Christians Continue Offering to Tsunami Relief
While media coverage of the area has slowly faded, Christians have continued to give generously to the recovery effort, filling in the gaps where governments where not able to reach.
Nearly six weeks have passed since the devastating tsunami struck south Asia, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. And while media coverage of the area has slowly faded, Christians have continued to give generously to the recovery effort, filling in the gaps where governments where not able to reach.
On reports released on Friday, February 4, several mainline denominations reported that the contributions by its members have surpassed the vigorous goals set when the relief efforts began late December.
The Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the U.S., issued a $2.5 million appeal to its congregations in early January to be used by the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). As of Feb. 2, the PDA received $3.26 million, thanks to some 10,490 contributions from churches and individuals.
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"The response has been a couple of things," Susan Ryan, PDA's coordinator, told the Presbyterian News Service. "It's been extremely heartening in how quick it was. It's been very heartening that individual Presbyterians know us, have confidence (in us), and gave directly and quickly. It has made all the difference in the world in our being able to make effective long-term plans and commitments on the ground at the early stages of this crisis."
Meanwhile, the American Baptist Church (ABC), one of the historic mainline American churches, reported that some $250,000 has come in for tsunami relief efforts through its One Great Hour of Sharing appeal.
”Scores of congregations have given sacrificially to aid in the efforts, led by Bethlehem Baptist Church in Blue Bell, Pa., which has designated more than $32,000 thus far through OGHS to support relief in the affected region,” the ABC reported, Feb. 4.
American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary the Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley said the generousity of the denomination’s members has been “inspiring”.
“It's inspiring to know how generous we've been with our dollars and how committed we are in our prayers as the harsh reality of the scope of ongoing relief ministries is understood. We know that in this dire situation God has touched many of us deeply to live out justice and mercy in a sacrificial and expedient response. I'm proud of our witness as concerned members of a Christ-centered family of faith."
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) meanwhile reported its members have contributed more than $2.5 million to support the relief efforts.
"Our church has responded abundantly to the tsunami disaster, and I'm grateful for all the gifts from throughout our church family, offered on behalf of those who seek to rebuild their lives and communities in south Asia," said Kathryn Sime, director of the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal.
Of the $2.5 million, some $765,000 came from a huge donation from the Thrivent Life Insurance Company.
"This generous gift from Thrivent Life Insurance will bring hope and healing to children, families and communities who now face the challenges of daily life after the tsunami. We are grateful for Thrivent Life Insurance's partnership in our church's disaster ministries," Sime said.
