By Allie Martin
February 28, 2005

(AgapePress) - The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention is gearing up for a new phase in disaster relief for victims of the South Asian tsunami disaster.

Ministry to Asian tsunami survivors has started the transition from emergency relief to long-term recovery. Erich Bridges of the SBC's International Mission Board says millions of dollars donated by Southern Baptists are being directed toward long-term efforts. "The economies, the livelihoods of so many of the residents of these communities have been destroyed," he explains, "and there will need to be a focus on rebuilding -- physical rebuilding, but also the rebuilding of economies."

Bridges says that means "helping fishermen with their boats, with nets, with the reopening of shops and things of this nature that will be happening for years to come." He notes that more than $11 million has been received from SBC churches and members for these relief and recovery efforts.

The IMB spokesman says the disaster in South Asia has provided the means for ministry volunteers to build long-term relationship in many places that were once difficult for outsiders to penetrate with the gospel. He feels in some ways the disaster has created a platform for evangelical outreach.

"It's just an opportunity for believers to demonstrate the love of Christ in a crisis situation," Bridges says, "and they're doing it, in many locations, among people of other religions -- Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims. We have the opportunity to demonstrate, in a tangible way, the love of Christ."

The IMB reports that so far, about $2.5 million has been disbursed for nearly 50 aid projects across South and Southeast Asia, ranging from food and water distribution, medical care, temporary shelter and sanitation to providing fishing nets and reconstruction materials for villagers struggling to rebuild their lives and communities. IMB officials say many more projects will be funded in the months to come.