International Ministries News
Working With International Partners to Rebuild the Lives of Tsunami Victims
by Rand Olson
Johannes (Joe) and Dharma (Peter) are two good reasons why Bethany has started to work among Indonesia’s tsunami victims. Both are Indonesians who have a heart for reaching their Muslim neighbors. They have started a new relief and development organization called Peduli Bangsa (Caring for the Nations) and they have already sent a small team to Banda Aceh to begin work with the children and the homeless.
I had an opportunity to see their work in late February. It was obvious from the start that Joe and Peter desire to meet needs that other organizations are not meeting. Most organizations, for example, distribute instant food packs, while they distribute fresh fruit and vegetables. They have also decided to start an English language class for children who are victims of the tsunami, gaining access to the camps and the hearts of the people.
They have taken a big step of faith to meet the needs of people who want to return to their land. Most people were told not to return to their homes, but people want to return and begin to rebuild their lives. Joe and Peter have met with community members of an area that was completely destroyed by the tsunami. The community leader of one district took them to his house. He said he had lost 8 children and 18 grandchildren.
Joe and Peter felt they would gain access to the people and gain credibility among the community if they would begin by rebuilding his house. They seek to be an incarnational witness among neighbors, not just to willing to talk about meeting the needs of people, but to take action. Even though he had to borrow $2,500 Joe decided to build the community leader’s house as a step of faith. They started laying the foundation right away.
Everyone was excited to see the project move ahead. The community leader said that many had come to do assessments, but no one had actually helped them. The small team plans to build 50-100 homes in the community as a pilot project.
To Delight God's Heart and Extend His Kingdom
Alumni Stories
Growing Outreach