Methodist Church Releases New Disasters Resource

A new resource has been released by the Methodist Relief and Development (MRDF) to help churches learn more about the aftermath of emergencies.

|TOP|The Out of Place Study Pack is a free resource that showcases the work of MRDF partners as they help communities rebuild after conflict or natural disaster.

The life of Sankuthakala following the tsunami is just one of many touching stories featured in the pack.

In the village where she lives in south India, most of the houses, boats and nets were destroyed by the Boxing Day Tsunami.

Sankuthakala described the village on her return following the disaster: “When we came back, there was only sadness, the wells were salty and we had diarrhoea and stomach pains.”

Like many families, Sankuthakala’s was able to benefit from clean water and the means to rebuild their livelihood thanks to the help of CWSDS, a partner of MRDF, which provided her family with materials to repair their nets and boats and new pots to carry their fish to the market for sale.

|AD|“We have come this far with your help, now we want to stand on our own feet,” she said.

Director of MRDF, Kirsty Smith, said: “The individuals featured in this new pack will inspire all who use it. People like Sankuthakala have to make decisions that we, in our comfortable lives, never have to face.

“This resource shows the importance of well-targeted emergency aid in ensuring long-term rehabilitation”.

In addition to the inspiring stories and stunning images capturing the moments as the people rebuild their lives, the Pack also includes Bible studies, posters, prayers and suggestions for action, which give groups something to do as well as something to read and talk about.

The Methodist Church said it is particularly suitable as a Lent course, but added it can be used any time of the year.

A Methodist Church press release read: “The studies highlight the devastating effects of disasters, but also illustrate the transformation that is possible with the support of those in the UK.”

The Out of Place Study Pack is available to churches free of charge and can be viewed by clicking HERE