Overview of life in South Sri

Suffering in South Sri

Since becoming involved in missions work, I have frequently heard the phrase “suffering for the Lord.” Sometimes, this phrase is used in reference to people who, as an outgrowth of their obedience to the Lord, are truly facing extreme difficulties. After spending a few months in Congo, I can relate (somewhat) to that type of suffering. The same phrase is also used with sarcasm to refer to people who – again, are pursuing a life of obedience to the Lord – however, they now find themselves in conditions well above par. I suppose this trip to a tropical island in south Asia (where the standard is great beaches and beautiful sunsets) falls into the second category of “suffering.” Having the opportunity to go to the beach every weekend is never a bad thing!
Despite the beaches and sunsets, there is been plenty of work to be done. The 26th of December marks the 2 year anniversary of the tsunami that devastated the island of Sri Lanka, and there are literally thousands of people still living in tents and temporary shelters. The construction of new homes has been complicated by communication gaps and poor governmental structure; progress is further hampered by the ongoing civil war between the Tamil extremists and the Sri Lankan Government, a war that has been raging for decades.
I am working with a group whose tsunami project has three facets: Construction, Livelihood Development, and Community Capacity Development. The Construction team plans to build 600 homes and 3 community centers for tsunami affected families. Livelihood Development encompasses the tasks of 1) identifying profitable and feasible businesses or trades, then 2) training and equipping individuals to succeed in those roles. The focus of Community Capacity Development is to educate communities on issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, physical abuse, child development, hygiene, dental hygiene, AIDS, and many other areas. The Livelihood and Community Development programs are built on the premise that they will not only continue when the expatriates leave, but that they will flourish under the ownership and leadership of the community members.
My first task was to provide photographs for 100 families, who have recently received homes from the tsunami project. This was a gesture on our part to help make their new houses into homes.
In Sri Lankan culture, family photographs are very important, often times – the centerpiece of the home. For families who lost their homes, their belongings, their photographs of loved ones, and some of them – even their loved ones, the empty walls of the new house served as a constant reminder of the void the tsunami left in their lives. The purpose of providing a framed family photograph is to encourage families to begin a new history of memories. We cannot replace the lost photos, but we were able to provide an opportunity for a new beginning.
Throughout the process, I enjoyed visiting the community and communicating with some of the families. It was such a privilege to listen to their stories, although difficult to hear the heartache in their voices and see the pain in their eyes. It was a rich time of interacting and relating with these families. The small gift we offered seemed to mean much more than just a photo and a frame.
My goal for my time here is to encourage and serve the team members, as the Lord reveals opportunities. Sometimes, it is difficult to not have a daily routine, and to not be in charge. There are always opportunities to serve and the tasks are varied, which poses new challenges and prevents monotony.
Having the privilege to be on the other side of the world and to serve the same God that is daily present with my family and friends is quite amazing. Being a light in a place where there are very few Christians is difficult. I suppose that is what we are called to, whether we are in Wilmore, Kentucky with a church on every corner – or in South Sri Lanka with a Buddhist statue on every corner.
Please pray for us as we move forward in Christ, attempting to reflect Him as we work in His name.