News at ABWE
Cyclone Sidr Relief Update
December 12, 2007
The Association of Baptists NGO in Bangladesh is coordinating with a national partner and his team to provide relief
The Needs Assessed
Online Feature
Miseries Caused by Cyclone Sidr—By a Bengali partner
The losses and casualties of human lives, livestock, houses, and crops have been rampant in the cyclone-affected districts. Shell-shocked survivors picked through the cyclone ruins in the worst-hit southern districts as thousands of victims awaited relief amid their wrecked homes, crops, livestock and fields. They sobbed in agony, suffered from hunger, thirst, and diarrhea. They buried their dear ones and searched in vain for the answer as to why this destruction collapsed their lives.
As workers from the Association of Baptists NGO surveyed the needs in the Khulna and Bagerhat districts, the greatest difficulty was prioritizing who should get relief. They were deeply moved as they talked with survivors who lost everything and who are suffering in the wake Cyclone Sidr. So many were affected and the damages were random and far-reaching. Even those whose loved ones and houses were not swept away in the 15-foot tidal surge are in great difficulty. Many homes in these districts were destroyed or damaged. Strong, 240 kph winds destroyed trees, which caused damage to houses that were not directly torn apart by the wind. As houses were opened up the driving rain penetrated them. Consequently, people were not able to preserve the food they store in their homes. They also lost bedding, clothing, and possessions they have accumulated for years. Others lost crops only a few short weeks before the harvest. Since this is a part of the country that only gets one harvest a year, people lost their annual livelihood. This means a loss of food for now as well as the means to buy and sell at a time when they need to rebuild their lives. Though the immediate risk from Cyclone Sidr has passed, health risks will grow if damaged homes are not repaired, food is not acquired, and the poor are not able to acquire clothing for the cold season over the next two months.
A Plan to Help
This man lost eight family members in the storm
while one of the women lost her husband
and children.
In answer to your prayers, we believe the Lord has given a plan that is strategic to advance and deepen redemptive relationships in present ministry areas and to reach into new areas. It has been thrilling to work with our national partner, Pastor S., and his team to put together a plan that could really make a difference. Pastor S. and his team of faithful servants of Christ have been serving in 12 of the affected villages for several years through village schools, Bible classes, and literature-lending libraries. Their faithful service for the good of the community during the present time of need is opening doors. While offering consolation to those who have experienced severe loss, they have heard people express sincere appreciation.
If the Lord provides the needed funds, the plan is a three-stage relief operation, with the option of proposing a fourth stage later:
- Stage 1: Food relief for 1,000 families
- Stage 2: Clothing relief to 1,000 families
- Stage 3: Shelter relief to 200 families (Provide tin for the roofs of houses that were destroyed.)
- Stage 4: Help for those who lost their livelihoods—their livestock and crops
Relief operations fly through some communities like a mechanical production line. The beauty of this relief operation is that those who are providing the relief are known in the communities. When the relief is done, the relationships will continue. A critical component of this work involves empowering faithful nationals who take the lead in their own communities. This strengthens the indigenous church as well as promotes national ownership for uplift in the community.
Partnership through Prayer and Support
Khatakali villagers listen to a biblical explanation
of origins of disaster, and the God who
loves and saves.
Our partners in Bangladesh are working through the details of this plan and are awaiting government permission. Please pray for quick government approvals and for this good work to move forward rapidly for the aid of those who need it most.
Once everything is approved, active distribution will advance quickly. We praise the Lord for some very generous donors who have committed to assist our response, but we are praying that God will bring in the remaining $28,000 by the end of January 2008.
Thank you for your partnership through prayer and giving.
Donations
US Donors
Checks should be marked “Cyclone Relief” and sent to ABWE Donor Services, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA., 17105.
Canadian Donors
For online gifts click the “Donate Now” button on the ABWE Canada home page, then choose Bangladesh Cyclone Relief from the drop-down list.
To send your tax-deductible gift by mail, please print this form and mail it along with your gift to:
ABWE Canada
34-980 Adelaide Street South
London, ON N6E 1R3
More Information
For more information about these efforts, you may email Jim at jlong@abwe.org.