ABWE missionary counseling tsunami victims while on vacation

Asia (MNN) — The bad news has been wide-spread across the Asia Pacific. But, the Association of Baptist for World Evangelism says they have good news to share.

ABWE’s Kent Craig says they have 140 missionary personnel scattered among 11 nations in the Asia Pacific rim. “Although two of our couples were in the direct path of the tsunami that was triggered by the earthquake, all of our personnel are accounted for and all are safe as well as our national partners.”

Craig says God protected one of their missionary couples, vacationing in Phuket, Thailand, an area hard hit by the waves. The couple left for higher ground the day before, perfectly positioned to help in the disaster’s aftermath. “We’ve got reports back that he’s serving as a counselor to provide emotional support to victims. He’s met with several people that are in the hospital and being treated for their injuries,” says Craig. And, that’s when they’re able to share Christ.

ABWE supporters are already increasing funding to help their 140 missionaries working in the region. Funding for food, water, clothing, and medicine is the obvious need, but Craig says there are other needs. “We’ve also received preliminary reports from a few churches from national partners in the area that have been reporting damage to their facilities, so we’re that to the list of relief assistance as well.” And, those reports will only increase.

To help ABWE, go to their web site, http://www.ABWE.org.