Southern Baptists Bring Aid to the Forgotten
Tons of relief supplies began flowing into tsunami-wrecked coasts throughout the week, as governments and humanitarian and Christian organizations pledged over $500 million in immediate relief assistance.
According to the coordinator for Southern Baptist disaster relief in Asia, much of the government-led efforts have been centered on famous tourist destinations and to those areas that bring the most capital.
However, Southern Baptist relief, with the help of local churches, centers on reaching areas virtually untouched by even the local government.
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“The resort areas and tourist spots will be back up and running in no time. The government will protect their capital base -– it’s just a fact,” said the coordinator, who wished to keep his name undisclosed for security reasons. “There are other people, though, that need more help; other areas have sustained great damage but no one has been out to assess the losses and needs.”
The coordinator explained that assistance must focus on what the lasting needs of the people and communities affected by the tragedy are.
“We are going to the devastated villages and asking the people what their needs are instead of making assumptions and throwing things at them that they can’t use,” he said to Baptist Press.
One such example of localized Southern Baptist work was in a small village in Thailand, where the Krabi Baptist Church is situated.
The small village was pounded upon by waves more than 20 feet high. And while the loss of life was not severe, the loss of livelihood was enormous as the waves shattered nearly all of the villagers’ boats.
“We can’t repair any of them,” said one villager.
“We eat fish,” says Maka, another villager. “Without boats, we can’t fish. Without fish, we don’t eat.”
According to BP, the government came in with a one-time aid package of small first-aid kits and 2-kilogram provisions of rice.
However, there is much more than can be done.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity and an open door for the local church to make a difference in these people’s lives,” said the Southern Baptist relief worker.
According to the worker, several tons of rice and replacement fishing nets will arrive at the coastal village through the help of Southern Baptists in the US within a week.
The supplies will be given to the Krabi Baptist Church for distribution by the local pastor Bro. Dusit.
“[Pastor Dusit] knows this area better than anyone,” said the coordinator to BP. “We want to give supplies to the church to facilitate aid to these areas so people will understand that this aid is coming from the ministry and care of Thai Baptists.”
Dusit meanwhile said he was thankful for the assistance from people who care in America.
“As Christians, we need to let every opportunity be one to show the love of God for those affected [by this tragedy],” said Dusit. “As a native of Krabi, I feel so thankful and grateful for those who share this concern. There are only a few churches here. Practically, we have very limited resources. But when we all come together we can become much more powerful and effective.”
For more information about Southern Baptist relief, visit the International Mission Board website at www.imb.org.
To help by sending financial gifts for aid through the IMB general relief fund. Send gifts designated “Asia Earthquake Disaster Relief” to the International Mission Board, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230 (to give online, go to the International Mission Board's website, www.imb.org, and click on "Give Now" in the box highlighting this story). All funds given will go directly and fully to relief efforts.
