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From Franklin Graham: "Dear Friend,
I have seen the incredible
devastation caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other natural
disasters in countries all over the world. But I have never witness
anything like the destruction from the tsunami that struck South Asia the
day after Christmas.
The tidal waves caused by the massive underwater earthquake flattened
entire villages along the coast. In many places, all that remained
were jumbled piles of debris, sand, broken trees, and household belongings
- enveloped in the horrible stench of death.
The numbers are staggering. More than 220,000 people are dead.
Millions are homeless. The needs can seem overwhelming. It can
be difficult to know how, and where, to respond. What can we do to
make a difference?
The answer is the same for any disaster we encounter, whether it's a giant
tsunami or the less-obvious storms that wreak havoc on our personal lives
- PRAY. Jesus gave
His disciples instruction on prayer in the sixth chapter of Matthew. In
His introduction to what we know as the Lord's Prayer, He repeated the
phrase " when you pray" three times. Clearly, Jesus expects us to
pray. Prayer in the
fuel for our ministry at Samaritan's Purse. Through prayer, we seek
wisdom in knowing where to work and how to use the funds entrusted to us.
Through prayer, God gives us the strength to do the work.
We rely on prayer for all of
our projects, large and small. At our headquarters and project sites
around the globe, we begin each weekday with prayer. We thank God
for His provision and ask Him that our work would line up with His
purposes. "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it
is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, NKJV).
The needs in South Asia are great. We know that we cannot help
everyone, but we want to do all we can. We currently are helping
thousands of families by providing clean water, temporary shelter, and
other emergency aid. We plan to remain in the area in the months and
years to come to help with the rebuilding of homes and lives.
But we will be able to do
nothing without prayer. Than you for your prayers on behalf of our work in
South Asia and our many other projects throughout the world."
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