Chella Durai from Sirkazi - an area greatly damaged by the tsunami. His church building was completely destroyed, and many families were left homeless. He writes:

"Every week we are evangelizing, and we reach between 50 and 300 people. One particular meeting was attended by approximately 3000 people. A Hindu, who couldn't walk, was healed, and a woman, who had suffered for 18 months because of evil spirits were delivered through prayer."

From two churches where Allan K. Hansen helped open new church buildings in January 2004: Yavaraj in the city of Alangudi writes that seven have been saved over September and October, and that the church now counts 73 members besides the children.

Stephen Devakumar tells that in the village Pachoor, where the work commenced in connection with the building opening in January 2004, 50 people gather every Sunday.

After the tsunami catastrophe:
Letters from Stephen Devakumar

Most of the church buildings along the coast line were completely destroyed. In the Cuddallore and Thanjavur districts most of the buildings were affected, and many lost their children and their possessions, and became homeless. A Christian church close to Chennai (Madras) was totally destroyed during the service Sunday afternoon, and 44 people were killed.

The catastrophe came as a complete surprise to people in this area. They had never even heard of a tsunami (tidal wave caused by an earthquake).

In the beginning of January we distributed relief aids to 35 families in the northern Madras. There were fishermen who had lost their boats and nets. Most were Christians, but there were also Hindus who received help. I gave a sermon on the subject "David delivered them all", and we encouraged the Hindus to visit the church again.

Tell your church about this, pray for the victims, and do your best for the people involved.

I have personally visited the areas 3 days in January and again in the beginning of February. At a place along the coast, called Sirkali, we distributed detergents, soap, plates, rice, and clothing, along with other necessities. Additionally, we purchased construction materials for 10.000$ and bicycles for a few of the pastors. They displayed great gratitude over this material help. It has been estimated that more than 150.000 fisher families have been affected by this catastrophe.

Please pray for us when we bring material and spiritual help to those, who suffer from the aftermaths from the tsunami. Let the Lord lead you concerning how you may help build (and rebuild) His kingdom. You may be sure that your means will be well-applied, and that the help is distributed under our supervision.