Dear Minuteman,

When the earthquake struck, the world seemingly rocked off its axis for nearly three minutes, making the hearts of women, men, and children of all ages pound in terror as they cried out in panic for loved ones. Stone buildings collapsed like Lego houses, and white smoke and dust arose like some apocalyptic dream. “The scene was like a slaughterhouse,” one survivor said. “The children were in piles.”

This was, and is, China’s Sichuan province, where a 7.9-magnitude earthquake changed the face of a nation forever two weeks ago, on May 12, at 2:28 p.m. Since then, hundreds of thousands of residents have set up makeshift quarters out in the open, in fear of the more than 200 aftershocks that have already wreaked havoc in the lives of the quake’s survivors.

As of today, 40,075 are dead, 32,360 are missing, and 246,000 are hurt and overflowing the region’s hospitals, even filling cots in the streets. Another five million are homeless, and it is increasingly likely that the death toll will exceed 50,000.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has been seen on TV visiting devastated areas, comforting victims, and encouraging rescue workers. One friend of Mission to the World says Jiabao was even seen thanking an American doctor volunteering near the epicenter. That same MTW friend says, “We’ve shared a lot during this deadly, long week. It’s terrible and depressing. But all the Christians in China now are working together for the first time. This has never happened before!”

The Chinese government is actively welcoming financial assistance from the international community, and 60 aid organizations from 13 countries have been allowed to assist. MTW will advance $25,000 to begin helping the relief effort. We hope to send an assessment team followed by specially trained disaster response teams. In addition to bringing physical relief and spiritual encouragement, these teams desire to support Chinese nationals by building relationships and trust.

MTW will also work with a well-established ministry serving in Chengdu, less than 60 miles from the epicenter. Together with this ministry, we will meet basic needs by providing tents, blankets, food, bottled water, and counseling, and will also help with long-term restoration—a massive endeavor that will require rebuilding the entire infrastructure within the earthquake zone at a cost of $20 billion.

Click here to see map of the region affected:

To make a donation to the vital work now going on in China’s Sichuan province, make your check payable to “Mission to the World” and write #93986 MMCN08mail on the memo line. We will make sure the funds are used for the most timely and pressing needs. And please pray for the millions of earthquake survivors.

Sincerely in Christ,

Paul D. Kooistra, Coordinator

PS: You may also give online www.mtw.org/minuteman.

Donations Address:

Mission to the World

P.O. Box 116284

Atlanta, GA 30368-6284