Thursday 27 January 2005

Adventists in South-East Asia in Need of Help
Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia

Adventists in the tsunami-hit regions of Southern Asia and Southern Asia Pacific are now receiving direct aid from the Seventh-day Adventist Church to help rebuild their lives.

“Even though the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is already working extremely hard in the devastated areas, it is not in a position to direct assistance specifically to Adventists who are suffering from the tragedy,” said Pastor Laurie Evans, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific. “The destruction and trauma that this tidal wave has caused is just unbelievable. Our fellow church members in the area need all the help we can give them.”

Initial estimates have indicated that Adventists in the fishing villages in India and Sri Lanka have lost their homes and their only means of income as a result of the disaster. Hundreds of families have no means of replacing the boats and fishing nets that have been destroyed or washed out to sea, as well as the livestock that have drowned. The figures on the loss of life and damages are still pouring in from a disaster of such magnitude.

Some Adventist churches in India are feeding members who have lost everything three meals a day. More immediate aid is also needed to assist people in rebuilding their lives. Requests from the tsunami-affected area indicate that at least US$700,000 is needed in the Southern Asia region alone, to help in the purchase or repair of fishing nets and boats, to replace livestock and to rebuild thatched cottages in various villages.

Every worker of the Adventist church in India, including pastors, hospital workers, school workers and retirees have been asked to contribute a minimum of one day’s wages to the relief efforts and rehabilitation of the tsunami victims.

The Adventist Church in the South Pacific has also donated $75,000 to the Adventist churches in the Southern Asia and Southern Asia Pacific regions to help meet some immediate needs.

“The effect on these areas have been disastrous and their needs are pressing,” said Rodney Brady, Chief Financial Official of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific. “If anybody would like to help, they can send donations to the South Pacific Division or via their local church. Donations need to be clearly marked “Adventists and Tsunami” so that it does not get confused with donations made to ADRA. These donations are not tax deductible.”

Facts and Figures
Southern Asia Region
Churches: 2,160
Members: 849,409

Southern Asia Pacific Region
Churches: 5,959
Members: 1,120,163

Adventists Affected
Sri Lanka:
  • 5 church members died
  • 100 families with damaged homes and fishing boats

India:

  • 9 church members died
  • 70 families with homes destroyed
  • 200 families with fishing boats and nets lost or destroyed
  • 50 families with drowned livestock
  • 60 churches along the coast destroyed or badly damaged
  • There is an urgent need to provide basic food and supplies to members.

Donations
Send donations marked “Adventists and Tsunami” to:

The Treasurer
South Pacific Division
Locked Bag 2014,
Wahroonga, NSW 2076

Cash, cheque and credit card donations are also accepted at local churches, conferences, unions or division offices, where facilities are available.


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