A DEADLY WAVE TURNS A TRAGEDY INTO A WAVE OF OPPORTUNITY

As we watched numbed with shock, the unfolding reality of the situation jolted us into action. Something had to be done. There was no time to lose. The immediate needs of the affected people had to be met. A quick survey was made and we set out to help, taking with us clothes, bread, blankets, milk powder and medicines. A supply of rice, dhal, utensils, plastic buckets, pots, plates, glasses etc was also taken and distributed to the people who had not yet recovered from the shock of what had struck them.

Desperate appeals were made to our friends and partners to pray for these people whose lives had been completely shattered, seeking their support so we could do something to help re-build their shattered world. 

YOU GAVE, OF YOUR TIME, YOUR GIFTS AND YOUR HEART. PRAISE GOD!

Little by little, our relief efforts began to evolve into a long term plan. A survey of about 15 villages led us to identify 5 of them near Chennai city as our area of operation. We evaluated the extent of the damage, the actual number of people and families affected in these villages and gathered information about them. The villages where we are now working include New Kalpakkam, Nemilikuppam, Ven Purusham, Kokalamedu and Oyyalikuppam. 

Since all the people in the affected areas were in great need of immediate assistance, our first provision for immediate relief was by putting together a Start-up Kit containing some rice, dhal, sarees, dhoties, plates, tumblers, pots, pans and buckets. Care was taken so that we did not just dump the supplies on the villagers but we took the time to meet with the families and give them these kits along with some basic medical help.