The Banner Elk church of Christ has been actively working in south India (the state of Tamil Nadu) for more than ten years. At present, more than 8,000 have died in this area as a result of the December 26 tsunami. More than 100,000 families are displaced or homeless.

The second hardest hit area was Kanniyakamari, off of the southern tip of India. More than 600 died in this city alone. We have one school of preaching there, as well as numerous faithful congregations.

OUR OBJECTIVE

1. We must be compassionate, but primarily we intend to use assistance as a means of teaching about the only True and Living God. This is an opportunity to turn many minds from the false gods of Hinduism.

    

2. We will seek to assist brethren who have been directly affected, as well as victims outside of the Lord's body (Galatians 6:10).

    

3. It is estimated that 40% of those who perished in India were children. We also suspect that many children are now left homeless. With the children's home established by the Banner Elk congregation in Chettipalayam we have a wonderful tool that God has provided so that comfort and homes can be provided for these little ones.

    

4. Our initial effort will be to assist in providing water, food, and clothing for victims. We have hundreds of Indian preachers who are self-supported who we can assist with a salary for a few weeks in order that their time can be freed to counsel and work with those who are grieving, especially in the hospitals. It will cost $2 per day per man to support these brethren.