Earlier this week, I received an e-mail from a friend of mine living in Chennai, India. Below are parts of what he wrote. I thought people reading this site might gain something from hearing a firsthand account of life after the Tsunami. To protect his privacy I have left his name and some personal parts of the correspondence out of this post. Looking to make a donation? Visit Church World Service to learn how you can help out.

Thank you very much for your concern and prayers for me and for our country during the time of this catastrophe. By His grace we are safe from this Tsunami.

At the time of this disaster I was at home with parents enjoying my Christmas with my wife. We were in celebrating a Lepers Christmas and were giving them a Christmas dinner to them. At that moment we were told a great earth quake has come in the sea. We live 40 kms away from the sea coast in Andhra Pradesh state. We and our town are safe but most of the families lost their livelihood and have become orphans. Our Christmas joy did not last for a long time.

Immediately we attended the relief work in my state. My father and mother are involved in the relief work at the moment. Since we have college I need(ed) to come back to Chennai to attend my work in (seminary).

But the trauma of the people is so much worrying us. The epidemic diseases have started to spread and the aftermath of Tsunami is so horrific. My parents are involved in distributing clothes, medicines, and even providing fishing nets and boats to the fishermen, and the cooking vessels to the women.

The church is playing a mighty role and is very much involved in the relief work, and is witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for coming forward to render (your) help at this moment. Primarily we need (your) prayers support. Kindly ask your church and the seminary to join in praying for the victims here.