Dear Supporter

As reported on national and international news, the 26 year civil war has come to an 'end'. Anyone who knows how these things work will know that it isn't quite that simple.

The bigger picture is that there are 300,000 Sri Lankan PEOPLE displaced, living in refugee camps across Northern Sri Lanka. They face worsening conditions as more people flood in from the final military push and they may have to stay there for months.

John 6:1-15 tells us how Jesus feeds the five thousand, with nothing but 5 loaves and 2 fish that were given to him by a young boy. Having fed the 5,000 they still had 12 large baskets left over.

This isn't just a popular story from the bible. This young boy gave Jesus all he had. He didn't say to Jesus "Here, I've got plenty, have 5 of my loaves and why not 2 of my fish as well." Neither did he tithe it, giving Jesus his 10%, he gave all that he had.

As a direct result of that boy sacrificing what he had, 5,000 people ate "plenty" and there were 12 baskets left over. I bet that young boy came home with more than he left with. If you read on, it also says that as a result of this miracle provision, people's perception of Jesus was changed.

In Sri Lanka, the churches are in a unique position to help. There is an immediate need for relief in the camps. Then peoples lives need to be rebuilt – homes rebuilt, livelihoods restored and schools restarted.  We have so much to do.

Please give, a little really does go a long way but a real sacrifice is the substance of faith.


Simon Hannington and George Dowdell