China (MNN) — China continues
its massive relief effort, but planning has begun for mid-term crisis
response.
Rebuilding the infrastructure
will require careful engineering. The Chinese
government estimates the quake has affected at least ten million people. China readily acknowledges the need for help
once the emergency phase is over.
International Aid's Myles Fish
says, "We have been asked again to provide medical equipment. The China
Medical Foundation has approached us as a result of relationships that we began
to build there a year ago."
Fish says their response hinges
on funding, which could be threatened by crisis fatigue. "Oftentimes the support that we receive
is a function of how long a story stays in the press. When you have big news
items like the election pushing disasters off the front page, when you have two
disasters at the same time, it definitely has an impact."
With the extensive coverage of
the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, followed by the tragedy of China's
earthquake tolls, people often develop a resistance to these images or stories.
As the impact of these messages lessens, their willingness to give to causes
reduces.
Even so, the needs have not gone
away, and the effort remains at a critical stage. Fish says it's the perfect
opportunity to exemplify the Gospel. "We are engaged in what we do for
reasons that are deeper than just the popular press. This is a kingdom issue.
These people are made in the image of God, and they have value. We have the
opportunity to assist them, and we're very hopeful that people of the faith are
going to step forward."
