After the tsunami ELCA missionary to Indonesia shares her view Current location: Salatiga, Java, Indonesia Home congregation: Gloria Dei, Iowa City, Iowa and Gloria Dei, St. Paul, Minn. My perspective: Java was shielded from disaster by Sumatra, which took the brunt of the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami. Aceh in north Sumatra was leveled. Aceh is the only Indonesian province under sharia or strict Muslim law. Indonesians recognize Aceh's people as a proud group that struggled for independence from the Dutch and more recently from Indonesia. Aceh is isolated from the world by Indonesia's attempt to control separatist rebels, hampering communication and relief efforts. The media here have shown graphic, heartbreaking scenes of tragedy. Indonesians of all faiths ask why this happened. Most feel the disaster holds meaning but differ as to what that is. A Muslim friend said, "I'm so angry, but I don't know who to be angry at." Many locals link the disaster to sin or see it as a curse or warning from God (see page 8). Some see it as a sign of the world's end. Others see it as a wake-up call to always remember God Almighty. No matter how we see it, this catastrophe reminds us we are all equal when it comes to the power of nature. How you can help: Millions lack clean drinking water, medical care and adequate shelter. The need for counselors is overwhelming. Many Indonesian organizations are raising relief funds for Aceh. This includes Satya Wacana Christian University where Daniel teaches economics and directs the graduate school, and I teach Christian ethics, translation and writing, and facilitate library development. People driving by campus roll down car windows to contribute to our effort. Local churches have directed Sunday collections to Aceh as well. In Aceh, ELCA partner Action by Churches Together is providing aid through its members Yayasan Tanggul Benkana, Yakkum Emergency Unit/CD Bethesda and Church World Service. We urge you to give to the ELCA International Disaster Response (see page 12), which sends 100 percent of gifts to relief efforts in South and Southeast Asia. You are a source of strength in a time of great stress. |
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