February 10, 2002
Posted February 15, 2002

In the past three weeks Jakarta, Indonesia has been hit with the worst floods for decades. As recently as 4 days ago, the water level was over 5 feet high. While the water level is receding - today it is just over 3 feet high - the crisis in the city remains acute. Crops in the surrounding island of Java have been destroyed. Last week the government feared that the city had only two weeks supply of basic food stocks left. Over four hundred thousand (400,000) have been hospitalized with injuries as well as water-borne diseases. God has lovingly and powerfully protected the 1,700 disciples of the Jakarta church. None have lost their lives (though one disciple lost his grandmother because of the flooding). Nevertheless, our brothers and sisters have not been spared from suffering. About two hundred and fifty (250) disciples and their families have been evacuated from their homes, as a result of severe flooding. Another fifty (50) or so - again with their families - remain in their homes, but with nothing dry to sleep on. Five (5) homes of disciples have been completely wiped out and will need to be rebuilt from scratch. Furthermore, owing to the damage done to industry, many disciples have lost their means of earning a living. Presently we estimate that over one hundred (100) disciples will need assistance for perhaps six months or so, till they can get back on their feet financially. Finally, several disciples have contracted diarrhea, dysentery and possibly other water-borne infections. Disease is likely to affect the city for weeks, perhaps even months to come. Monday, February 11th representatives of HOPE worldwide and the Singapore church will be airlifting forty (40) boxes of food, clothing and pharmaceuticals to Jakarta. These are donations from the members of the church and their friends and family. Singapore Airlines has agreed to transport the goods for free and officials at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore have cleared the necessary paperwork. This first relief effort will be directed primarily towards the needy in the church. A second relief mission is likely to follow soon. We are making the appeal that, on Sunday February 17th (next Sunday), members of the ACR churches come prepared to give a one-time double poor contribution. The additional amount collected will go towards flood relief work in Jakarta, Indonesia. We are thankful to be a part of a world wide brotherhood that practices the biblical command to bear one another's burdens. We are grateful in advance for the outpouring of love that you in the ACR are well known for. Related Article: Indonesia flood toll reaches 142 (CNN, 2/7/02)