As I have been glued to the BBC World News over the last few days, listening to the horror stories coming out from the countries affected by the Tsunami, I can't help but realize how fortunate we were to not have significant loss of life during Ivan and how quickly we have been able to begin our recovery.

This attitude is prevelent in the minds of so many of us within the community as the Tsunami is the main topic of discussion. We are all sending our prayers to the affected region, and we hope they are met with the type of love, support and kindnesses of so many in the international community as we were here. Our recovery process would not have been so fast or complete without the support of so many and we wish for the same blessings for all those in need.

The news is so tragic. While I am so happy nothing like this happened down in Jamaica, its so hard to read the stories and see the pictures of our fellow humans' suffering on the other side of the planet.

I went looking and found these sites that are accepting relief donations in the form of money or prayers for the victims and survivors. And if there's any doubt if aid is needed, the last numbers I heard were 115,000 people dead and over a million homeless over several countries.

World Vision: http://www.wvi.org/wvi/home.htm

Center for International Disaster Information: http://cidi.org/

Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp

UNICEF: http://unicef.org/

Save the Children: http://www.savethechildren.org/emergencies/asia_overview.asp

Child Family Health International: http://www.cfhi.org/campaign.php4?ssno=12

Disaster Relief International: http://www.directrelief.org/sections/our_work/asia_earthquake.html

Tsunami Prayer: http://www.community.spirituality.com/sp-unplugged/messages?msg=1457.1


Together we can make a difference...AGAIN!

-Eric

Let's continue to pray for those affected by the Tsunami I am glued to the TV, I am starting to have night mares looking at the dead bodies.Let us remember those in California as they are getting terrible rain storm. Those in Texas that has not seen snow in 86 years.

My god what is going on in this world, should we turn to Revelation in the bible for the answers.

Canada,

It is refreshing to see another who actually sees what is going on in the world. I honestly believe you are 100% correct. We really haven't seen anything yet huh? I believe I am going to start the new year off by reading the "Left Behind" series again.

May you all have a wonderfully blessed new year.

Jenifer

The Left Behind series also can be seen as a movie/movies on the Christian Channel - on cable, and they are playing them non-stop. I try to get friends to read the books or watch the movies, but most people think it is "scare tactics" - I just think it is an education, and what do we have to lose by reading them?

All of these strange and horrible events does have me very uneasy, not just from a biblical perspective, but from a geographical one as well.

Let us pray for all the people who do not have a family after last week. It is so heartbreaking to watch those images.

Material things and possessions do not seem so important now, do they?

Just a note to let our readers know that CHILD Organization is collecting funds to assist victims (more specifally children) of the recent Tsunami in the Indian Ocean. We are in the process of raising monies. Please contact us to inquire how you can help.

Also, we haven't forgotton our friends in the Treasure Beach Area. We do have a small check to assist the Women's group. This money was raised by our friend Natalie Boreland, and we want to take this opportunity to thank her for her interest, dedication, and honesty in supporting and assisting our cause.

Things are pretty strange and getting stranger all the time. Here where I live in the states (KY) we have not had much snow in many years maybe 2-3 inches a year. Well in a couple days time (just before Christmas) we got well over 12 inches! It was so pretty but dang! It was like the sky opened up and dropped it on us! I am crowding 40 years old and I have never seen this much snow here. Well, it's gone now and raining like crazy. My yard is like walking on a soaked sponge in the good spots, I don't even want to talk about the rest! Mud, mud, and more mud!

Sure wish I was in beautiful Jamaica!

Signs of the End of the Age

Matthew 24:3-8

While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?"

Then Jesus replied to them: "Watch out that no one decieves you. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Messiah,' and they will decieve many. You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these events are the beginning of birth pains.

(http://bible.gospelcom.net)

Hey Mandeville Girl,

Have you seen "the Passion of the Christ"? It is an awesome movie! I have NEVER seen a reaction to a movie like I saw in the theater to that movie. It was totally silent during the whole movie except for people crying real quietly. Even when it was over and people were leaving the theater, still it was nearly silent except for those discussing the movie. Oh, one part that wasn't silent, when Jesus rose! I tell you, it wasn't silent then! Greatest movie ever!!!