[willowbrook] Fw: A New year, a new beginning

[Lometa Stagg]

The following was written by IMB personnel in Indonesia.

----- Original Message ----- 
Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 6:33 PM
  Subject: A New year, a new beginning 

  Dear Prayer Warriors, 

  As you begin a new year in 2005, pray for a new life for the survivors of Tsunami throughout the Pacific Rim, but particularly in Aceh in Indonesia.  The northern tip of the island of Sumatra has counted nearly 80,000 people dead.  Co-workers are there seeking ways of getting water purification systems to those who have no drinking water and no food.  Just trying to get supplies to the people is almost impossible. 

  Pray that as we get relief teams in to help the people, the hearts of the people will be ready to receive not only physical food and water, but that their spiritual needs will be filled.  This is one of the strongest Muslim areas in the country.  We do have reports of a few Christians in the area, but the pastor and handful of believers have not yet been located since the disaster. 

  Bob and I got out of bed this morning and packed our suitcases to come back to Jakarta after receiving urgent calls to return to the office to help coordinate relief efforts.  We arrived at the airport at 10:30, but could not get a plane out until 1:00. 

  Several national team members are surveying the situation for volunteer doctors and nurses.  Teams are needed from the states, but they will need to come with their own tents, food, and water purification system as well as medical supplies or be prepared to buy what they need in Jakarta to take into the area.  Nothing is available there.  Base camp will have to be set up with no buildings, etc. available.  The areas are totally flattened.  If you are interested in being part of a team, contact: 

  Dr. Jim Brown: jbrown at imb.org 

  If you want to contribute to the Asia Earthquake Disaster Relief please send money earmarked for that purpose to: 

  IMB, SBC 
  P.O. Box 6767 
  Richmond, VA 23230-0767 

  Vance Worten is in the area of Medan looking for ways to reach the survivors.  Anthony C. will be traveling tonight to see what can be done.     Pray for all of these going into this area.  Pray for their safety and for open doors to get through red tape and reach those in need.  Pray as they look for avenues to get needed supplies to the people.  Transportation facilities are almost non-existent.  Pray for volunteers to hear God's call. 

  Thank you for beginning your new year with prayers for others to have new life in Him. 

  In Him, 
  Bob and Jean