Overseer of Sri Lanka Gives Flood Update
Sri Lanka recently experienced immense flooding from a heavy southwest monsoon that began mid-May 2017. The situation worsened at the arrival of the precursor system to Cyclone Mora, causing more flooding and landslides. The floods affected 15 districts, killed at least 208 people and left an additional 78 people unaccounted for … 698,289 people were affected, with 11,056 homes partially damaged and another 2,093 completely destroyed.
The Church of God overseer in Sri Lanka, Premadasa Ginigalgoda, relayed this message:
“Even we were not fully prepared for the extent of damage caused by the rising water levels. We thought it would be a straightforward case of taking a boat, visiting our children’s home, and other believers affected in the area, helping them with basic supplies, and coming back.
“When we arrived, we were shocked—it was like a mini-tsunami! The water levels kept rising by the hour; there were only two boats for which crowds of people were squabbling! Children were bitten by frightened animals, a few-weeks-old babies were seriously ill due to exposure to bad weather and impure water, pregnant mothers who were chilled and sick, also with no water to drink, and so forth.
“The kids in our children’s home were safe, even with all the power off. Dark gloominess from the storms filled the skies, but the Lord kept every one of them safe, free from all sickness and disease. Praise His name!
“As water levels rose to 10 feet or more, there was the danger of serpents clinging to debris, trying to crawl to higher ground, but thanks to the prayers of God’s people, we all remained safe.
“We also want to say a very special thank you to all who prayed. That morning, we were desperately in need of help, not knowing what to do, but we had many Army personnel with three BTR’s, under a direct order from the Commander of the SL Army, to escort us safely to the children’s home and back. As a result, the people in the area were blessed as Army personnel also helped in rescue operations.
“It is your prayers that made the difference … indeed a miracle!
“The boat that assistants Ranga and Chulanka traveled in hit so much hidden debris underwater that the propeller broke and the boat almost overturned. Once again, it is prayer that brought them back safely; there were several lives lost in this area due to the same circumstances.
“As you continued to join us in prayer, more things happened. A friend of Ranga and Naomi’s came to help clean more than 100 wells in the area. Because of that, the spreading of diseases has been almost nothing. Ranga and a few church men went to help. The antagonistic people who hitherto threatened the children’s home because we were Christians, were also helped. The Lord showed His grace and forgiving love through them, and today we believe their attitudes are totally changed!
“Thank you, John and Amendra—thank you so much for being so prompt to share the need here and especially thank you to Bishop Ronnie Hepperly, our superintendent, whose fervent heart of prayer and support for us has made such a difference.
“Thank you to all who prayed and to all who gave. We pray your investment will bring you rich returns in the kingdom! God bless you!”
Those who desire to assist with flooding relief in Sri Lanka, please give to Church of God World Missions Disaster Relief Project 765-0036.
(Source: Church of God World Missions)
