Several individuals associated with West Hills Community Church
of Morgan Hill have found themselves involved in the tsunami relief
effort.
Several individuals associated with West Hills Community Church of Morgan Hill have found themselves involved in the tsunami relief effort. B.J. Lopez and Nathan Wells are part of an Action International team from WHCC currently residing in Cambodia. Action International is an organization that focuses on aiding the street children of the world. Directly after the tsunami disaster, Action sent an assessment team to visit locations hit in India and Sri Lanka. B.J. and Nathan were a part of the team. Nathan kept friends updated during the trip by means of an on-line journal. He also took extensive photographs. Both can be viewed at their team website: www.actioncambodia.org.
While initial relief had reached the people with food and some temporary shelter, the need for long-term assistance was glaringly apparent. Family and community structures were destroyed in the tremendous loss of life. The destruction of buildings and boats left communities without homes and livelihood – to say nothing of the fear associated with remaining near the water. Nathan reported that some areas were so remote the aid was not getting to the people. In some regions militant groups wanted to control the distribution of aid. “We were swarmed by women wailing for us to help them…to visit their villages.”
As a result of their initial assessment, Action has sent in a team to help rebuild communities. Three men sent by WHCC, joined the team for two weeks – Don Kenyon, plumber; Pastor Chris Hauge, former plumber; and Joe Torquato, well specialist.
Their first report back stated that they have successfully jumped into the work, and thought they would be completing 50 wells with primitive treatment systems, as well as giving instruction regarding well use. (Travel and work in Sri Lanka might easily be hampered by the current civil war. Only recently the top leaders of one faction were killed returning from negotiations. The presence of any Westerners is quite obvious.)
Bonnie Mancini (my daughter) is currently residing in Hollywood, and working for Teshmedia. John Tesh and his family spent a week in Sri Lanka after the tsunami with Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corp.
The Tesh family also kept an on-line journal during their trip. One of the things that they did while there, was provide children with paper and crayons to draw pictures of their experience (as a means of therapy). Teshmedia is raising further funds for tsunami victim relief in the sale of a book comprised of the children’s drawings. It can be ordered at www.tesh.com.
Bonnie has also been asked to curate a fundraising event featuring the photographs of Ira Lippke. Lippke, his brother and a friend were in Bali, donating time at an orphanage, when the tsunami hit.
They were the first outsiders to bring aid to the hard hit Banda Aceh. Check out their amazing story via www.bonniekate.com. The benefit event, Turn the Tide, was held Friday at “The Camp” on Bristol in Costa Mesa. Funds raised from the sale of Lippke’s photographs will be channeled through ServLife.
Several people have spoken at WHCC last month about the work they are involved in throughout the non-western world. Everywhere there is need. Let us not become desensitized by the enormous need of the tsunami victims, nor others who live it poverty – nor think we have ever done enough.
“To whom much is given, much is required.” (Luke 12:48) Our wealth demands that we help others, for “If anyone has the world’s goods and beholds his brother in need, and closes his heart to him, how is the love of God abiding in him?” (I John 3:17.)
It’s easy to give when the information is at your fingertips: www.actioninternational.org, www.tesh.com, www.mercycorps.org, www.servlife.org
Barbara D. Mancini is a home educator, homemaker and lay counselor. Barbara D. Mancini lives in Morgan Hill. She and her husband Bob, home-school their two youngest sons. Barbara serves on the missions council at West Hills Community Church, and is a volunteer leader in her sons’ Cub Scout pack. She has written articles for the Times since moving to Morgan Hill in 1990.
