June 2005

Once again we want to thank you for your wonderful response to the South East Asia Tsunami relief efforts. Your overwhelming gifts of kindness for the needs of the people have reached just over 1 million dollars! Praise God!

FAITH, FRUSTRATION, FRUITFULNESS: These three form a picture of the current spiritual climate of Sri Lanka. The nation is locked into the very difficult “phase two” of the Tsunami relief. Many are still living in tents with no opportunity of regaining their livelihood which was dependant upon the sea. To Paraphrase a UN spokesperson: “They’ve buried their dead, but can’t find their future.”

With your help though, we have begun to actively demonstrate God’s love and care in a variety of ways. We are working in different areas of Sri Lanka – Ampara, Kataragama, Battacaloa, Trincomalee, and Jaffna – assisting organizations that are trying to meet the needs of children that have lost their parents in the Tsunami. In one small eastern region of Kataragama, government officials have estimated that approximately 125 children have lost both parents in the devastating tsunami. Nationwide several thousand have been orphaned. Our partners in Sri Lanka are presently running orphanages in which some children have come from the refugee camps, and many more are waiting to be placed by government officials. Crossroads Missions and their supporters are helping our Asia partners by providing the dollars needed to upgrade and expand their existing facilities for the children. Construction of new buildings that will provide living areas such as dorm rooms, a kitchen, dining room, and study hall is ongoing. More vulnerable children can be offered shelter once these upgrades and expansions are completed.

We are also active in the area of refugee camps. Partnering with local pastors who are able to go into these government run camps, and working alongside non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to meet the basic physical and spiritual needs of the people in the camps. Crossroads has provided the means for Pastor’s to provide school kits to all the children in one camp. These kits include a school uniform, shoes and school supplies [school bag, pencils, pens, exercise books, geometry sets]. Crossroads is also providing bicycles – the only form of transportation for many – to a number of families in other refugee camps. We are thrilled to be working with local national Pastors who not only have open access to distribute these basic human necessities, but are also in a position to minister spiritually into the life of those who are still living out the devastating effects of the tsunami.

Once the government has given permission, we will begin to address longer-term needs with plans to build over 100 permanent starter homes and latrines [with an opportunity to access CIDA matching funds]. Families who are able, will contribute unskilled labour and have the opportunity to participate in skills, vocational, and health/sanitation training sessions. To bless the whole community, we are targeting infrastructure projects by working through local councils and government officials.

In India, we are working with a former student from the Crossroads Conway School of Broadcasting who began a relief foundation to help victims of the Tsunami. Through them, we are providing boats, motors, nets and fishing equipment to help villagers re-establish their main source of income. The boats will be shared among several families to maximize the effectiveness and encourage a spirit of sharing.

In Indonesia, we are committed to supporting a feeding program with Canadian Food For The Hungry International. Working with local churches, we are helping to fund a feeding center in Nias, a small island just off the coast that had another major earthquake on March 28th. This program will help provide meals for 300 people daily, allowing the local churches to continue to minister to the needs of their countrymen.

Many challenges still exist for the Tsunami victims and we will continue using the funds you’ve entrusted to us wisely and effectively. Thank you for making this possible!

With anti-conversion legislation pending in the Sri Lankan parliament, lets continue to pray for these people. There is a sense of futility swirling around them, they need God’s protection and presence more than ever. Let’s break through the spiritual barriers and release God’s outpouring of love!

Mail or phone in your donations for the Tsunami Relief Effort, or click here to donate online. Thank you once again for your gift.

VP of Crossroads Missions, Followers of Jesus