Homes for the Homeless in Tsunami-Stricken Tamil Nadu
by Allie Martin
August 2, 2005
(AgapePress) - Thanks to a Texas-based ministry, hundred of families in South India left homeless by December's tsunami will have a roof over their heads.It has been more than seven months since the deadly Southeast Asian tsunami killed hundreds of thousands in 12 countries. In one fishing village along the coastline of Tamil Nadu, India, more than 400 people died -- and many more lost their homes in a part of the world where homeowner's insurance does not exist. That's why Gospel for Asia is helping villagers rebuild their homes.
GFA Pastor Ebenezer says the building project is another way to show Christ's love to tsunami victims. "We really love them in the Lord," the pastor says, "and even though GFA was not involved in this area earlier, when GFA's missionaries first came to this area soon after the tsunami, they found the most need in this area."
According to the pastor, the disaster left many survivors searching for answers. "They really do not know what the future holds for them," he shares. "But in spite of that, they are actively involved in these constructions.
"We allow them to help us with the construction. We put the money in and we have builders that we have hired, but then they also pitch in and work -- you know, carry sand or mix cement and do whatever they are able to do. And they've been very, very helpful."
Construction on Mary's home is just about finished. While she did not lose any family members when the tidal waves hit, her home and all her belongings were taken away by the waves. She says the new home will ease her fears. Pastor Ebenezer translates Mary's comments.
"Very deeply grateful to God, she sees the hand of God in this," he translates. "But then she says, every day these days they are living with fear, and she says it almost looks like we could fall sick from the fear that we have. She used the strongest word to describe that. She says it could drive them mad."
Each house being built costs approximately $4,000 and takes six weeks to build. GFA hopes to build 500 homes in the area.
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
