Response to the Indian Ocean Disaster

A message from the Bishops of Lichfield, Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury to the churches of the Diocese of Lichfield: to be read out in all services on 2nd January 2005

A call to prayer and to generous giving
The scenes of devastation from the countries around the Indian Ocean have shocked us all. It is hard to comprehend the scale of the disaster that has wiped out whole communities, divided families, flattened towns and villages and injured hundreds of thousands of people. The breakdown of infrastructure has meant that many people still do not know if their relatives and friends have survived, it is hindering the delivery of aid and medical care and now threatens communities with disease.
We are closely in contact with the Diocese of West Malaysia, one of our companion dioceses. The West coast, and in particular the island of Penang, has been badly affected by the tsunami. It has been estimated that more than 4000 people have been left homeless, 68 people have been killed and another 180 people have been injured. The Bishop of West Malaysia has assured us that they do not need extra help but as a diocese they are raising money to help alleviate the suffering in Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
In response to this appalling tragedy we ask all the churches in the Diocese of Lichfield to make Sunday 2nd January a day of prayer and to take a special collection in order to provide practical help and relief.
 
We appeal to all people to be as generous as possible.
 
+Jonathan Lichfield, + Michael Wulfrun, +Alan Shrewsbury

 
Prayers
Almighty God,
Grant your help and comfort to those who are bereaved and injured and to those who are living in anxiety as they await news of friends
and family. In particular we bring before you orphans and those who have no family left. In the midst of their darkness, give them your light and sustain them with your presence and help.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen

We pray for all those involved in bringing aid and relief to the needy. We remember the doctors, nurses and paramedics and ask you to give them strength in the midst of their tiredness. We commit to you those who are recovering the bodies and burying the dead.
We pray for the engineers and all who are assisting in emergency work. Grant them wisdom and patience, energy and fortitude as they work for the common good. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ
Amen

Heavenly Father,
We bring before you those who have been made homeless and have lost their possessions as a result of this disaster.
Open our hearts to respond in generosity, that out of our plenty we may be able to make a real difference to those whose lives have been
devastated. Through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen

Donations
Donations may be made over the phone by calling the Disaster Emergency Committee on 0870 6060900 or online at www.disasters.org.uk. Alternatively donations may be sent directly to Christian Aid (Christian Aid, PO Box 100, London, SE1 7RT) or Tear Fund (Tear Fund, 100 Church Road, Teddington, TW11 8QE). When making collections in church please remember to encourage people to use Gift Aid to maximise the contributions that we are making.

29th December 2004