December 31, 2004

Prayers for Tsunami Survivors

South Asian Tsunami
As the world celebrates the arrival of 2005, we remember the 140,000+ dead and millions more left homeless and injured as victims of South Asia's tsunami disaster. We pray for their best wishes, as their struggle has only just begun. My hope is that the governments of the region can put aside their totalitarian politics and allow aid to flow to their citizens, even as the rest of the world unites in a response to this disaster, and we put aside our own differences to help those in need.

I've heard an early warning system could be built for as little as $20 million - and that many assumed a tsunami was on its way, after news of the most powerful quake in 40 years hit the wire. Of course, proximity to Sumatra where most of the disastrous impact was felt, would have made this moot, but Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and other nations affected might have suffered less severely.

In the face of such inexplicable destruction, I'm reminded of the Biblical story of Herod's slaughter of the innocents, when all children under two years old in the region of Bethlehem were slaughtered as a tyrant searched in vain for a prophesied threat to his kingdom (Matthew 2:16-23):

"A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled,
because they are no more." (Matthew 2:18, NRSV)

The new year will find hundreds of thousands of people struggling to survive in the aftermath - a donation to the relief organization of your choice can make a difference you can see throughout 2005 as the world helps to rebuild the battered coastlines of South Asia. Global Impact lists several and where they're putting their efforts.

Best wishes for a happier New Year ahead - our prayers are with you all.

- Arik

Posted by Arik Johnson at December 31, 2004 11:09 AM | TrackBack