Three weeks after Indonesia’s earthquake, ministry resumes

Indonesia (MNN) — Children and families are beginning to recover from the May 27th earthquake that rocked Indonesia’s Central Java province. The disaster claimed the lives of three children who were sponsored by Compassion International families. Despite the devastation it appears the situation is improving, somewhat.

The 11 Compassion projects in the area of Yogyakarta that had temporarily suspended project activities are now functioning normally. Staff are collecting information on children and their families affected by the earthquake. The homes of 61 Compassion-assisted children were completely destroyed, and 312 children’s homes were badly damaged and are not safe to live in. Compassion Indonesia continues to distribute relief supplies and help with recovery efforts. Two Indonesia staff members and four contract workers are currently overseeing recovery programs that include trauma counseling and debriefing, house reconstruction, and income generation for parents.

The Crisis Centers established by Indonesia’s Compassion office are being relocated from Solo to Yogyakarta to be closer to the relief efforts.

Please continue to pray for Compassion staff as they minister to those children and families affected by the earthquake. Pray that the love they have through Christ alone will be visible and that many will ask about it. Additionally, pray for the project staff and that children will recover quickly from the trauma and return to their normal lives.