ACEHNESE PEOPLE

TSUNAMI UPDATE SEPTEMBER 19,2005

On Dec 26 th, our eyes were turned toward Southeast Asia with the world's worst earthquake in 40 years occurring off the west coast of Indonesia's Island of Sumatra. We have watched with sorrow as the death tolls from the earthquake and resulting Tsunami have now been climbing over 114,000 in Indonesia alone. At least 130,000 counted missing and another 400,000 have been displaced and homeless. And although there has no outbreak of diseases, the risk still remains. Nearly 800,000 people need water, food and supplies. (www.imcworldwide.org accessed February 9, 2005)

Many of Southeast Asia's Muslims are viewing this natural disaster as an act of God. Some think it's God's judgment, others don't know. "How can I know the reasons for it? It is the power of God" states the woman from Banda Aceh, in the article to the left.

The Acehnese people who live on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra in the province of Aceh have suffered the greatest loss of life and devastation in all of Indonesia. They are also considered the most zealous of Muslims in Indonesia, having traditionally opposed other religions with violence. Yet they are left hurting and broken from the disaster, and some of the Acehnese have felt deeply touched by foreign help.

Could this be a start of God's work among the Acehnese of Indonesia? Pray the God would work among the Acehnese during this time to open their hearts to Him.