Sri Lanka (MNN) ― Hundreds of flood victims in Sri Lanka stormed a village government office in Batticaloa Province, accusing local officials of unfair distribution of emergency food aid.

Over a million people have been effected by the rising floodwaters which inundated Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee, among other areas.

This is the same area trying to recover from the devastation of the 2004 Asian tsunami and a 20-year civil war. Adrian DeVisser with Asian Access says their team is responding. "We have churches in the eastern Province and the other provinces which have experienced the flooding. Many of our believers are making appeals to our headquarters. It has not been possible for us to respond to all the needs."

They have been able to help with dry rations, but shelter is another issue. Given the scope of the disaster, the problem feels overwhelming. However, DeVisser says, "We really have three immediate concerns that we are grappling with. One will be the immediate: rice, sugar and other things that they need to [avoid] hunger. The second problem that we're fearful (about) is disease, because people are returning to their homes, and these homes have to be disinfected." The number of people in state-run relief camps had dropped to 17,900 by Tuesday morning, according to the government's disaster management center. Third, even beyond the immediate crisis, there is concern over the future food prices and livelihood.

However, Asian Access has a presence in the area. And DeVisser says they have the manpower to respond: "Because I am leading a church-planting movement where we have many people who are involved in these provinces, my church-planting movement and Asian Access will come together to respond to the needs."

They just need help with getting the supplies. DeVisser explains, "I am compelled to believe that in our part of the world, evangelism will be followed by love, because love opens the door for people to see and understand the Gospel."

Asian Access is also committed to helping restore the communities. The church planters are part of that plan. Pray that not only will they have the resources ready, but that their partners will have answers to the inevitable questions that come. "When we respond not based not on religion/caste, people are drawn to ask the question, ‘Why would you do this in such a sacrificial manner?' That really opens the door to tell them why we do that: ‘It is the love of Christ.'"

As much as the appeals go out for financial help in these situations, DeVisser says, "My prayer is that God will use this calamity to bring glory to Himself by causing the people to ask some deeper questions about life and eternity."

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• Photo (Arthur Wamanan)

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