Church Responds to Huge Earthquake in China A massive search and rescue operation is underway in China after a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck on May 12. The government of China estimates that over 34,000 have died in the catastrophe, with another 250,000 injured. Today China began three days of national mourning for the thousands of people lost in the quake. Reformed Church World Service has been in regular communication with the Amity Foundation, a Reformed Church in America partner in China. Immediately after the quake they sent staff to areas affected by the quake to assess the situation and plan a response. It is reported that communication and transportation links have been destroyed, making access to these areas very difficult. Amity Foundation has deployed their staff to Chengdu, which is located 159 kilometers from the quake's epicenter. They report that they are currently discussing plans for a response with their local partners. A lot of homes have collapsed or have been severely damaged, and many people have been injured. People are in urgent need of shelter materials such as tents and relief supplies such as rice, clean water, quilts, clothes, and medicine.  Amity Foundation has set up a local office in Chengdu to start coordinating relief efforts with their partners. Amity has also made an initial grant of 1 million Chinese yuan (approximately $143,000US) toward emergency relief. Reformed Church World Service will continue to work through its partners in China, including Amity Foundation and Church World Service, which is currently assessing what role it will play in relief efforts. You Can Help  Contributions by check to support relief and recovery efforts (designated "China Earthquake") can be sent to Reformed Church in America, P.O. Box 19381, Newark, NJ 07195-1938 or, in Canada, to 1985 Beke Rd., R.R. #4, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5.
To donate by credit card, click on the "Make a Donation" button or call the RCA Michigan Regional Center at (800) 968-3943. Updated 05/19/08
|