January 23, 2005

I'm in Medan, Indonesia, where we have been meeting with other NGOs (non-government organizations), UN agencies, government officials, etc. Lots to do, lots of things with which to do it. Governments and agencies are sharing millions of dollars of supplies with those of us who have local people on the scene and can distribute it. We can turn our small dollars into huge amounts of relief by receiving these free items and distributing them through the church.

Over 45 congregations of the Lord’s church are on the island of Nias, which is one of the two islands hit by the wave. Since it is the lesser of the two, little is being done to help them. We are working here through very capable brethren. Some of the church members lost their homes, as did hundreds of others. Immediate food relief is being given, but they need pots, pans, dishes, lanterns and cooking fuels, which our brethren are distributing widely. They are meeting with local officials and families, and will begin helping to rebuild the small homes. A house that will accommodate ten to fifteen people can be rebuilt for $2400 to $3000. They probably will help replace some small livestock, which is the families’ livelihood and food source. Salt water has severely damaged the soil, and the crops were all lost. We will begin these projects as the brethren determine the greatest needs.

They are already thinking of evangelism and we have tried to help them see how, with good capable brethren, they can do this through the relief effort. The brother directing the local efforts is very capable, worked as a government auditor and, following retirement, preaches full-time with the church. He understands good money management, people management, knows the local officials, and has worked with the Nias church since its beginning in the 1970s. The Lord has people ready to do this work in an effective way for Him.

Yesterday, while at the Military airport waiting for a lift on an Australian military airplane that never materialized, the President and first lady walked through the disaster area. Although there were five of us standing away from the crowd, she made a special effort to shake our hands and thank us for coming to help.

Please continue to pray for these hurting people in Indonesia and for guidance for all of us who are working to help them.