ACT members mark second year of tsunami response For close on two years, members of the global alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International have been supporting communities in rebuilding their lives after the tsunami of December 26, 2004.
ACT Fact Sheet - Second Year of Tsunami Response [PDF]
In India, Indonesia, Somalia and Sri Lanka, the members have worked tirelessly-but never alone. Their efforts have all been mirrored in the efforts of the communities that themselves have taken on the task, with the support of the humanitarian community, to rebuild their lives.
This summary account of the ACT members' response is therefore only a part of the overall picture of recovery and reconstruction in response to the disaster. The numbers cannot, and never will, tell the full story of the often overwhelming odds that communities have tackled head-on, the personal tragedies hundreds of thousands of people have had to overcome, and the sheer determination and spirit with which people have taken on the task of slowly-day by day-rebuilding their lives.
In responding to the disaster, the size of which still defies belief two years later, the ACT members, all locally based except in the case of Somalia, with the support of international members of the alliance, have also met many challenges. Theirs too has been a story of resilience and determination.
They have walked alongside communities, even when other disasters struck, compounding the devastation wrought by the tsunami. They have assisted and reached out to people in compassion and service during times of disaster in the spirit of 1 Corinthians 3:9, working together as God's servants.
This summary is a tribute to the millions of people whose lives were changed forever on December 26, 2004, who have in so many instances welcomed the staff of the ACT members, have worked with them and have undertaken, together, the sometimes deeply painful journey of recovery.
John Nduna
Director, ACT International Coordinating Office
ACT Fact Sheet - Second Year of Tsunami Response [PDF]
ACT is a global alliance of churches, including the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide. Find out more about ACT here.
