It was a normal Sunday for the Creasmans. We didn't even know about the SE Asia tsunamis until 12 hours afterward when we turned on the news (late Sunday night our time). Living in the region, we feel closer to the pain and the grand scale of loss. The island closest to the epicenter, Sumatra, had so much catastrophe, and it took the waves headed for Singapore. Our little island, nestled in between Indonesia and Malaysia, was preserved.
As we prayerfully mourn and flip our TVs between CNN, BBC and Channel News Asia, Christians in Singapore are bustling to figure out how we can respond with help to our Asian neighbors. There was a meeting Monday at Jim's office (The Singapore Centre for Evangelism and Mission). They want to help coordinate efforts and mobilize Singaporean Christians. The church we attend here had several daughter churches in Sri Lanka that were affected, and our CRM colleagues in Indonesia are sending some evangelists with relief materials to their most affected area which is very Islamic. A dinner guest tonight will be directing Operation Blessing (CBN) aid efforts to the Maldives.
Please pray for wisdom for Christians in the region to find tangible ways to assist and show Jesus' love to the hurting and needy people. Pray that both physical and spiritual healing and salvation will be brought to them in ways that prove God's greatness, goodness and love. Pray for the Lord's miraculous strengthening to those on the front lines offering assistance. And, pray with us to be able to reach out and comfort others around us who are most affected by the tragedy.
We were living in Singapore during 9/11. We know what it's like to hear about tragedy in your homeland and not be able to be home to share with your country in the grieving. After some phone calls yesterday I found out a nearby convalescent home with Sri Lankan staff. After dinner the 4 of us took over some cards, cookies and Gospels of John. They all came out to meet us and see why we'd come. We stood in front of the building, with security and other staff looking on, and shared with them our sadness over the devastation in their home country and prayed for them and their families and country. They were really sweet and it was a touching experience for all of us. It is such a small thing, but it is one way we can personally give a word and touch of comfort and share the hope we have in Jesus.
Also from Jim:
Hi Patti,
Thanks for checking. We're ok physically, and didn't even know about the tsunami until 12 hours afterward (late Sunday night our time), but it has hit us emotionally. Christians in Singapore are trying to figure out how we can respond with some help to our Asian neighbors. We had a meeting at my office (SCEM) 2 nights ago to try and bring different ministries together and coordinate efforts and mobilize Singaporean Christians. The church we attend here had several daughter churches in Sri Lanka that were affected, and our CRM colleagues in Indonesia are sending some evangelists with relief materials to the area in northern Sumatra, which is very Islamic.
Please pray for wisdom for Christians in the region to find tangible ways to help out and show Jesus' love to the many hurting and needy people. And pray for the Lord's emotional strengthening for us to be able to reach out and comfort others in the midst of tragedy.
Last night our family went to a nearby convalescent home where six Sri Lankans work. After being in Singapore during 9/11, we knew how depressing it is to hear about tragedy in your homeland and not be able to be there to share in the grieving. We took them some small presents and gospel materials and shared with them our sadness and prayed for them and their families and country. They were really sweet and seemed very touched by us reaching out to them. It was a moving experience for our family, and we felt at least we could personally give some comfort and share the hope we have in Jesus.
BTW, I also felt homesick this Christmas, the first time I think since we've been in Asia. Just missing the friends and all the traditions. My mom raved about the program at EV Free.
WIth our love and thanks to God for you and prayers for his blessings!
Jim
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