Where are things at in flood relief?

You may be wondering how things are going in the flood relief efforts here. We have seen an outpouring of generosity that has been funneled through CAMA Services. The efforts on the ground here have been quite fruitful. Often, the big organizations related to the U.N. and other large organizations, are very good to get aid on the ground in the immediate days following a crisis. But that aid doesn't last and often, after the media stops reporting the situation on the ground, they pull out and the people can be left with an ongoing crisis.

The government has done a pretty decent job of collecting food and material that can be used in the various sites to help care for the people.

There are sites that slip through the cracks and there are people who slip through the cracks. That is where much of our effort has taken place. As a result, there has been great appreciation shown and the government has recognized those efforts.

One official stated that they wished every NGO would work like our organization has done. We have been respectful of the government, while finding ways to meet real needs.

At the end of November, the government is going to be moving people out of the tent camps and trying to get them back into homes. There will be some houses built for some. Our plan, at that time will be to provide every family we can, as they leave, a bag of rice, some oil, and basic condiments as something to accompany them to their place of residence, wherever that may be. We also hope to provide each family with a portion of scripture, as a statement that we are doing this because of His love. We will also be trying to help provide some basic building material for those who have the right to build.

We are grateful for ACCEDES, which is the relief and development branch of the national C&MA church here, as they have provided the channel through which most of this effort has been funneled.

We appreciate all of those who have contributed to this effort, as it is a means of sharing the love of Christ with those who are in need. That is, I believe, what Christ would have us do.