A GFA Compassion Services truck carrying emergency food supplies arrives in a village in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka (MNN) ― Since unusually heavy monsoon floods drove more than 400,000 people from their homes on the island of Sri Lanka, Gospel for Asia's Compassion Services teams have mobilized rapidly to distribute much-needed food to the homeless.
The teams currently have supplies for 150 families after GFA rushed emergency funds to the island, but more will soon be needed. 83,000 families in seven districts have lost their homes in the deluge that killed twenty people. Many have no shelter from the continuing torrential downpours.
Some of the people have found refuge in Buddhist temples, which are almost always built on the highest ground in the village. However, the temple monks are not able to provide the people with food. Flooded fields are useless for growing crops, and many families' crops have been destroyed. The monks are cooperating with GFA's teams to distribute rice, coconuts, and other basic foods to the people.
The heightening conflict with ethnic Tamil rebels adds to the challenges facing Sri Lanka's homeless. The conflict has forced 7,000 people into refugee camps in the eastern part of the country, and stray bullets, mines and suicide bombings are a constant threat.
New laws also restrict travel, making relief work more difficult. All travelers are required to report their plans to the police. 72 percent of Sri Lanka's population is Buddhist, and 35,000 villages have never been reached with the Gospel.
GFA hopes to reach many more people with food, medical assistance, and rebuilding as well as with the good news of Jesus Christ.
"Through these tragedies, God always works in people's hearts in an amazing way," said GFA president K. P. Yohannan. "As Christians, we not only are called upon to bring food, clothing and shelter in the name of Jesus, which we are doing, but we also have the Word that points the way to abundant life now and forever. Our GFA Compassion Services teams are sharing both."
You can help provide for the physical and spiritual needs of Sri Lanka's homeless.
