Loss and Hope in South Asia: Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face
Note: This post was created mainly with fellow Christian readers in mind. "So, then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." ~ Galatians 6:10
God does move in mysterious ways, as poet William Cowper writes--in ways that we may not always understand in full, such as the recent disaster in South Asia. But let us always remember that He is sovereign over all things. As the hymn continues, "Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face."
Read more about the disaster and relief situation in South Asia as seen from the perspective of evangelists of Asia Harvest, an inter-denominational Christian mission working among Asia's unreached people groups. It was initially feared that entire tribes, along with many of the comparatively few Christians in this extremely unevangelised part of the world might be lost in the tsunami disaster. However, a few reports have come in with some good news, such as that regarding the Mokkien (Sea Gypsies) of southern Thailand and Myanmar. Let us continue to pray for the work of missionaries in these devastated parts, that despite the immense human suffering and loss, the kingdom of God will continue to expand, bringing hope, healing and Life to many through His gospel.
In the days since [the last email fearing the loss of entire tribes], however, we have thankfully read a report that most of the Mokkien people are safe. The report started: 'Knowledge of the ocean and its currents passed down from generation to generation of a group of Thai fishermen known as the Mokkien sea gypsies saved an entire village from the Asian tsunami. By the time killer waves crashed over southern Thailand last Sunday the entire 181 population of their fishing village had fled to a temple in the mountains of South Surin Island. 'The elders told us that if the water recedes fast it will reappear in the same quantity in which it disappeared," 65-year-old village chief Sarmao Kathalay told the paper. So while in some places along the southern coast, Thais headed to the beach when the sea drained out of beaches -- the first sign of the impending tsunami -- to pick up fish left flapping on the sand, the gypsies headed for the hills.'
Asia Harvest partners in Malaysia are some of their best placed representatives to help with both the immediate emergency needs, and the longer term goal of helping people rebuild their lives and bringing them the gospel. Writes Paul Hattaway of Asia Harvest: “They are already coordinating with efforts in Aceh, Indonesia. 150 Christian medics and volunteers from the Indonesian capital Jakarta are already in Aceh helping with medicine, food, water, tents, etc.
The message and plea from these Malaysian representatives?
Please don't be put off from extending help because of the millions of dollars coming in from governments / Red Cross / OXFAM, etc. The need is more than just containers of supplies; it is a 'human factor' need. They can't meet that. Only the Body of Christ is empowered to minister healing and peace and comfort. It is more than throwing mineral bottle water from moving trucks and feeling like they have done their part, it is about... sitting down with a mother who has lost her husband and children, and praying with her... and helping her to put the bottle of water on her lips and nourish her... only the Church can do that!
Please refer to the link above to find out how you can donate towards this special relief ministry.
God does move in mysterious ways, as poet William Cowper writes--in ways that we may not always understand in full, such as the recent disaster in South Asia. But let us always remember that He is sovereign over all things. As the hymn continues, "Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face."
Read more about the disaster and relief situation in South Asia as seen from the perspective of evangelists of Asia Harvest, an inter-denominational Christian mission working among Asia's unreached people groups. It was initially feared that entire tribes, along with many of the comparatively few Christians in this extremely unevangelised part of the world might be lost in the tsunami disaster. However, a few reports have come in with some good news, such as that regarding the Mokkien (Sea Gypsies) of southern Thailand and Myanmar. Let us continue to pray for the work of missionaries in these devastated parts, that despite the immense human suffering and loss, the kingdom of God will continue to expand, bringing hope, healing and Life to many through His gospel.
In the days since [the last email fearing the loss of entire tribes], however, we have thankfully read a report that most of the Mokkien people are safe. The report started: 'Knowledge of the ocean and its currents passed down from generation to generation of a group of Thai fishermen known as the Mokkien sea gypsies saved an entire village from the Asian tsunami. By the time killer waves crashed over southern Thailand last Sunday the entire 181 population of their fishing village had fled to a temple in the mountains of South Surin Island. 'The elders told us that if the water recedes fast it will reappear in the same quantity in which it disappeared," 65-year-old village chief Sarmao Kathalay told the paper. So while in some places along the southern coast, Thais headed to the beach when the sea drained out of beaches -- the first sign of the impending tsunami -- to pick up fish left flapping on the sand, the gypsies headed for the hills.'
Asia Harvest partners in Malaysia are some of their best placed representatives to help with both the immediate emergency needs, and the longer term goal of helping people rebuild their lives and bringing them the gospel. Writes Paul Hattaway of Asia Harvest: “They are already coordinating with efforts in Aceh, Indonesia. 150 Christian medics and volunteers from the Indonesian capital Jakarta are already in Aceh helping with medicine, food, water, tents, etc.
The message and plea from these Malaysian representatives?
Please don't be put off from extending help because of the millions of dollars coming in from governments / Red Cross / OXFAM, etc. The need is more than just containers of supplies; it is a 'human factor' need. They can't meet that. Only the Body of Christ is empowered to minister healing and peace and comfort. It is more than throwing mineral bottle water from moving trucks and feeling like they have done their part, it is about... sitting down with a mother who has lost her husband and children, and praying with her... and helping her to put the bottle of water on her lips and nourish her... only the Church can do that!
Please refer to the link above to find out how you can donate towards this special relief ministry.
posted by E Loy at 11:53 PM |
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