posted by Stephen Strang, publisher
and founder of Charisma magazine.

"In the wake of this tragedy, let’s send a wave of Christ’s love to Sri Lanka."

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Unprecedented devastation occurred the day after Christmas when a tidal wave
hit several Asian and African countries.
News reports say the fifth worst earthquake in more than 100 years took place in the Indian Ocean, causing what the Japanese call a tsunami—a wall of water that hit the shoreline along thousands of miles. Hardest hit were Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.

The death toll continued to rise in late December. As I write this, FOX News says 114,000 have died. That number may double due to the spread of disease from contaminated water. The immediate needs are for medicine, clean water, food and shelter for the homeless.

International aid is beginning to flow in. But so much is needed that it is mind-boggling. In giving his condolences to the hardest-hit nations, President Bush urged Americans to support relief efforts.

That’s why I decided to issue an urgent call for help. While governments and large international relief organizations are making a huge difference, the church must respond as well. We need your help to meet the needs of Christians in one of the hardest-hit areas.

When disaster strikes we often invite you to respond through Christian Life Missions. We channel 100 percent of the funds raised to the affected area while we pay overhead costs. You responded generously when there was famine in the Sudan and even when terrorists struck America on 9/11. Now I am imploring you to help in a way the government agencies won’t—to help churches.

With such a great need, we’ve decided to focus on Sri Lanka, where we can make a big difference. An island nation off the tip of India, Sri Lanka is half the size of Florida, with a population of 19 million. One million of them are now homeless.

We have trusted sources who say that of the hardest-hit countries, it’s probably safest to work in Sri Lanka because there’s a greater chance of the aid reaching those who need it.

Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is also a country where the Christians make up only 8 percent of the population. We reported in last month’s issue about the persecution the church endures there. But according to those who know the situation well, this has resulted in a strong church with mature leaders.

We have made contact with Godfrey Yogarajah, the head of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. His organization needs $300,000 for immediate food and medicines. With the meager extra funds they have on hand, they’ve made up a “food pack” which provides one week of food for several people.

Yogarajah told me that churches are already helping survivors of the disaster. Not only are Christians giving food, they are also offering counseling and prayer support for the thousands who lost loved ones. That is a type of support the governmental agencies can’t give.

The tsunami happened early Sunday morning when churches were holding services. Yogarajah said that in churches near the coast, many pastors and church members had loved ones who were drowned by the sudden rush of water.

The evangelical fellowship includes several hundred Pentecostal churches belonging to the Assemblies of God, Foursquare Church and the Ceylon Pentecostal Mission as well as other smaller groups. He plans to specifically help these groups, recognizing that the money must go first to where the need is greatest.

For the first month, we have pledged to funnel all donations to Christians in Sri Lanka. We will monitor the situation and consider helping other nations as we get more information.

It is time for us to give generously. I urge congregations to do the same. If you are a pastor, I urge you to take up a generous offering in your next service.
When you send your donations to Christian Life Missions, we will rush the money to Sri Lanka. We will also provide e-mail reports if you signup.

In the process of helping, the church can be the church. Western Christians can help with cash, and the church in Sri Lanka can be the hands of Christ to heal those in need.

I’m amazed at how quickly this simple strategy has emerged, allowing a small organization such as ours to respond quickly to make a big impact. Now all we need is cash.

The Sri Lankan church needs $300,000. If every reader of Charisma gave only $1, think of the impact that would be. But many will give much more for those who don’t respond.

You can give quickly by donating online (click here to donate) or by choosing another method below. We will quickly send 100 percent of the money to National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka.

In the wake of this tragedy, let’s send a wave of Christ’s love to Sri Lanka—in the form of a generous blessing. You can have the confidence that your money will go quickly to those who need it most.

Sincerely,


Stephen Strang, President

Ways to Give

Online / Credit	Mail / Check	Telephone / Credit
to provide Tsunami Relief in Asia	Christian Life Missions P.O. Box 952248 Lake Mary, FL 32795 Include this form please	(407) 333-0600

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