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“Giving & The Tsunami Tragedy"

Sowing Seeds Ministry set up our web site to accept donations toward those affected by the Tsunami Tragedy. Click Here

A newspaper headline in Jakarta: "Indonesia Menangis… Indonesia is crying." A massive 9.0 earthquake set off a massive sequence of tsunami killer waves racing across the Indian Ocean.

Around the world we watched in horror as the death toll mounted throughout the region. The people killed by the tsunami waves are staggering. India reports nearly 8,000 dead. Sri Lanka lost over 27,000. Thailand reports over 5,000 casualties. Indonesia, especially in the area near Sumatra claims nearly 100,000 deaths. Total casualties approach 150,000. Experts predict those figures to double through disease and starvation. More than five million people are now homeless

One woman was forced to make an impossible choice: Swept up by the wave a mother frantically clutched her two daughters. Realizing they could all die, the quick thinking mother handed one child to a stranger in the water and begged her to hold on. Hours later they were happily reunited.

How should we respond to a tragedy so horrific?

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter asking others to help a sister church in trouble: “For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing...” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)

As followers of God we are judged not by church attendance, Bible study, Hymn singing or the size of our offering. Pursuing these aspects of our faith will help us become better Christians. But in the end we will be judged by how generously we respond to the needy in the world around us.

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“Respond and Give: In other words… you want me to write you a check: Just send money?”

“Yes and No!” Supplying financial aid is undoubtedly important. Our church took up a collection and we’re holding several thousand dollars to send but where? What will they do with the money?

But giving is about so much more than money: giving is a lifestyle and a ministry that radically involves your time, skills and enthusiasm. Paul goes on to write: “Since you excel in so many ways-you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us, now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7)

Recently our church chose ten areas to center our giving priorities:

1. Tsunami Aid - We plan to focus our financial aid toward a specific rebuilding project.

2. Local Families - We seek to adopt families and provide much more than just a handout.

3. Our Troops - The Iraq War is taking a toll. We can send care packages of support.

4. Homeless Shelter - A local shelter provides regular hot meals with our involvement.

5. Immigrant Relief - We provide language and cultural training in addition to financial aid.

6. Prayer Ministry – Always a critical foundation for everything we seek to accomplish.

7. Mentoring Newcomers – As people visit we want them to feel loved and appreciated.

8. Short-Term Missions - Whether building churches or providing medical aid we’re active.

9. Condemned Housing Repair – This ministry helps families stay together in their homes.

10. Transportation Aid - Going to church, to the doctor or buying groceries, we want to help.

How will you respond to the tsunami tragedy? One down to earth suggestion sent by email is to finance the buying of new nets for fishing communities which have been the worst hit in this area. Give a hungry man fish and he will eat for a day. Give him a net and he will eat for many years.

“In Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and other parts of Asia, people are crying, Lord because so many loved ones are swept away by the tsunami waves. Their pain is unbearable but we do hear their cry. Protect the souls of those who were lost and give them eternal rest. Enable us to respond generously with compassion and love. Help us ease their suffering with Godly comfort.”

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Sowing Seeds Ministry set up our web site to accept donations toward those affected by the Tsunami Tragedy. The site is credit card secure and all money will be given directly to Timberlake UMC to be used toward a special project in the area. You may also choose to donate to Sowing Seeds Ministry as we continue to keep our prayer and devotional ministry active and helpful. Click Here

Last modified January 3, 2004.

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