Message Magazine Online - Vol. 55, No. 03, Fall 2007

Other Online Features

• The Borrower
  Ron Berrus
• Missionary Mess-Ups
  Carolee Graf, Brazil
• Sharing Christ in Eastern Europe
  Bill and Denise Braun
• Bushwhacking to a Baptism
  Jim and Carla Junge
• They Call It a Splav
  Bill and Denise Braun
• Many Voices, One Lord
  Maureen Longnecker
• Four Dads and Four Daughters
  Cheryl Fawcett
• Ten Days of Casave
  Andrew Large, Nicaragua
• Something Unusual in France
  Frank and Marlea Pfeifer
• MKs Help in Outreach to Small Town Portugal
  Miriam Tyers, Portugal
• What is Language School Like?
  By a missionary in South Asia
• Dreaming Big: Church Ministries Institute Partners with Horizon International Schools
  John Taylor
• Nenagh-Gateway to Lough Derg
  Matt Tuttlebee, Baptist Missions Ireland
• Orthopedic Specialists Visit Togo
  Russ and Melody Ebersole

Cyclone Sidr Relief Update

December 12, 2007

The Needs Assessed

As workers from the Association of Baptists NGO surveyed the needs in the Khulna and Bagerhat districts, the greatest difficulty was prioritizing who should get relief. They were deeply moved as they talked with survivors who lost everything and who are suffering in the wake Cyclone Sidr. So many were affected, and the damages were random and far-reaching. Even those whose loved ones and houses were not swept away in the 15-foot tidal surge are in great difficulty. Many homes in these districts were destroyed or damaged. Strong, 240 kph winds destroyed trees, which caused damage to houses that were not directly torn apart by the wind. As houses were opened up, the driving rain penetrated them. Consequently, people were not able to preserve the food they store in their homes. They also lost bedding, clothing, and possessions they had accumulated for years. Others lost crops only a few short weeks before the harvest. Since this is a part of the country that only gets one harvest a year, people lost their annual livelihood. This means a loss of food for now as well as the means to buy and sell at a time when they need to rebuild their lives. Though the immediate risk from Cyclone Sidr has passed, health risks will grow if damaged homes are not repaired, food is not acquired, and the poor are not able to acquire clothing for the cold season over the next two months.

A Plan to Help

We believe the Lord has given a plan in answer to your prayers that is strategic to advance and deepen redemptive relationships in present ministry areas and to reach into new areas. It has been thrilling to work with our national partner, Pastor S., and his team to put together a plan that could really make a difference. Pastor S. and his team of faithful servants of Christ have been serving in 12 of the affected villages for several years through village schools, Bible classes, and literature-lending libraries. Their faithful service for the good of the community during the present time of need is opening doors. While offering consolation to those who have experienced severe loss, they have heard people express their sincere appreciation.

If the Lord provides the needed funds, the plan is a three-stage relief operation, with the option of proposing a fourth stage later:

• Stage 1: Food relief for 1,000 families
• Stage 2: Clothing relief to 1,000 families
• Stage 3: Shelter relief to 200 families (Provide tin for the roofs of houses that were destroyed)
• Stage 4: Help for those who lost their livelihoods—their livestock and crops

Relief operations fly through some communities like a mechanical production line. The beauty of this relief operation is that those who are providing the relief are known in the communities. When the relief is done, the relationships will continue. A critical component of this work involves empowering faithful nationals who take the lead in their own communities. This strengthens the indigenous church as well as promotes national ownership for uplift in the community.

Partnership through Prayer and Support

Our partners in Bangladesh are working through the details of this plan and are awaiting government permission. Please pray for quick government approvals and for this good work to move forward rapidly for the aid of those who need it most.

Once everything is approved active, distribution will advance quickly. We praise the Lord for some very generous donors who have committed to assist our response, but we are praying that God will bring in the remaining $28,000 by the end of January 2008.

Thank you for your partnership through prayer and giving.

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Donations

US Donors

Checks should be marked “Cyclone Relief” and sent to ABWE Donor Services, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA., 17105.

Give Online

Canadian Donors

For online gifts click the “Donate Now” button on the ABWE Canada home page, then choose Bangladesh Cyclone Relief from the drop-down list.

To send your tax-deductible gift by mail, please print this form and mail it along with your gift to:

ABWE Canada
34-980 Adelaide Street South
London, ON N6E 1R3

More Information

For more information about these efforts, you may email Jim at jlong@abwe.org.