The Asian Tsunami has been described as the worst catastrophe in living memory.  Indeed it is!  Never has the world witnessed such anger from the Ocean. South East Asia has been a sea of tears.   

The world came together and wept as they saw the images in their living rooms.  The Tsunami killed a quarter of a million people and the counting is still continuing up to this day. Fish and all the living things contained in the sea were killed.   

Houses and hotels were destroyed. Trees were uprooted.  Anything that was within reach was washed away and the world was stunned for the Ocean came out with a vengeance washing away anything in its path. 

All that could be seen were weeping men and women, children wandering around without mothers. Scattered bodies everywhere which were beyond recognition, and debris of houses plus hotels that had been ripped apart.  

The grief was everywhere.  If you walked into a room the silence was deadly. Action had to be taken immediately or else more bodies of the living would soon be history. 

But despite the tears – aid started pouring in from most continents. North America to Europe, and from Asia itself and the African continent, as well as Australia.  But the task of rebuilding will take years and the world is implored to still continue with the gesture of giving.  

The Christmas Bowl program of Christian World Service/the National Council of Churches in Australia is working with partners affected by the tsunami on long-term programs for reconstruction and rehabilitation 

Thank you to all our supporters for the generous response to the Christmas Bowl’s South Asia Tsunami Appeal.  Please keep giving generously.   Please keep praying so that our brothers and sisters can have courage and hope, and the strength, knowing that they are not alone as they continue with the struggle for re-building their lives. 

Reflection written by Margaret Kanongovere   

Give to the Christmas Bowl – give courage, give hope, give peace.Freecall 1800 025 101, www.ncca.org.au, Locked Bag 199, Sydney 1230    

Further Information/Photographs: Colleen Hodge, Education and Communications Programs, phone 02 9299 2215/0419 6852 48, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Charlie Ocampo, International Programs, phone 0407 1527 36, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

25 January 2005