Tsunami story from Phuket, Thailand

by Clair Rulison, Global Recordings Network, Chiangmai, Thailand

The disastrous tsunami that resulted from the earthquake of Sunday morning, Dec. 26, impacted the lives of Christians we know in Phuket, Thailand. Last September a group of GRN instructors and trainees went to Phuket to do research and recording among "sea gypsies" known as the Urak Lawoi. This group numbers about 10,000 people, approximately 100 of which are Christians. In the past they really were gypsies, traveling around the region on their boats in search of fish and sea products to use and sell. Now their movements are highly restricted, so they're no longer nomadic, but still practice fishing as their main occupation.

We spent two weeks with some of the Urak Lawoi' Christians, working together to determine what would be the most strategic material to be recorded. For now they felt it would be best to record the testimonies of a few believers. This would serve to strengthen the small band of existing believers and give them some interesting material to pass on to friends and relatives as a tool of evangelism. In the light of the recent tragedy, we hope that the true stories of God's care and provision which some Urak Lawoi' Christians shared will be especially meaningful to all who listen.

Pastor Allin, a key Urak Lawoi' Christian leader with whom we worked on the recordings, was used by the Lord to help save some lives on Sunday morning. His daughter played an important part, too. Pastor Allin oversees a small Urak Lawoi' church on the southern tip of Phuket in Rawai and also drives his motorbike 1/2 hour each Sunday to pastor a group of believers on Sireh Island just East of Phuket. Allin had not long been at Sireh when his daughter called to alert him that the water was rising fast. We don't know details of what she told him, but as a man of the sea, Allin knew that serious danger was approaching. He rushed to alert people of Sireh village and to help them escape. One believer, Etim, would never have escaped on his own since he is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a diving accident. Allin helped people to flee to high ground, from where they watched in shock as the massive waves swept over their village.

God protected the Christians of the two villages. None were killed as far as we know. Some have lost homes and, equally important, boats, which are the mainstay of the fishermen's occupation. About 10 boats were destroyed. Allin says that a new boat will cost about US$2,500, more than a year's salary for many of these people. But some of the damaged boats may be able to be repaired rather than having to be replaced.

Etim's house was pretty much swept away, like the homes of many others. The most immediate needs for food and temporary shelter are being provided by the government so far. When the first shock of the disaster dies away, it will be possible to give a better estimate of needs that will have to be covered by private assistance.

We've been asked to help notify people of needs and channel funds. We want to do this, in support of our brothers and sisters in Phuket. However, we aren't set up as a relief organization, so please understand that we might not be able to provide detailed reports of how funds were used, with pictures, etc. as some relief operations are able to do. We will see to it that funds get into the hands of trustworthy Christian workers such as Allin, who know how to use them wisely and we'll give a general report as we're able.

Your prayers will be a great help to the people, too. Please pray that God will use this huge trial to give the Christians a chance to shine before their families and friends. Pray that God will make them a comfort and a testimony to others. And ask the Lord to provide the needs of those who have suffered loss.