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Messages to CWS for the people of the U.S.

In the midst of the widespread loss of the last few days, we have received many messages of prayers and support from overseas partners for the people affected by Katrina.

Below are several of the messages we have received. Many people walk with us in this time of loss and need.

From Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), in India

Dear Rev. McCullough,

Greetings from CASA.

We appreciate the information you have shared with us about the terrible effects of the Hurricane Katrina has placed such a burden on the people of Louisiana in general, and the city of New Orleans in particular. We had been following it through news reports in the electronic and print media. We are very saddened by the devastation and loss of life. Our prayers are with the people of the area and with all humanitarian aid workers as they respond to this tragedy with different relief measures.

Human generosity and concern is once again on test, as millions wait for generous assistance from the global community, transcending all natural and artificial barriers. I want to write to express our solidarity with CWS and send our good wishes as you respond to the needs of the people. May the Almighty bless your efforts.

With kind regards,

Sincerely yours,


Sushant Agrawal
Director, CASA

From World Student Christian Federation

Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I would like to express our deep sympathy with the displaced people and our condolences for the departed ones. It has been a great shock to us to see all this devastation caused by the hurricane.

I am sorry for being late in sending this message because I was in Aleppo Syria for our Leadership training seminar on "Fundamentalism verses Tolerance" and I did not have a proper access to internet. If there is anything we can do for you as a sign of fellowship and solidarity please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours in Christ

Elias El Halabi
World Student Christian Federation
Middle East Regional Secretary

From Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, in Egypt (CEOSS)

Dear Friends in Christ,

Images of the destruction from Hurricane Katrina carried by the media here are absolutely unbelievable. And the impact of the subsequent flooding in New Orleans is just horrible. The idea of thousands and thousands of American refugees- without homes, without clothing, without means of transportation, without communication, separated from other family members-- is almost beyond comprehension. It certainly drives home the point that man, despite all his power and technology and tools, is still very small against the awesome power of nature.

It is a relief to see that rescue operations at the needed size and impact are now underway. Please be assured of my prayers for you as well as for the refugees and for the whole nation as it struggles to support and care for its people and to clean-up and rebuild its cities and homes

We at CEOSS stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the US through our prayers and words of support. We pray that you and your beloved ones are safe and we pray as well for those who are affected so that the Lord May comfort their soul and help them pass this tragic situation smoothly.

God Bless You,

Nabil S. Abadir
Director General/ CEOSS

From FinnChurchAid

Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Dear Colleagues,

During this difficult time following the disastrous Hurricane Katrina, we would like to express to you our support and solidarity. We share your pain, and we join you in prayer.

With great admiration we have witnessed the hard task that you have undertaken to help the victims of this catastrophe. As colleagues in the ACT family, we are truly grateful for the work in which you are engaged. Indeed, we are proud that you have managed to launch a massive and professional relief programme in such a short time.

In this tenth anniversary year of ACT, you are putting into practice one of its noble goals: local relief is fast and efficient. Your role in the relief efforts is a reminder to us of the importance of disaster preparedness, especially in risk areas. Within the ACT family, we must try to continue our common training programmes for disaster preparedness.

For the time being, we are confident that the American public will be generous in supporting your programmes. Please do not hesitate, however, to turn to the ACT family, if there is anything we can do together to support you in your challenging tasks.

“…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Mat. 25:35-36

Yours sincerely,

Antti Pentikäinen, Director

Leo Siliämaa, Deputy Director

From the Senegalese Association for Research, Study, and Aid for Development (ASREAD)

We are very sorry about what is happening now in the U.S. with the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

We are praying that the affected people will live a normal life very soon.

Please accept our condolences for those who have lost their lives.

Best regards,

Makhona Mbaye
ASREAD Executive Secretary
Senegal

From the Vietnam-USA Society

With deep concern and great sadness, we have followed the terrible news about Hurricane Katrina and the storm’s aftermath in the southern parts of the United States, especially the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, which have caused huge losses of human life and vast property damage to the people of that region.

We at the Vietnam-USA Society wish to convey to you, and through you to the American families and individuals who are enduring these losses, our deepest sympathy. We believe that strong community spirit and courage will help the American people to overcome and recover from the aftermath caused by Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters America has faced in its history.

Yours in solidarity,
The Vietnam-USA Society

Exerpt from a message from YEU--a CWS partner in Indonesia

I believe that people in New Orleans--victims of Katrina--must have been also been supportive of the Victims of the Tsunami in Aceh--through many kinds of support.  If we could rapidly provide help to Aceh and Nias, we are also eager to help the victims of Katrina to release some of their burden. We don't have funds, but we do wish to serve you in this time of need. We want to express the deepest solidarity and prayer for all of you and are looking for any chance to be able to help you with all the strength we have.

Our best wishes and prayers for the survivors of Katrina and for all the humanitarian workers who serve there. May God bless and help us cross.

In solidarity,
Sigit Wijayanta
Executive Director of Yakkum on behalf of Yakkum and all humanitarian workers of YEU

On behalf of Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI)

On behalf of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and its member churches we hereby express our heartfelt condolences with the profound grieve and sorrow on the demise of about thousand victims through the Hurricane Katrina, which struck the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi several days ago.

We hope that relief and rescue efforts will be successful in helping the survivors and we pray to the Almighty God to grant strength and fortitude to the bereaved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with the survivors, who suffered the loss of their loved ones.

Sincerely yours,

Rev. Dr. Richard M. Daulay
General Secretary

From the Presbyterian Church in Canada

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we, in The Presbyterian Church in Canada, want to assure you of our concern, prayers and sympathy as you engage in the greatest humanitarian relief effort to confront your nation. The people in the Gulf of Mexico States have our particular concern and compassion. We have been presented with media images that challenge, perplex and concern us. Many of our members have contacted our national office to inquire what they can do to help. Please know that we stand prepared to assist you if you believe there is a need that we can fulfill.

The power of nature, the force of water and wind, and the nature of humanity, once again remind us of the frailty of humanity, and the need to stand together in the midst of adversity. We are reminded that God is with us through all adversity. Your present challenge is before all of us, and we wish you to know that you and the people so adversely affected by this disaster, are held in mind, heart and prayer at this crucial time.

Yours sincerely,

(The Reverend Dr) Richard W Fee
General Secretary, Life and Mission Agency
And Acting Director, Presbyterian World Service and Development
Presbyterian Church in Canada

From Action by Churches Together International

Our hearts are heavy as we see on our news here in Geneva the scenes of devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We know that you are all under incredible pressure to respond to the needs of the enormous numbers of homeless people, and we hope that you feel the solidarity and support of ACT members around the world. You have responded so many times in solidarity with survivors of disasters in other regions, and we want to assure you that you are in our hearts and prayers today and in the months ahead.

Again, please know that members of this alliance have expressed their solidarity with you in these times. You as the U.S.-based members have been supportive of disaster responses around the world through ACT, and now, after a huge disaster has hit your own country, our hearts and prayers go out to you. God be with you.

Regards,

The Rev. White Rakuba
Director, Coordinating Office
Action by Churches Together International

From the Cuban Council of Churches

Dear brothers and sisters:

We have followed the news related to the hurricane Katrina and have known the destruction caused in your country. We are deeply sorry for the affected people, especially for the human loss. You receive our prayers for a soon recovery and God blessings for all the congregations.

“Do not be afraid - I am with you! I am your God - let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you”.

Isaiah 41:10

Many blessings in Christ!

Lic. Rhode González Zorrilla
Presidenta
Consejo de Iglesias de Cuba

From CWS Indonesia Office

Hereby, on the behalf of CWS Indonesia Office, we would like to express our deepest sympathy upon the terrible hurricane Katrina, which caused an extensive damage in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Allow us to address our sincere condolence to all the victims and for the great loss. Furthermore, we would be very delighted if there is any assistance we could provide from our side.

Best regards,
Ruri
Office Manager/Assistant to the Country Director
CWS Indonesia

From the Christian Conference of Asia

We are sad to know about the extensive damage caused by the hurricane Katrina on Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

We are shocked to hear the deaths and the destruction of the property by the hurricane.

Our heart and prayers are with those, who have lost their family members and friends, and valuable possessions.

We express our solidarity to those who are managing to survive under the current trying situation.

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy over the death and destruction caused by strong storms ever to hit the US Gulf Coast.

We pray to God to give the Gulf Coast communities strength and courage to deal with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Prawate Khid-arn
General Secretary, Christian Conference of Asia

From Association for Peace and Solidarity in Burkina Faso

On behalf of the organisation APS, let us offer you our sympathy regarding all the damages caused by the storm named "Kathrina." We are in full compassion with all those who have been affected by this natural phenomenon. We wish you a lot of courage and remain hopeful towards God the only one who can relieve. So, we join our prayers to yours so that all those who have been affected can get satisfaction from the Most High.

Thanks
Keivin H. OUEDRAOGO
Président - Association for Peace and Solidarity

From Damaris Albuquerque, CEPAD-Nicaragua

Please know that we at CEPAD have been praying and following with interest the news about the hurricane Katrina. We Nicaraguans identify very easily with the victims of natural disasters, as we have a lot of history of that. We also are grateful and pray for CWS work and aid in times like these.

Damaris

From Elsa Moreno, ACT-Geneva

Many greetings in Geneva. We have been following the terrible events in the south of the U.S.... I would like to express our deep concern with the situation.... our prayers are with you.

Best regards,
Elsa

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