Photos by Reuters/Aly Song
China (MNN) ― China continues its massive relief effort, but planning has begun for mid-term crisis response.
Rebuilding the infrastructure will require careful engineering. The Chinese government estimates the quake has affected at least ten million people. China readily acknowledges the need for help once the emergency phase is over.
International Aid's Myles Fish says, "We have been asked again to provide medical equipment. The China Medical Foundation has approached us as a result of relationships that we began to build there a year ago."
Fish says their response hinges on funding, which could be threatened by crisis fatigue. "Oftentimes the support that we receive is a function of how long a story stays in the press. When you have big news items like the election pushing disasters off the front page, when you have two disasters at the same time, it definitely has an impact."
With the extensive coverage of the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, followed by the tragedy of China's earthquake tolls, people often develop a resistance to these images or stories. As the impact of these messages lessens, their willingness to give to causes reduces.
Even so, the needs have not gone away, and the effort remains at a critical stage. Fish says it's the perfect opportunity to exemplify the Gospel. "We are engaged in what we do for reasons that are deeper than just the popular press. This is a kingdom issue. These people are made in the image of God, and they have value. We have the opportunity to assist them, and we're very hopeful that people of the faith are going to step forward."
