Indonesia (MNN) — The official death toll continues to climb as an 7.7 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami has hit Indonesia. The wave hit West Sumatra on Monday. More than 300 are dead and scores missing.
Vice President of International Ministries for HCJB Global Dave Pasechnik says they partner with a ministry that works in the region. "The ministry facilities have not been damaged. The equipment is intact. We heard that some people are missing. Other towns are totally flooded and washed away, with just a few people surviving. So it's quite devastating, and the death toll will probably rise even more."
Pasechnik says he doesn't know how many of their partners have been affected by the disaster. "Communications have been very scarce coming from there because of the tsunami. Most of the power is down."
According to reports, the quake struck in the Mentawai Islands area west of Sumatra, generating waves as high as 10 feet. 10 villages reportedly have also been swept away.
Pasechnik says this wasn't an unreached area of Indonesia. "They say somewhere between 70 and 80 percent of the population where the tsunami hit are believers."
HCJB helps Christian partners with discipleship efforts in the region. Pasechnik isn't sure what their next move will be. "If they ask for our help, we'll definitely be there to help them and have a team go in and do what we can."
HCJB partners have an orphan ministry and an outreach to help families stay together. "They all work in and try and help the whole community, not only in the Christian community — they help Hindus and Muslims. If they have problems with children and family, they have actually developed different programs to help in the community."
HCJB Global has just finished a Radio School of Mission in Bali, Indonesia last week. Pasechnik says a few of the members of that class were victims of the tsunami.
He says, "Our goal is to come along side the ministry and help them financially set up the ministry. We also help them with their infrastructure. We help them with their orphanage."
Pasechnik is asking you to pray for wisdom and protection for their partners. He's also asking for your financial support as HCJB Global continues to assist the needs of Christians throughout Indonesia.
