As the United Nations projects that this week’s Southeast Asia tsunami will be the costliest disaster in history, aid groups begin historic relief efforts. The following organizations (listed alphabetically) are among the many rushing help to the countries devastated by the Dec. 26 earthquake and accompanying tidal waves. Please prayerfully consider sending what you can to help these groups provide fresh water, food and medicine and begin the rebuilding process. The World Health Organization warns that if fresh water and medicine don't reach the most severely struck areas, the death toll could double.
Within hours of the devastating undersea earthquake, indigenous missionary teams were delivering loads of emergency relief to tidal wave victims in coastal areas of seven countries. In response to the crisis, Christian Aid is receiving emergency contributions by telephone at 1-800-977-5650 or online at www.christianaid.org. Checks for Earthquake Relief should be sent to Christian Aid Mission, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906.
Compassion International announced it is setting up a Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund as word reached its headquarters that at least three Compassion projects have been significantly impacted by the Christmas weekend disaster. People interested in donating to the Tsunami Relief Fund can go to www.compassion.com.
Financial donations to support CRWRC Disaster Response efforts should be marked “South Asia Earthquake” and sent to CRWRC at 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560. Credit card donations can also be given by calling 1-800-55-CRWRC or through CRWRC’s website at www.crwrc.org.
Food for the Hungry has already been distributing clean water and critically needed items including food, shelter and clothing through its many partners including EFICOR (Evangelical Fellowship of India's Commission on Relief).
They are also teaming up with churches in Thailand, Sri Lanka and working with other local organizations to help victims in the countries hit worst. Food for the Hungry is urging individuals to please help the earthquake victims by calling 1-800-2-HUNGERS or by donating online, www.fh.org/main_donate
To help Gospel for Asia bring help and hope to the tsunami victims, please go to www.gfa.org. To help you pray for these suffering men, women, and children, GFA will be posting updates and photos from the disaster areas as they become available.
Connecting with key national ministries and leaders – the heartbeat of New Directions International’s approach to missions – is particularly valuable at a time like this. NDI’s partners in India and Sri Lanka already are ministering to people in their communities. One Dollar will provide one nourishing hot meal and clean drinking water for a day to the neediest victims. $60 will provide a Tarpaulin Tent and cooking utensils, blankets and food for one week. You may support the work of NDI by visiting www.newdirections.org/donate.php You may also mail contributions to “Tsunami / Earthquake Relief,” New Directions International, Box 2347, Burlington, NC, 27216. (Phone: 336-227-1273)
To help those who have been impacted by the Southeast Asia earthquake and tsunamis, tax-deductible contributions can be made to Operation Blessing’s Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-730-BLES (2537). Internet users can make a secure online credit card donation by visiting www.ob.org.
Samaritan’s Purse has deployed emergency teams to Sri Lanka and Indonesia to help provide critically needed items, including emergency food, temporary shelter, water filtration units, and medicine. Samaritan’s Purse will also be providing assistance through Christian partners in India and Thailand. Those interested in helping the survivors of this disaster can contact Samaritan’s Purse by mail at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607; by phone at 1-877-567-8989; or online at www.samaritanspurse.org.
You can donate to World Vision efforts at www.worldvision.org. Your gift will rush food and Family Survival Kits to Asian countries affected by the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami and provide other relief as needed. Each kit provides things like blankets, tarps for temporary shelter, water purification tablets and cooking supplies. World Vision will also provide other critically needed relief response, such as food or medicine, where needs arise.
PHOTO by Gospel for Asia