2004-2005 Asia Tsunami

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (BP)--Indonesian Foreign Minister Noer Hassan Wirajuda, greeting Secretary of State Colin Powell and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in Jakarta, said their visit to the tsunami-stricken country “reflects the magnitude that the United States government has attached to the monstrous calamity and its consequences.”

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)--The tragedy unfolding in the Indian Ocean demands the world's attention -- and calls for a clear Christian response. In the aftermath of the disaster, some religious leaders suggested that God was simply unable to prevent the tsunamis that destroyed so many lives. Some secularists jumped on the opportunity to argue that the tragedy is further proof that God does not exist. Others simply blamed the earthquake and tidal waves on fate or claimed that God had sent the destruction as punishment for the victims' sins.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)--The scale of suffering and the magnitude of the disaster in Southeast Asia defy the imagination. Sitting comfortably in our own homes and offices, we can look at the images, video segments and computer simulations, knowing all the while that, in the nations that encircle the Indian Ocean, the death toll continues to mount.

WASHINGTON (BP)--“I ask every American to contribute as they are able to do so” toward “a broad humanitarian relief effort” for Asia’s tsunami victims, President George W. Bush said Jan. 3 from the White House.

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--Since news of the devastating tsunami first broke, Southern Baptists have sought ways to help those affected by the crisis. Many have done so by sending gifts through the International Mission Board's General Relief Fund.

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--Southern Baptist relief workers shifted into high gear as the New Year dawned over tsunami-devastated southern Asia, where millions are homeless and desperate for help.

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--For days, maybe even weeks, many Christians will focus on the staggering human suffering in southern Asia.

KRABI, Thailand (BP)--Just a small cement building, Krabi Baptist Church is still adorned with colorful lights and tinseled decorations from Christmas. A large banner proclaiming “Joy to the World” hangs in the baptistery. Outside in the parking lot, several of the laymen are busy sawing and nailing together rectangular pieces of plywood. Rough coffins are taking shape.

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--International Mission Board President Jerry Rankin talks about the Asian earthquake and tsunami --and how Southern Baptists are responding to the massive human tragedy -- in a brief video now available for viewing or downloading at www.imb.org.

CHIANGMAI, Thailand (BP)--Imagine the population of Gainesville, Fla., wiped out in a few short minutes. Or perhaps Green Bay, Wis. Or Norman, Okla.