Due to recent intense fighting between the Sri Lankan government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) there are now 250,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northern Sri Lanka. These refugees are living in IDP camps with the most basic facilities, their only possessions the items they could carry as they fled to escape heavy bombing. Having virtually lost everything they are at risk of sickness, malnutrition, exposure and the mental and emotional stress that accompanies living in desperate conditions with limited resources.
Our own people, Narel and Alison Atkinson, are on the ground in Sri Lanka working with 5,265 internally displaced persons through a national church network. Narel, a Sri Lankan national, has already been in the IDP camp helping distribute emergency relief items. Alison, who is from Newcastle, has been living and ministering in Sri Lanka for many years as Director of Women’s Ministry AOG Sri Lanka and also as founder and Director of HelpKids program which rehabilitates slum and homeless children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Alison will ensure children’s safety is foremost in the relief effort.
The target is to raise $50,000 over the next 6 months. Funds will purchase emergency supplies including: food, bottled water, milk powder for children and rubber thongs. We can make a difference in the lives of up to 5,000 people, reduce the vulnerability of children at risk and empower our brothers and sisters in the Sri Lankan Church to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
