September 29, 2017
Circular Letter
Dear Brethren Around the World,
A few days ago, we sent a message explaining the need for resources to help the various emergencies related to the tragedies that have occurred in the world, especially in Central and North America. We thank God for His protective care over our church members who have been spared major difficulties. We also thank each one of you for your caring attention and consideration in seeking information from us about the welfare of our brethren and the financial help that you have already sent for those in need. This makes us one big family.
Unfortunately, this week we were faced with another catastrophic scene which is directly affecting our brethren. In the Republic of Vanuatu, an archipelago of 80 islands with approximately 270,000 inhabitants, formerly known as the "New Hebrides," located between Australia and Hawaii in the South Pacific, the volcano “Voui Manaro” erupted on September 28th. We have approximately 60 brethren living in that area. The Ambae Island had to be evacuated, and we are moving our brethren and their families to the Santo Island where they will be staying with members of our church.
Our immediate need is to buy for them "tarpaulins"—a type of tent—which will be used to accommodate the families. To make matters worse, it is currently the rainy season in Vanuatu. Furthermore, the crops of these brethren, their only source of income, will be thoroughly destroyed by the volcanic ashes; we need to help them by supplying for basic needs and food for the next few months. These essential supplies will have to be purchased immediately because due to the crisis, most likely these products will disappear in the next few days. Also, the local authorities have sent warnings of the possible release of rocks and volcanic gases.
We have already sent emergency aid to our brethren, but the reality is that we need to send much more so they can rebuild their lives after this terrible calamity.
Please help us meet the needs of our faith family by sending your generous offerings. This can be done by the following means:
Option 1: The quickest and most effective method is via PayPal: treasurer@sdarm.org. The amount sent by PayPal arrives quickly into the international aid fund;
Option 2: If you wish to send your donation by a more traditional method, please send it to your Field with a request that the funds be forwarded to the global fund that the General Conference has set up to assist victims of natural disasters. Certainly, it will be channeled for this purpose—however, due to the various steps, this option will take longer to arrive to those in need.
We appreciate your generous efforts and precious offerings.
André Marcelo Devai, Director
GC Welfare and Stewardship Departments