July 2005 Volume 1 Issue 1
One pastor said that the tsunami waters rushed against rocks on the beaches, which caused the water to split into many destructive, rushing waves. These waves swallowed many houses on the land, while leaving many untouched. Like the rocks that split the raging seas, the foundation of Christ's love and grace alleviated the hunger for many in India and Sri Lanka in March and May of 2005. The stories below are just a small example of how your gift of love through this ministry is bringing hope to those who have lost homes, and their very means of making a living in these nations which were ravaged by the tsunami.
India - March 2005
In southeastern India, along the coasts ravaged by the tsunami, Feeding the Nations brought hope and critical
supplies such as rice, lentils, cooking oil, sheets and blankets. We supplied buckets for water storage, and clothing to over 300 families. Pastors, fishermen, widows, and children in desperate need of food and shelter were fed and also strengthened by God's Word. People came with stories of devastation and left with hope for the future.
One pastor told Feeding the Nations how his church was in service when the tsunami struck his village. His wife was immediately overcome with fear and felt that she should ask the congregation to leave and seek shelter. The pastor, being prompted by God, directed the congregation to remain in the church. Those who remained in the church were spared and those that left the church's covering were lost in the waters.
Over 500 homes in one village were totally washed away. Feeding the Nations brought more than food to this nation. We also provided tents for their families and brought the love of God. Over 250 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and began to rebuild their lives on a new foundation.
Every grain of rice is precious to those who have little.
Sri Lanka- May 2005
In the sweltering heat of Sri Lanka, the Feeding the Nations team drove over five hours from the airport to bring food and hope to the villages. Throughout the trip, devastation was evident at every turn. There were homes washed away, families lost, and fishing boats destroyed. A four-story building was partially destroyed by the waves of the tsunami, with layers of the building having been ripped apart with one wave.
Feeding the Nations' outreach included bringing critical supplies and food to a hurting nation still raw with loss. Mothers flooded into the tsunami relief camps, crying over the loss of husbands and babies who were swept away by the waves. Children born in one local hospital on "Tsunami Sunday" also died that same day. One father who had lost two boys to the ocean's angry waves refused to eat... until Feeding the Nations brought food and the love of Christ to him. This man, by the grace of God, received physical and spiritual nourishment just in time.
One widow cried out to God when she saw Feeding the Nations. Her son, who had taken care of her for so long, had died in the tsunami. She was afraid for her life, not knowing where to turn for food, shelter, or love. Feeding The Nations brought her food, a sleeping mat, a blanket, and great comfort with God's promises.
Feeding the Nations in conjunction with Teach All Nations and Harvest Vision Ministries held three pastors' conferences to encourage pastors and church leaders in Sri Lanka who had lost so much more than just their churches. In one village alone, five churches were destroyed. Many villages have no place to hold church services except on the beach, yet the pastors continue to praise God for His provision. Feeding the Nations brought the Word of God and encouragement to hurting pastors and leaders. FTN left behind Christ's love and comfort which is so critical for helping the nation rebuild.
As the nation begins to heal from its devastating losses, please pray for the people of Sri Lanka. Monsoon season is coming soon, and the work of Christ has just begun.
President's Column
Dear Friend,
This is a day of many firsts. Thank you for taking time to read this. We call our report Feeding The Nations Journal. A journal is something you write on a regular basis; in other words a daily record of the supernatural intervention of God.
The Word tells us in Zechariah 4:10, "Despise not the day of small beginnings." This is not necessarily small but it is a beginning. The Lord has led us to continue with the faith of my father, Lester Sumrall, to help the hurting of the world; to put it simply, we add feet to our faith.
Over the past four months, FTN has delivered hope and new life to the people of India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Honduras. We are currently in the planning stages to reach the people of Africa, Cuba, Indonesia, Ukraine, and the Dominican Republic. Please be sure to visit our website at www.feedingthenations.org to read the latest updates.
India- The photo journal on our website depicts the horror of the tragedy as fishing villages were destroyed by the tsunami; we saw the hurt in the eyes of the hungry children; and men scrambling to pick up the pieces of rice out of the dirt from a broken bag. Although heartbreaking to see, you will be blessed to know that fishermen, having lost their trade assets, also gave their lives to Jesus after hearing the Gospel. Wives and children rushed home and cooked a meal from the distributed supplies.
Sri Lankan Christians are among those who suffer the most as persecution has increased since the tsunami struck. Although millions of dollars have been collected to provide "tsunami relief" to survivors, hundreds are overlooked. Aid is purposely kept from them because of the caste system, religion, or politics. Your gift of love has made it possible to reach thousands with the unfailing love of Jesus.
Honduras- Working in a city called the Valley of Angels, your gifts helped to distribute much-needed food and baby supplies to a local orphanage. Also, food was distributed to several villages outside the capital city of Tegucigalpa.
Daily, your gifts are working around the world to let people know that God will never fail them nor forsake them. The world may pass them by, but God sees their every need and hears their every cry. Thank you for making it all possible.
Stephen Sumrall
President