Tsunami Mercy Meals
On Boxing Day 2004, the coastal region and islands in Andhra Pradesh, S E India were devastated by the tsunami, yet received no publicity and no practical help from their government or international aid agencies bar one bag of rice per family. That is all! The fishing communities lost their boats, nets and livelihoods. They are the so-called ‘untouchables’ or dalits at the bottom of the pecking order.
In August 2005 I went to see for myself and to provide a mercy meal and a medical camp for the people of two islands – Yesupuram and Nachugunta, in conjunction with Harvest India. Through the generosity of contacts, friends and friends of friends I was able to take sufficient money to provide a hearty meal and medicines for more than 2,000 people. In addition I was able to present sufficient money for rehabilitation loans to 60 fishermen to enable them to repair their boats and nets and thus to begin supporting their families again.
Just getting to these communities involved long boat journeys that were not particularly comfortable. The village people waded out to meet us and help us onto the shore. It was very distressing to see the destruction and poverty and yet the dignity and welcome of these dear people was amazing. I went with a ministry team of pastors, doctors, nurses and other helpers.
We walked to the village centre to see trestle tables set out and steaming vats of rice and curry already cooking. Banana leaves for plates were set out and the first sitting gathered. I shared the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with loaves and fishes and then helped to serve the people. That first day we fed over 800 people. We also ate with them – that was important. People streamed in all afternoon to take their turn. On the second island we fed 1300 folk.