Dear Friends,

We continue to get a lot of correspondence related to the tsunami and relief efforts so I thought I should send an update.The consensus seems to be that the Thai government is doing an admirable job of providing relief.Food does seem to be getting delivered and temporary housing is being set up as the cleanup continues.The total death toll now tops 5,300.The papers have stopped reporting numbers of missing, but a couple days ago there were still several thousand unaccounted for.Of course, these numbers are just for Thailand.Indonesia and Sri Lanka were affected much more heavily than Thailand with the total number killed over 150,000.But even in Thailand it is grueling work to sift through the wreckage to reclaim the bodies of the victims and it is taking an emotional toll on even those used to dealing with death.A telling newspaper photo showed the national coroner breaking down while speaking with the prime minister.

In addition to the government response, the rest of the world is now learning what those of us living here have long known about the giving nature of the Thai people.European survivors are being very complimentary to the Thais, as they give of themselves to help foreign victims and their families despite their own losses.Another telling newspaper photo showed a European woman calling her family on the telephone with a Thai person wiping the tears away.I think that picture is symbolic of the response many Thais have provided.A letter to the editor in the paper today said that while Thais may not be rich with material things, they are "rich in the heart".That is a compliment we might all aspire to.

The Baptist mission here in Thailand is not in a position to lead in any relief effort but can help facilitate the efforts of others, mainly the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT), our main local sponsor.As I wrote earlier, the CCT sent teams to the south shortly after the waves hit.In coordination with local authorities, they have now selected a village where they will concentrate their efforts.This village has around 100 homes.It is a fishing village, so not only will the homes need re-built, but the boats as well.The CCT will also provide counseling and vocational training as it is likely that not everyone will return to fishing.The village is not Christian and is composed of two non-Thai ethnic groups.It is anticipated they will need to provide assistance for at least a year but perhaps this can lead to a new long-term relationship as people get to know each other.At least initially, a budget of 3 million Baht is needed but this may grow as time goes on and other needs emerge.

The Urban Transformation Center, a program led by Jeff Dieselberg sent a team to the damaged area as well.They have indicated that future assistance to them will likewise, be directed to the CCT relief effort.They were recently told though, that the 100 families they had contact with while being supplied with housing and food had nothing to cook the food with.So they are looking to meet this need.A basic set of cooking utensils, gas tank and burner would cost around $62 each.

Other Baptist missionaries have given blood, have sent financial assistance and participated in relief work.Projects, programs and churches are trying to coordinate and work and share information together so that efforts can do the most good.

International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches will be contributing to the relief work of the Urban Transformation Center and the Church of Christ in Thailand.These contributions will come from funds contributed to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.Funds from this offering will also be directed to Baptist World Aid and Church World Service as well as helping local partners in India and other affected areas.This is perhaps the best way to contribute to relief efforts since the funds can be directed to the most needy areas.If you would like to make a contribution it could be sent to:One Great Hour of Sharing, International Ministries, PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA19482-0851.Mark your gift "Asian Tsunami Tragedy".

We are getting some e-mails with offers of people willing to come as volunteers.At present, there is limited capacity for volunteers but this may change.I will pass on any specific needs we come across.The recovery for this will take months and years and I am sure needs will be made known in time.

Above all, please keep praying for the survivors and families of victims.The waves hit some troubled areas of the world so maybe this tragedy could bring people together and bring peace.

Blessings,

Duane & Marcia