involved. May God bless you!
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Hope Force International
9454 Highwood Hill Road
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: 615-371-1271
