The world’s attention may have drifted in the two weeks since the devestating earthquake that struck Indonesia, but one Sydney Anglican says its victims are still only a telephone call away and in desperate need of assistance.
Kim Vanden Hengel, CEO of Christian Nationals Evangelism Council Partners International (CNECPI), received news of the earthquake while she was preparing for a regular Sunday service.
"As I sat in church, my phone beeped with a message from a friend in Yogyakarta, George Marantika," says Mrs Vanden Hengel, who is married to Bart, the Rector of Penshurst parish.
"Here at CNECPI, we have now received a plan from George, who is advisor to the Sultan of Yogya," Mrs Vanden Hengel says.
"We will be aiming to help over 1000 families to rebuild their homes, at a cost of $800 per unit."
The official death toll is at 6,200 and rising with 30,000 people injured and more than 105,000 homes damaged.
The epicentre of the earthquake, which measured an estimated 6.2 on the Richter Scale, was approximately 37.2km south of Yogyakarta.
Aid delivered as search for survivors continues
World Vision has dispatched vital support for families with an initial truck load of aid including items such as tarpaulins, blankets and sarongs dispatched immediately after the earthquake struck.
Head of policy and programs for World Vision Australia Paul Ronalds says the area affected by the earthquake was densely populated, causing significantly greater human loss.
"World Vision staff are working at the scene to distribute aid and to ensure that over the following days and weeks we respond to those in need," he says.
The ongoing aid includes hygiene kits as well as stoves, kerosene lamps, flashlights, tarpaulins, blankets and sarongs.
World Vision is providing support for seven community health centres affected by the earthquake with beds, medicines and sanitary facilities as well as supplying water tanks, water pumps, generators, lightings and tents.
The National Council of Churches in Australia's Christian World Service is working with three agencies who have been running mobile clinics and distributing thousands of packs of food, shelter and hygiene supplies since the day of the earthquake.
The Anglican Board of Mission and Melbourne Diocese's Anglicord have launched a joint appeal to help those affected by the earthquake.
Appeal funds raised by both agencies will be sent to partners in Indonesia through the Action by Churches Together Alliance.
CMS says trauma counselling the next step
CMS missionary to Indonesia, Stephen Gray is located in Bandung, located some distance from Yogya.
"We're far removed from the trouble here. But there was a big collection across town the other day and quite a few of the foreign students at Imlac have been sent by their agencies to help in Yogya," he says.
"I know some people with relatives in Bantul, but haven't heard how they are.
Four of the six big shopping malls in Yogya have reportedly been closed because of structural damage.
"There will be a great need for ongoing trauma counselling once things are sorted out," Mr Gray says.
To support CNEC Partners International call 9745 2840
To support World Vision Australia call 13 32 40
To support Christian World Service call 1800 025 101
To support ABM call 9264 1021
