1 October 2009

Statement: Seventh-day Adventists respond to Pacific tsunami

Wahroonga, New South Wales
Barry Oliver

Church members in the South Pacific Division are profoundly saddened by the Pacific earthquake and tsunami on Tuesday (local time) that has claimed so many lives in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga.

I grieve, along with our extended church family, for those church members and others who have lost families and friends. There are more than 7000 church members in the Samoas-Tokelau Mission and many more throughout the South Pacific.

Our thoughts are with those who are still missing, and their loved ones who are waiting to hear from them.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in New Zealand and Australia have teamed up to provide a joint response to the disaster. An emergency management expert has been sent to Apia to conduct an assessment. ADRA New Zealand and ADRA Australia are also receiving donations which will be directed to those in need of assistance.

We will continue to pray for the people of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. We are petitioning God that they will receive the comfort and assistance they so desperately need.

Dr Oliver is the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific.

Donate to ADRA New Zealand or ADRA Australia to assist with the response.

President speaks about Pacific Tsunami

Adventists killed in Pacific tsunami

Australians worried about friends or relatives in Samoa or American Samoa can call a DFAT hotline on 1300 555 135

Contact the news desk if you have any information.

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