In the aftermath of the earthquake that continues to devastate the Sichuan province of China, there is relief work being done by various Christian organizations. As of June 5, the BBC reports that over 71,000 people are dead, missing or buried in the 7.8 magnitude quake that happened on Monday, May 12. An NMSI missionary in another region of China reports that relief work is being done trustworthy Christian workers. Here are some news and links to these organizations.
There is a group of medical professionals called
LIGHT in
Shenyang who are actively involved in disaster relief and have a good plan for
continued, ongoing rebuilding efforts. LIGHT is a believing non-profit organization that trains medical
professionals, based in Shenyang, China.
Dr. Burgos, an American doctor who leads the group of Chinese doctors,
nurses and other med professionals as well as some foreign, is currently in
Sichaun with a team of five and is hoping to take more soon depending on what
the government allows. He said the first day they were there they saw more
than 1000 patients (about 50 doctors) and the second day was around 800
more. They have set up hundreds of beds in a local stadium and are doing
all they can while the more serious cases are airlifted to Chengdu or Guangzhou
hospitals. They (the doctors and nurses) had to sleep outside a few nights
due to reports of potential aftershocks. Dr. Borgus is working through an organization called Global Doctors, a for-profit western organization based in China. This organization gives LIGHT the platform in which to work in China.
(www.globaldoctor.com)
The plan for relief work in China, following the May earthquake, is as follows:
Phase ONE: RELIEF - Next few weeks
Continued medical relief and assistance to those directly effected
Contributions will be used to buy medication and medical supplies which are
really needed. (Supplies are low and much relief money is being used for
other purposes (food, water, etc.)
If interested in assisting in immediate efforts, contact
LIGHT.
Phase TWO: REHABILITATION - Next few months
Physical and Emotional assistance. Helping people process the post
traumatic stress, cope with the loss of their families, friends, homes
etc. as well as ongoing recovery from physical injuries
Funds would be applied to rehab efforts and sending LIGHT doctors to
help.
Phase THREE: REBUILDING - Next few years
Physical rebuilding efforts combined with ongoing rehab and relief
efforts. Rebuilding communities, schools, homes businesses etc.
Funds would be used for building materials, to employ local workers,
etc.
If you have a skill or certification in any of these three areas and wish to help in the relief work, please contact J.D. Whitney at NMSI for further information. For sensitive areas of relief work such as counseling, there will be screening.