Report on Flood Relief Work in Batticoloa District, Sri Lanka from the offices of IGL India:
Batticoloa, Amparai and Valachchennai are three Vision 2000 regions in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. More than 200 pastors are part of the network in these regions.
These regions experienced record rainfall of 320 mm for 20 days resulting in a natural disaster. The entire region was flooded and water stagnated for 3 to 4 feet. Needless to say, this disaster did not only halt life in these parts, but devastated entire villages. Many of our pastors in the region lost their homes, belongings and congregation.
About 200,000 people were displaced and found refuge in camps and other places for nearly 8 days. Pastor John, our regional coordinator informed us of the situation on the field and requested prayer and help particularly for the pastors and believers who were in a desperate condition.
Through God's grace and through generous gifts from friends and partners IGL responded with immediate relief efforts.
Counseling and Relief Distribution
On February 3, 2011, families that suffered loss as a result of the flooding were brought together for a time of counseling and prayer, after which they received relief packages. There were families from Batticoloa, Valachenai and Amparai.
While the primary purpose of the meeting was to counsel and encourage the people who had gone through this tragedy, time was also spent in thanking and praising God for His protection upon their lives in the days of trouble. They prayed for one another as well as for all those who were affected. God's Word was read and shared during the meeting and the people were greatly encouraged. Every person was emboldened to face the difficult days ahead until they could fully recover.
Relief Details
IGL distributed relief packages meeting peoples most immediate needs. The package contained rice, milk powder, sugar, toothpaste, jam bottle, bread, noodles and soap. These items would last them for a month.
Feedback
Pr. John, Regional Coordinator, Batticoloa
“I am so grateful to God for IGL as they stepped forward in helping us through prayer and relief. This timely help is greatly valued and is a great encouragement not only to me, but also for all the pastors. All are grateful to God as well as to IGL and Vision 2000 movement. Many among us still remember with much gratitude the help that we had received from IGL during the time of tsunami. We are also grateful to IGL's friends and partners abroad who generously provided for our needs. We want to assure everyone of our prayer.”
Prayer Points
• Please continue to pray for the pastors and their families.
• Churches, prayer sheds and church musical instruments were lost. Please pray that God will provide resources at the right time to secure once more all that has been lost.
• Pray for the believers who lost their homes.
• Pray that the government will continue to provide relief to all irrespective of ethnic differences.
Click here to provide more relief to Sri Lankan flood victims.
Dave Ferguson
