Sep 25 2008
UPDATE: Disaster Relief in Southern Brazil among the Hunsrik
Over a week-and-a-half ago our quiet afternoon turned upside down and inside out as high winds and tornados moved through our city and county knocking down powerlines, trees, ripping roofs off houses, leveling barns and chicken houses. This sounds like Texas! The thing that makes it all seem surreal is that Brazil is NOT supposed to have tornados. In the next 20 minutes after the tornado, ´sideways´ rain, and hail hammered our home and after we had squigied out gallons of water from the entry way (which I have dubbed the stairs river because I pushed it downstairs and out) we found tile sticking in the ground from our roof. Following this we began to see TV and read newspaper reports about the devastation. Following this our team began contacting local officials and IMB disaster relief. And it has come together!
Southern Baptists, through the IMB, have sent thousands of dollars and now help is reaching the Hunsrik who have not been able to repair their homes. This home (picture right) belongs to the Pedro Seidel family in the Hunsrik community of Vila Olinda in Nova Pertópolis where we live. I visited their home yesterday and met them. Following this we worked with the Civil Defense and Fire Chief to purchase supplies. Today I went to the house with Joseph and John as the supplies were delivered. The Hunsrik are normally a very closed people, especially to foreigners, but not today. We were received with smiles, hugs and kisses, the boys and I, and spoken to in Hunsrik. Such a warm welcome often takes much more time to receive as the Hunsrik, wary of outsiders, guard their language and friendship for intimate circles only. Mrs. Seidel even had her daughter come out and meet us. She is five and pictured with her mom in the photo. This is also not the norm as the children are sheltered from strangers.
As you can see the tin roof was completely ripped off and water entered the house as the winds and rains pounded away. They were so frightened she said when I saw her yesterday morning. Today she is all smiles because tomorrow Pedro, along with neighbors, will come together and put the tiles back on. Following this she will be receiving food, matresses, bedding, etc… All of this is such a blessing from this side of the storm. We are grateful to Southern Baptists who have made this disaster relief possible.
Pray for the Seidels and others who are still in great need. Pray that they will have receptive hearts to Christ as we share his love with them in this hour of great need.
