MISSIONS NEWS AND RESOURCES

Chile Earthquake Relief

The nation of Chile was struck by a powerful 8.8 earthquake early Saturday morning, February 27, 2010. The quake has been followed by hundreds of aftershocks, measuring up to 6.9. The devastation is widespread, including severe damage by a tsunami that hit the coastal regions of Chile shortly after the quake. The city of Concepcion, Chile’s second largest city, has been heavily damaged, while Santiago, the nation’s capital, also experienced significant destruction. Two million people may have been affected and 500,000 homes severely damaged. Seven hundred are known dead with the count expected to rise as access to more remote areas is achieved. Shelter, food, water, and medical supplies are needed immediately.
 
Many international aid agencies, both public and private, are responding to Chile’s needs. Reports of the work being done by agencies are available on their websites.

In addition to prayer, funds are needed to provide food, shelter, and medical care. You may send your support directly to TM using Line E2 (Disaster Relief) on the Financial Support Form. We will forward all receipts to a partner agency that will effectively use these funds. As an alternative, you may send your support to:

• International Ministries World Relief Office (OGHS): www.internationalministries.org or www.abc-oghs.org  Mailing address is OGHS, PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482
• Samaritan’s Purse: www.Samaritanspurse.org Mailing address: PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607
• World Vision: www.worldvision.org Mailing address: PO Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063
• Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org Mailing address: PO Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22313

Haiti Update

Recovery work continues in Haiti, even though the stories of amazing rescues have ceased. The hard work of rebuilding a city, its communities, and society remains. It will take years and lots of work to rebuild what was destroyed in seconds. Care for the wounded, concern for clean water and safe food, and providing housing for hundreds of thousands living in the streets is still the first concern of the Haitian government and the aid workers serving the quake victims.

Transformation Ministries churches and individuals have donated $25,150.96 to the rescue, relief and recovery effort through the TM Development Office. These funds have been sent to World Relief, the relief and development arm of the National Association of Evangelicals. World Relief is working with churches and pastors in Port au Prince to bring food, water, and medical care to thousands.  There are several excellent reports on the website that will encourage you. Samaritan’s Purse also has plenty of news updates on the work they are doing in Haiti.

We have been asked about volunteer groups that want to travel to Haiti to help in the rebuilding process. No agencies are currently accepting volunteers, as the relief and recovery work is still intense. Once the situation is more stable, opportunities to serve will be available through many agencies, including International Ministries (IM), Samaritan’s Purse, and possibly World Relief and the Salvation Army.

Thank you for your love and concern for the people of Haiti. Please continue to pray and give to help those who have lost the few possessions they have, as well as their ability to provide for their families.

Pastors Emergency Assistance Offering

The Pastors Emergency Assistance Offering continues to meet the needs of pastors who have experienced financial stress through illness, accidents, loss, and other unplanned circumstances.  In 2009, ten pastors and their families were aided by this fund with grants totaling over $20,000. 

The generous support of Transformation Ministries churches empowers us to say "Yes!" when a pastor's family experiences an extraordinary need.  Thank you for caring about our brothers and sisters.

 Pieter & Nora Kalkman in Southern California

 
We are delighted to have Pieter and Nora Kalkman, International Ministries missionaries serving in Europe, and their daughter, Norita, back in Southern California for a year of US assignment.  They will be living at Atherton Baptist Homes in Alhambra, CA.

Their time in Southern California will be used to share with churches  about God’s work in Europe and the Middle East and of opportunities for us to participate in that work.  You may contact them at 626.289.4178, ext. 445 or at 626.592.3055.