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In a letter to be read in Presbyterian congregations this Sunday, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Trevor Morrow expresses his 'sincere appreciation to all Presbyterians for their generous support for the Indian Earthquake Moderator's Appeal.'
The total contributed now stands at £675,000 which is the largest response ever to a single emergency appeal within the Presbyterian Church and represents over £6 per Presbyterian family in Ireland.
Dr Morrow has just returned from a visit to the earthquake area of Gujarat describing what he saw and experienced as 'distressing and life-changing.' 'The effect of this massive quake upon the towns, villages and people was more devastating than can be communicated by words or pictures. The Christian community is not large in this predominantly Hindu society, nevertheless they are working tirelessly to assist in the rebuilding of people's homes and lives.'
In his letter the Moderator also explains that the money donated by Presbyterians will be used by the Church of North India, the Presbyterian's partner Church in the Gujarat area, in three main ways.
1 To help provide new homes for our Christian brothers and sisters. In Bhuj where we met with the Christian Church, 75% of these wonderful, faithful people, materially, have lost everything.
2 Various relief and development agencies have been allocated villages to rebuild. Our grants will assist in this vital and tangible expression of Christian love for their Hindu and Muslim neighbours.
3 Many of the schools, hospitals and church properties originally built by the Irish Presbyterian missionaries are badly damaged and will need major repair and reconstruction. Part of the appeal will be allocated for this purpose.
In conclusion the Moderator urges continued pray for 'our brothers and sisters in the Church of North India as they seek to respond with wisdom and grace to this appalling disaster.'
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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