The Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) has been co-working with relief agencies on the island of Nias, which was hit by an earthquake while still recovering from the Boxing Day 2004 tsunami.
The region, which has a weak economy has received special attention of the LAI even before the disasters - in the form of a program called "One in Love."
After the tsunami, local representatives were dispatched to the most badly affected areas and collaborated with local emergency teams. The LAI distributed Biblical materials to Christians who had literally lost all of their possessions. During the mission they distributed 1,500 Indonesian Bibles, 900 Children's Bibles, 2,000 Bible comics and 35 cassette players.
As the relief programs began after the tsunami, the region of Nias was hit by an earthquake on 28th March 2005. The LAI team focused efforts in and around the main town of Gunnungsitoli, where approximately 80% of buildings were destroyed.
In an effort to fulfil the Society's goals expressed at the time of the earthquake, where the Society committed itself to "raise the strength and hope of the people of Nias who are undergoing disasters, and encourage them to keep their faith in God who takes care of all living things with love and will never leave His creation," LAI formed and dispatched an additional aid team.
Approaching the ruins of the town, the LAI aid team was instantly surrounded by children eager to meet their material needs, but the spiritual needs were met in receiving the Scripture, giving comforting answers to their present suffering.
The LAI team distributed many Bible comics, cassette players and Portions at the time.
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