he visit to the south made a lasting impression on me…the stench of the dead was overwhelming…" Those were the words of Frank Teeuwen, ADRA International's bureau chief for disaster preparedness and response, following an inspection of some of the devastated portions of Thailand.

We still cannot fully grasp the magnitude of the horror of the tsunami that struck last week in Southern Asia. The destruction is truly of prophetic proportions!

Thanks to our supporters and the global ADRA Network we have mobilized our largest response ever to a natural disaster. ADRA's staff responded immediately in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand with locally secured emergency supplies such as drinking water, shelter, food and blankets as well as medical aid and supplies. As many of you have seen, media coverage of ADRA's response has been unprecedented as major television, radio, US and international newspapers outlets and dozens of Web site listings have reported on the devastation.

Let me emphasize again, ADRA is there! In Sri Lanka ADRA is operating a water purification unit that processes 50,000 liters per day in addition to supplying 300,000 water purification tablets. In Thailand ADRA is providing protective gear to workers recovering bodies. In India ADRA is continuing to provide food and water to 7,250 displaced people. And in Indonesia ADRA has established a field hospital with a team of local medical experts from regional Adventist hospitals. I encourage you to visit www.adra.org for more detail and updates of ADRA's response.

I am humbled by the financial response of ADRA's private supporters around the world. From the Czech Republic, to Mauritius, from Australia to Sao Tome, from the United Kingdom to Hungary. Individuals, churches, school groups, and businesses are donating funds to ADRA's Tsunami Crisis response. But I have been so impressed by the tremendous generosity shown by the peoples of the United States and Canada. Our North American friends continue to provide the financial foundation for ADRA International's response in Southern Asia and its global network.

But we continue to need your help! Although ADRA has done much in the initial efforts the survivors are now in greater danger. Those who survived the tsunami face outbreaks of disease and starvation as they are exposed to the elements and their means of livelihood is lost.

We thank you for the phone calls and emails from around the country asking, How is ADRA responding? What can I do to help? To help keep you informed we have created special resources for you to download from www.adra.org including a new updated flyer, podium announcement, and poster you can share with your friends and congregations to let them know how they can help ADRA respond to this tragedy.

Thank you for your compassion to those affected by this incomprehensible disaster. Please use the resources at www.adra.org and share the information at your place of worship and with your colleagues.

Blessings,

Pastor Charles Sandefur
President, ADRA International