As
much as it is a privilege to serve and help so many, the news that
death tolls are now projected at over 400,000 is even more overwhelming.You'll
see from below that we are making progress, even in the midst of some
set-backs. THANKS to all staff, donors, and prayer partners for your
blood, sweat, tears and love for these strangers. Joel
- Gary and Andrea just called. They are back in
Bangkok , after being hosted by Governor of Phuket over the last
24 hours. His report is - “ You can't be knee deep in bodies
without being affected .” Gary reports volunteers and even
official teams standing around with nothing to do. The Thai people
are well organized and doing fine. The Governor reports at this
time NO COMMODITIES are needed, even water purification. Gary
and Andrea are delaying their arriving in Sri Lanka by two days,
and now intend to reach Hong Kong for debriefing, around 9 January
(changed from 7 Jan).
- I have had commitments this morning for three
containers of hygiene supplies, several containers of soap and
a special container for the Maldives , which is being by-passed
for urgent needs elsewhere.
- I did an interview on National Public Radio this
morning. The media is helpful, especially when they get it both
“complete” and “right”. Last night in San Diego someone reported
(not from us) that baby food was needed. Kristy secured three
40-foot containers of baby food this morning.
- Alex reports that UK office has solid flow of
soap for personal hygiene, thanks to Glasgow the Caring City .
Ongoing shipments, still to be designated.
- Our airfreight to Bangkok is delayed 1-2 weeks.
We are ready to fly, but the airline can NOT get landing clearance
in Thailand , so many planes are coming from around the world.
- People call and ask,. “How soon will money get
overseas?” The gentle correction is “ How soon will my money
be deployed ”? We have been virtually spending all incoming
cash for supplies, shipping costs or wiring overseas. That will
slow down as we move into sustained relief and recovery. We can't
just “blindly send money”; everything needs to be for a specific
purpose, and accountable to our standards.
- People ask, “How much (percent) of my money gets
used for relief?” Our answer can only be “We fully expect to reach
our audit goal in the 96-97% range. So far, we are on target.”
- Our London and Bonn offices this morning approved
$25,000 USD for logistical support in North Sumatra (vehicles,
office equipment for their flooded building, food and medicines).
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