March 28, 2006

Rebuilding Vannativu, Sri Lanka

Sister Deepa watches as Apostle Kirkpatrick cuts the ribbon to her newly constructed home.

Vannativu, Sri Lanka, is home to many grateful people, thanks in part to generous contributions from Community of Christ members and friends. The infrastructure had to be started from scratch after the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami wiped out the original village. However, the people who truly make it a community have taken up the challenge of rebuilding their relocated village with hope and smiles. Church donations for tsunami survivors were key in getting things started for the people of Vannativu.

Funds allocated in 2005 helped reestablish the village in its new location farther from the coastline. An additional $21,300US Oblation dollars sent in March will support completion of Vannativu’s rebuilding. South Central Asia Mission Center president Ron Smith said, “This has been an exciting project, and is one that is deeply meaningful in the lives of the people of Vannativu.”

Sri Lanka church leader Henry De Silva reported that several homes are already completed and the final phase will be done very soon. The latest Oblation disbursement will provide the capital to finish houses, complete roads, and make electrical connections. It will also supply a concrete machine, needed for creating the homes’ foundations to meet post-tsunami government regulations.

Two boats will be purchased from these moneys to help with a return to fishing, which is the livelihood of many residents. Another portion will support a program for a group of children who wished to return to school, but found that none were available to accept them after the storms. The church building now hosts classes for more than 20 students with three teachers. Henry said, “We started with teaching English and now have more subjects.”

Ron explained that support from members and friends throughout the world has offered a positive message of hope and caring for the people of Vannativu. He said, “We have been able to make a major impact in the lives of the whole village, and there are many people in the surrounding areas—and with the local government—who are aware of who we are and what we have done.”

The children of Vannativu send an expression of thanks to the worldwide Community of Christ.

The success of Vannativu has pumped new energy and enthusiasm into the church in Sri Lanka. During a visit to the village in January, Apostle Jac Kirkpatrick shared in meetings with as many as 140 participants, witnessed nearly 20 baptisms, and enjoyed the well organized youth group of about 30 young people. Kirkpatrick pointed out that “this is really the story of any of us who prayed for the victims of the tsunami and contributed towards the rebuilding. The generosity of the Community Christ worldwide has helped to turn their tears into smiles. The proof is in their faces.”

—Kendra Friend reporting
photos by Apostle Jac Kirkpatrick

Contributions can be made to the Community of Christ Oblation Fund using Mission Tithes offering envelopes or contribute online now.

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