What a Difference--Six Years After the Tsunami On December 26, 2004, the people of South Asia from Indonesia to India saw their world turn upside down, first by violent tremors and then by cataclysmic waves. Whole families, homes, schools, farms, fisheries and entire communities vanished. It was just the day after Christmas when the world reeled at the news—”A powerful earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale created a 30 foot high wave moving at 500 miles and has taken the lives of more than 230,000 people.” What could we do? Mission of Joy began to see a stream of refugees coming from the coastlines. We were asked to open our doors to these Tsunami orphans even though we were already full. We began by feeding as many as we could—some 21,000 meals per week. We asked you to help us purchase land to expand our facilities. And you did! We don’t normally show photos of suffering children, yet the despair and grief were beyond words. Many children, already on the edge of malnutrition, reached us exhausted and spent. Yet, YOU reached out through us. Through your unselfish and generous assistance we expanded our orphanages and schools to bring hope and love in Jesus’ name. WHAT A DIFFERENCE 6 years has made. These same children now have a hope and a future. All because you cared. My heart wells up with joy and thanksgiving at the thought of your great love. It is God’s love that will change this world, expressed through people—just like you! May God bless your lives, homes and families in this New Year!
