Southeast Asia, February 1, 2005 — For Christians around the globe, the Bible is a source of inspiration, guidance and comfort. The written word of God is also the first thing many believers turn to, when searching for solace in times of trouble.
But in the aftermath of the worst tsunamis in recorded history, countless Christians who have lost loved-ones, homes, livelihoods and possessions, have also been left without their Bibles.
Representatives from Bible Societies in the affected areas have been reporting to the United Bible Societies on the devastation caused by the December 26 tragedy.
Their reports contain insights into the on-going aid and rehabilitation efforts, as well as news of their involvement in helping to meet the humanitarian and spiritual needs of victims both now and in the future.
Bible Society of India (BSI)
BSI Marketing Director Raj Paulraj reports that the Bible Society is supplying Scriptures to intermediaries. The Andaman and Nicobar islands have been devastated. Some 5,000 Nicobar Bibles are being reprinted, because all stocks on the islands that were not destroyed have already been distributed.
Approximately 270,000 Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam Bibles are also being printed to meet the needs of other Christian agencies.
In a separate report, Auxiliary Secretary Rev. Dr. N.L. Victor says one of his BSI associates, Rev. Chandra Bose is visiting some of the hardest hit areas, and is offering direct relief to victims in the form of Bibles, fishing nets, towels and clothing.
Paulraj estimates that long-term Bible Society involvement will be needed to support churches and ministries with Scriptures.
"Our desire is to have a holistic approach to handle the situation," says Dr. B. K. Pramanik, BSI's General Secretary. "We want to partner with other Church/Christian organizations to meet both physical and spiritual needs."
Indonesian Bible Society
Dr. M. A. Supardan is the General Secretary of the Bible Society in Indonesia, one of the hardest hit nations. He reports that they are concentrating their short-term response on the island of Nias where, "The Bible Society plans to distribute a range of printed and audio Scriptures, and it is also exploring a long-term plan to address post-traumatic syndrome."
Sri Lanka - Ceylon Bible Society
The General Secretary of the Ceylon Bible Society, Lakshani Fernando said in a recent telephone call placed to the offices of the United Bible Societies that the most pressing need in Sri Lanka is to mobilize Christians to sit with survivors to listen to their stories.
Understandable is the fact that many survivors do not want to read. But Bible Society personnel are using other technologies, such as Scripture audio cassettes, to enable victims to draw comfort from hearing Scripture read to them.
The Ceylon Bible Society has also produced a small booklet of Scripture verses designed to comfort tsunami victims, which is being distributed through local churches. Bibles are being supplied to pastors and churches, while children's activity materials and illustrated Scripture portions are being distributed to many of the tsunami's young victims.
Thailand Bible Society (TBS)
The General Secretary of the Thailand Bible Society, Seree Lorgunpai, wrote recently that he joined leaders from other faith groups on Phi Phi Island for memorial services. "We were able to sing, read Psalm 46:1-3, and say a prayer," Lorgunpai reported. "It was a good opportunity for us to represent Christians."
According to Lorgunpai, TBS is also providing Christian literature and emergency funds for relief, and is considering setting up child-care centres for orphaned children.
"I think we need to send some people to train Thai Christians in how to counsel people who have been affected," he added. "One pastor told me that some would not 'come down from the mountain,' but others want to talk about the experience of that day."
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