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Signs of Hope and Resurrection

October 7, 2008

By Cathy

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India and Sri Lanka Visit September 13- 30th
Cathy Miller 2

Tsunami Projects in Tamil Nadu, South India
For Canadians, the tsunami of 2004 might seem like a distant memory but for the people who live on the south east coast of India it is still very much in their consciousness.  Many of us in Canada upon learning of this disaster got out our cheque books hoping we might make a small difference in the lives of those affected.  And because of that generosity I have a good news story to tell.
The generous response of Anglicans in Canada has resulted in village wide development that has given many thousands of people hope in the midst of death and destruction.  After the construction of emergency shelters through the Churches Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), there was enough funding left  to work with the people of twelve villages to build permanent cyclone resistant houses further away from shore lines.  In addition fishing boats were purchased, self help groups were formed to obtain small loans and entrepreneurial skills were developed.  Bicycles were provided for children as well as funds for higher education.
Donations including matching funds from CIDA brought new life and restored hope to these people.  The tsunami had lost some of its strength after hitting the shores of Thailand but whole villages on the shore lines including infrastructure were washed into the sea leaving already impoverished villages with nothing.
This project today supports business ventures including the making of fishing kits (nets, hooks etc), fish drying and processing, grocery stores selling rice and spices, a stationery and photocopying business, and candy making from palm sap.  One group of young women have purchased three computers to learn English and computer skills so they can bring new self sustainability and prosperity to their whole village.  These small initiatives not only supplement the income of fisher husbands they also empower women giving them a new sense of dignity. 
Canadian Churches working in partnership were able to work with people affected towards their empowerment rather than simply purchasing and giving without the value of the relationship.  The villages had decision making power through the whole process raising their social and psychological power.  All of these people came from the lowest castes in India, so this project has made a huge difference in their lives.  Though there are now laws prohibiting this type of discrimination, poverty has kept the caste system entrenched.  This empowerment process has enabled people to make small steps to overcome this ancient and systematic form of injustice.  Surely for Christians this is a wonderful example of the resurrection possible when we are faithful followers of Jesus with generous giving.

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