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The Prayer House
The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004 resulted in an estimated death toll of 300,000 people. Those who survived were left trapped in the wreckage of their homes and needing practical support. Water, food, clothing, medical supplies and temporary shelter were provided by The Salvation Army.
As Indonesia was the hardest-hit by the tsunami, emergency disaster workers and volunteers worked hard to deliver relief supplies in this region while counselling bereaved people with pastoral support and professional psychological counselling.
After the tsunami, four initiatives have been started in Indonesia to help restore the quality of life. A brief description of each initiative follows:
1. Nutrition programme for mothers and their children
Women who lost their husbands in the tsunami were left with their children to care for. However it was almost impossible to provide nutritious food for their children; many babies and children were under normal weight. Now, nutritious foods are provided in an attempt to return health to babies, children and pregnant/nursing women.
2. Mobile children's library
Children lost their educational opportunities as schools were demolished and learning activities were suspended. A mobile library now brings educational programmes and books to school-age children, and has significantly reduced the number of illiterate children.
3. Women's literacy programme
Illiterate women were dependent on others to help them read and write documents. Poor literacy skills left them unable to earn income to support their families. Through the literacy programme, basic reading and writing skills are taught, enabling women to manage their own businesses.
4. Mobile Health Clinic
Medical care is given to pregnant women and newborn babies. Any medical problems are detected early as women receive proper medical examinations. Pre-natal and post-natal care helps mothers learn how to look after themselves and their newborn babies.
Pray For
- Continued funding for initiatives
- The quality of life, that it will continue to be raised through teaching and training classes
- The staff and volunteers, that their caring actions will attract people to Christ
- The community members to be responsive as they receive practical and spiritual care
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