Report on Tsunami Relief Work - Phuket Thailand

Arriving in Phuket, we first went to the city hall which was the coordination center for the relief efforts in the area. The atmosphere there was one of desperation and uncertainty as relatives searched for missing loved ones and rescue teams headed out to the worst hit areas to look for survivors—or more likely, the bodies of those who had perished in the disaster. Bulletin boards lined the driveway and hallways, covered with pictures of those who had not yet been found. Between all of us on our team, we could speak Thai, English as well as the Scandinavian languages so we were immediately called upon to help translate for distraught foreigners who were trying to get information or locate loved ones.

A Personal Account - Tsunami Relief

By the time I arrived in Phuket, coworkers Hanna and Mike had already been there for a couple of days, and had helped with–among other things—translating and orientation for Scandinavian relatives of some of those that were missing.

They had also visited several hospitals to encourage the wounded and were able to pray with many. A friend of the Family from Bangkok was organizing all the volunteer efforts in the local town hall (Salah Klaeng), and she filled us in on where the biggest needs were and how we could best help. As soon as we heard news of the devastation the tsunami wrought, we in Bangkok had begun collecting supplies. Everyone we contacted was willing to contribute—many saying that they were about to call us to volunteer supplies, when we called them. With the help of these likeminded and concerned friends and members of the community, we had gathered enough aid to fill two large 6-wheel-trucks, about 10 tons worth.

Tsunami Disaster Relief Overview

Our Southeast Asia mission bases are working night and day to help relieve the suffering in Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this terrible disaster. Our heartfelt sympathy and earnest prayers are with the victims and we are sending support to help enable our mission bases to do all they can in the form of encouragement and aid in this time of need.

Uganda, Africa

RadioActive Productions and Family Care Uganda (NGO) have been set up to work towards bringing God’s love to the Ugandan people through radio and charity work. Our syndicated show, ‘Nu Beat’ has been played weekly on 8 different radio stations covering the whole of Uganda even out in the far reaching villages where here, if people have not much else, they have a radio! Aside from this we have a live 3-hour show, called ‘Get Activated’ on the largest vernacular station here. It has been a real blessing to so many and we have recently opened a phone line for people to SMS prayer requests or counselling questions or requests to and we have gotten so many positive reactions. People so thankful for the Word we have.

Kathmandu, Nepal

James and Esta and five of their nine children are a missionary family that has been active in Nepal since 1995. Their primary mandate is to assist in meeting the educational and health needs of the disabled and disadvantaged of Nepal.

One of their main ministries is with the Nepal Disabled Association, where they regularly volunteer their time teaching over 100 physically disabled children who come from low income families. In addition to these free academic classes, they repair and maintain classrooms, organize various sports events, musical programs and special outings.