November 1, 2005

Page A-22

More than a million earthquake victims remain homeless in Pakistan's province of Kashmir, each wondering what life will be like when the snows come. The winter of 2005 will be a bad one, with more than 17 feet of snow in many areas. You can only live in a snow cave or tent for so long. Especially without water, bread, warm clothes, and indoor fires.

For several days after the great October 8 quake, Pakistan's plight was on Page 1. Then America got mired down in Supreme Court vacancies, Wilma came blowing, and "First Aid" Libby scooted out of the White House. Those stories all took over first page, and Pakistani pain moved to page A-22, more than halfway back in section A.

More than 35 relief helicopters fly in Kashmir, but they are running out of funds for fuel. Multiple nations have pledged cash donations to cover medicines, water, flour, rice, bandages, tetanus vaccine, and helicopter fuel. Less than 20% of that money has arrived, and the gas stations are not accepting IOU's.

Photos (e.g. www.washingtonpost.com) show hundreds of Kashmiris standing by mountain roads wondering if they should take a bus to a tent camp, or stay, care for their animals, and pray. Either option includes the certain prospect of hunger, cold, sickness, and possible death. The forecast is for a bleak future.

How should I relate to the need. For Katrina's victims, we packed Buckets and Boxes of Love, and trucked them up the Interstate. For Wilma we're sharing chain saws, generators, and water with friends in Boca Raton and Coral Gables. We're also working with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to see if we can rebuild schools or churches in Yucatan.

But Kashmir? There is a government website, with information about needs and instructions on how to donate.
<http://www.ajk.gov.pk/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2648&Itemid=154>

ADRA, <http://www.adra.org> is also collecting and distributing, multiplying our donations with matching funds from several European governments.

Tents, food, warm clothes, water purification equipment, and roofing material. That is the short list of needs I cannot deliver to nameless friends in Kashmir. I can contribute cash, and will do so. I can pray, and will do so. Mostly, I can help bring the story a few pages closer, pulling it into the center of our thoughts, and urging support for Atiqullah, Wahab, Battagram, Shah, and a million others.

"As you have done it unto the least of these, my brethren," Jesus said, "you have done it unto me." Matthew 25:45

Dick Duerksen
Assistant Vice President
Mission development
Florida Hospital