1/03/05 RM Newsletter: Outstretched Hearts and Hands

Today’s Quote: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 NIV)


The first day of the New Year usually makes me stop and reflect on my personal responsibility for shaping a year’s worth of days into ones of value and meaning. But I cannot reconcile absorption in personal growth in light of the horror experienced by millions of people in Southeast Asia last Sunday. So I am asking you to join me in turning our energies right now to the dire situation there, and to think of ways in which we might contribute our time, talents, and resources in aid.


It is hard to fully grasp the scope of the devastation. The loss of 150,000 people in a natural disaster has elevated the event to apocalyptic proportions. The images on TV of mothers’ holding dead babies, of sons and daughters searching for parents, and of hungry families looking for food and water are more than I can get my spirit wrapped around. It is heart-wrenching, heart-breaking devastation. And as sad as is the loss of tens of thousands of lives, Joe Harbison, Area Director for Asia for World Concern, notes that: “It is one thing to be killed outright by a disaster but the survivors live in a state of imprisoned trauma.” He tells how the government in one area has tried to relocate people to coastal areas, but, because of fear of future tsunamis, no one was willing to move there. A woman was overheard as saying that “if she can hear the ocean she won’t go there.” Harbison journals that others have had to endure the trauma of burying family members and neighbors. Not with the traditional ceremony, but with “unceremonious dumping into (a) mass grave, not even a body bag to conceal the shame of violent death. No identity and no goodbyes…the only lasting memory is one of shock and a searing distrust for Mother Nature who betrayed the simple people dependent on nature’s bounty.”


Just how does one move forward when he has been stripped of everything necessary for pure survival, and when the emotional scars dig too deeply into the heart and soul that moving forward even seems worth it?


Yet governments, agencies, corporations, and individuals alike are joining forces to offer relief in ways that we sense are both practical and worthwhile. Almost all charitable organizations are asking for strictly cash donations. And for many of us, that is the easiest, most efficient way to offer support. Yet some of us yearn to do something else. We wish to make a “gift in kind” for one reason or another but discover that such gifts are turned down, subordinated to the need for money.


Some of us desire that our medical expertise take on new life with a hands-on effort in areas hardest hit; some of us would like to commit to a trip to the devastated area. Many of us possess antibiotics or pharmaceutical supplies because of our jobs, or because we know someone who would like to donate them. Or maybe you are a dentist—or know of one—with access to thousands of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Personally, I cannot look at my inventory of brand new children’s clothing for my sideline business and let it sit on shelves, unused, knowing that tens of thousands of children have just been orphaned.


So I have a hunch that you might be willing to donate gifts, yet are frustrated as to how best to do just that. The overriding question remains: “What is the best way to coordinate aid, and how can forces be best joined so that all donated resources are utilized in an effective, efficient, and orchestrated manner?” If you are anxious to donate resources, but have not yet ascertained how to best do so, I urge you to consider the organization through which my husband and I will lend support. World Concern is a faith-based charitable organization which seeks to “show the love of Christ in word and deed (and) is demonstrated in three basic types of ministry:”life, opportunity, and hope.” World Concern provides immediate survival needs for those impacted by natural disaster; provisions of food and drinking water are among the basic supplies offered. Opportunities are provided through training in meaningful work, so that the people affected by devastation will eventually become self-sufficient again. Lastly, hope is offered as volunteers attempt to meet their spiritual needs and give them hope for eternity. It is an evangelistic ministry as well as a practical, hands-on ministry.


The efforts of World Concern have already begun. The initial phase of the reconstruction effort is projected to last for twelve months, and is a coordinated, focused, and timely effort targeted at a beneficiary group of roughly 20,000 families. Phase One provides opportunities for people like me—and perhaps you, too—who wish to partner with an organization by providing immediate and effective relief to aid in basic survival.


Provisions needed include (but are not limited to):
Dry foods
Water bottles
Bedding
Floor mats
Soap
Toothbrushes
Sanitary wear for women
Candles
Underwear
Clothing


Phases Two and Three will begin shortly thereafter, and include provisions for work opportunities to those affected communities.


Cash donations are, of course, accepted as well. Funds are distributed with a commitment to excellent stewardship; in fact, over 86% of monies go directly to those affected, which is evidence of extremely low administrative costs and a promise to distribute funds to those with the greatest needs.


While lying in bed one night this week, I mentally went through my house, room by room, accessing the many things we have accumulated over the years. I thought of the closets full of beautiful clothing, not just in the master bedroom, but in each and every bedroom of the house. Of the cabinets full of fine bone china, including that made specifically for Christmas! Of the pantry full of fresh, wholesome food, and of the packed refrigerator and freezer, too. Every room in my house has furniture. Trinkets, too. Art hangs on my walls as effortlessly as technology sits on my desk. My well is full of water and my tank is full of fuel. Indeed: we have a child who is battling a life-threatening illness, but we have been afforded not only all of the comforts with which to make his full recovery possible, but with countless untold blessings as well. It would be unconscionable for us to enjoy comfort without contributing to those millions who have been forced—in the blink of an eye—into poverty, hunger, homelessness, and grief.


Please prayerfully consider sending a generous donation to the devastated people of Southeast Asia. If you have been unsure as to how to send cash or other “gifts in kind,” I hope you consider channeling your aid through World Concern. Join me in prayers of hope for these people. It was written: “God will let you laugh again; you’ll raise the roof with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21 (The Message) We can rest assured that God will do His part in the healing and restorative process, but we need to do our part in lending financial, emotional, and spiritual support.


For more information about World Concern, call 1-800-755-5022. Visit their web site at: www.worldconcern.org. If you wish to make a “gift in kind,” please contact Lisa Evans, who manages the warehouse: lisae@worldconcern.org.


Blessings to you and yours,


Carolina


NOTE: All donors and donations are confidential. Respect for privacy requires that your name will never be rented, sold, published, or distributed to any other organization. Your donation will not be shared, and your security and privacy have a high priority to World Concern. World Concern is a registered 501c (3) nonprofit organization; all gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. They are a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and are registered with the Evangelical Fellowship of Mission Agencies, the Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations, Christian Service Charities, InterAction, the Christian Stewardship Association, and the United States Agency for International Development.